Epitaph signs The Matches

us that Epitaph has signed Oakland's The
Matches and will be re-releasing their debut full length E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals on April 27, 2004.
That record will be re-mixed by Joe Barresi (Queens Of The Stone Age, Powerman 5000, Pennywise,
Weezer, The Jesus Lizard, Melvins). Click below for the full press release from
the big ol' E.

Epitaph is proud to announce it has signed Oakland, CA’s THE MATCHES and will be re-releasing their debut full-length CD E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals on April 27, 2004. Originally recorded in the band members’ basements and living rooms, the re-release will feature re-mixing by Joe Barresi (Queens Of The Stone Age, Powerman 5000, Pennywise, Weezer, The Jesus Lizard, Melvins).

THE MATCHES lead singer Shawn Harris commented, "It’s very surreal to be working with Joe Barresi and (Epitaph owner) Brett Gurewitz . We’re all just baffled and thrilled that this record we made a year and a half ago in our basements is going to be out on Epitaph….a label we grew up listening to and revering. This is absolutely the best thing that could happen to our band."

Gurewitz added, "All it took was one listen to their homemade CD and I was more than impressed… I was hooked. These guys are the real thing. They really know how to write songs and are not shy about it. I'd say the new record is definitely among the finest I've released and that puts it in pretty decent company. I couldn't be more stoked to welcome THE MATCHES to the Epitaph family!"

Well-known in Northern California’s all-ages music scene, THE MATCHES (Shawn Harris (21) lead vocals, guitar; Jon Devoto (18) lead guitar, vocals; Justin San Souci (21) bass, vocals and Matt Whalen (21) drums) started off by producing their own shows at an Oakland warehouse converted to a webcasting soundstage called iMusicast. Once a month THE MATCHES return to the venue to present a packed show as part of a series they call L3: Live Loud and Local. These shows sell out with over 450 kids in attendance, with no advertising or advance press coverage. In addition to their grassroots touring efforts, THE MATCHES have done national and international tours supporting headliners Reel Big Fish, Zebrahead, and Lit. Currently, THE MATCHES can be found alongside such artists as Blink 182, Matchbook Romance, MXPX and Something Corporate on Immortal Records’ Christmas compilation, Santa Cause.