About every five years or so in the punk and hardcore scene a band comes along that changes everything. They just fill in all the gaps that you never knew were even there until you put on that record, and it’s all so new. The last time I remember that happening was with Born Against.Saint James Infirmaryhasn’t been around that long, from what I understand less than two years. In their short existence, it’s been far from quiet. They’ve been moving along fast despite all the obstacles that have come in their way. Their live shows are definitely something to witness. Go see them. I’ve listened to their seven inch dozens of times, seen them live a few times, and I still can’t figure them out. Every time it’s new, and always powerful.

-Sean Prenter (Formula One Zine)

Saint James Infimary from Oakland California play a unique blend of music. They have received some of the most bizarre reviews, victims of their brand of rock and roll. -And yes -it is rock and roll. It’s driving, and it gets people dancing. Their music comes through a mix of styles. Many sides of their sound are totally raw and loud, but they are dynamic. A real blend of harshness and catchiness. Don’t try to pigeon hole them, don’t try and stop them.

Saint James Infrimary have been around since August 1996. Not a long time at, but the first time I saw them, I knew things would happen quickly. It’s been a rocky road for this band. Stealing their name from Uriah Heep’s bassist’s solo band. They played their first show in October in Eureka California, choosing an place far far away from their home, Oakland California. Next it was Halloween in Oakland. So far so good. You see, they weren’t sure about their sound at first, and needed to test the waters. Luckily, the water was great. Saint James Infirmary played as many shows as possible for months, venturing North and even through infamous L.A. territory, where things went great too. The band was formed by guitarist Jason Rosenberg of Engage and Glass Babble Radio. He moved from Santa Rosa, Ca. to Richmond Va. in search of this band. It wasn’t until he got back to the bay area in January 1996 that he would be able to find the other member she was looking for. He hooked up with Paul Lee formerly of Monsula to do the vocals. Together they tried various rhythm sections to no avail. Then they were tipped of to a drummer from Seattle who was down here looking to get a band going. They met Eric Alexander from Demspey, Balance Of The World and Ten-O-Seven. They arranged a practice and needed a bass player right away. Andrew of Screw 32 fame recommended his roommate Omen Starr, from New Red Archives’ Accustomed To Nothing. The first practice was in Paul’s room, a basement in the house where he and Jason lived. It didn’t go well apparently. The material was strange and new, and Eric felt it lacked anything resembling music. Eric only practiced a second time because he did’nt want to bring his drums home that day and was obligated. For some reason the second practice went okay. Thus became the beginning of a crazy ride. Two months later found the band working on a sound that was unique. Something powerful and loud, it was straight ahead rock and roll while being completely anti-rock and roll. Chaos and melody were crashing together. They put out a four song demo, which later became the 7″ EP on Allied Recordings.

I hadn’t seen a band work so hard, playing as many shows as possible without getting tired, writing new material, putting out a demo and record and moving and moving. Then it got rough. Eric ripped a muscle while they were in L.A. for one of their many trips. Eight shows were canceled, which totally fucked up all the momentum and threw a wrench in everything. And when it couldn’t get worse, about a month later while getting back in shape, after a quite normal practice Paul got his finger slammed in the van door, felt light headed went for fresh air and passed out on the way out of the van. He fell on his face. Cement is not the thing you want to slam your face on. Eight hours later and a long night in the emergency room, it was realized that the Northwest/Canadian tour would have to be cancelled. That night cancelled 17 shows… That hurt the band, and everyone’s motivation. Three months later Paul didn’t want a band anymore. He left the band. It was a rough decision for everyone. It was a rough decision to keep going. But alas, well worth it. A call was made by Jason to Baltimore Md. to a Scott Carter. Scott and Jason had played together in Glass Babble Radio years before. Needless to say, Scott quit his job, left his apartment and his home to drive 3,000 miles with his dog and a P.A. in the back of his truck. Scott had done him time as well on the East Coast playing in the infamous Freak Beans and Glaze Ride. The first practice with Scott was amazing, things were once again looking up. Many shows were booked, a Northwest/Canadian tour, and yet another L.A./Southwest tour. A record was already scheduled to be released on Allied Recordings and Frenetic Records. The momentum was without doubt back again. Scott was thrust into a totally insane time. One month to practice to learn all the songs. Then leave for Canada. Come back a record an album in a week in San Fransisco, while playing a few local shows. Finish up and get on the road again, to come back a do another stretch of local shows. In fact in October of 1997 Saint James Infirmary played 20 shows and recorded for eight days in a 37 day period. And as you see it’s been going quite well.

-Thomas