Formed in 2005, the start of Tigers Jaw began to surface after Adam McIlwee (guitars/vocals) and Ben Walsh (guitars/vocals) began making music together. Their efforts soon developed into a full band, after Dennis Mishko (bass), Brianna Collins (keyboards, vocals) and Mike Pat Brier (drums) joined the pair and before long Tigers Jaw were performing regularly at various local venues.
The band released their debut album in 2006, titled "Belongs to the Dead." The release was recorded entirely in an attic which they used for their rehearsal space via a portable recording rig, with this raw cut distributed by Summersteps Records. Two years later, Tigers Jaw were once again in the studio, this time joined by producer Joe Loftus, with their self-titled album displaying a more refined sound, released on Photobooth Records. Following the album, touring in support of the release was limited, due to many members restricted by their academic commitments.
Despite unable to tour extensively, Tigers Jaw were still growing as an act, moving to Run for Cover Records in 2010. Their first two albums were re-released on the new imprint, helping to build anticipation for their third album, "Two Worlds." Following their third full-length, a series of split EPs arrived, alongside Balance & Composure, Sidekicks, Tiny Empires and Code Orange.
By 2013, Tigers Jaw's lineup began to unfold, after McIlwee, Mishko and Brier all decided to leave the group, with this announcement arriving just after the release of their new single, "Hum." Rumors of an indefinite hiatus surfaced, yet it soon became clear that Walsh and Collins, the remaining members, planned to continue regardless. Tigers Jaw did just that, with the pair being backed by a number of guest musicians whilst on tour, including Derrick Sherman (guitar), Andrew Fisher (bass) and James Fisher (drums).
Despite announcing they wanted to leave the band, Mishko, McIlwee and Brier still agreed to reunite with the band for the recording of their fourth album, "Charmer," which was released in March 2014. Bolstered by the return of their old band mates, Tigers Jaw embarked on a nationwide tour alongside Dads and Touché Amoré, continuing to raise the band's profile.
The show was amazing. With a lively, very violent, but enthusiastic crowd, they made the perfect fellow audience members. Tickets we're less than $15 which was a steal considering how great the bands were. Not to mention the band members were ridiculously nice and signed my 7". All in all it was a super fun night!