The Evolution of a Band Part II: Post-breakup Impossibles

As The Impossibles parted ways in 1998, the members all went in their own directions. Rory, the real brainchild behind the band continued to play for bands such as Animal Chin and The Stereo, while Gabe Hascall continued to write music on his own. In 2000, both had hit a bit of a roadblock and reunited in Austin, TX (the birthplace of the Impossibles). They decided to 'get the band back together' with a few new demos that Rory and Gabe collaborated on. Craig, the bass player, left his band Cruiserweight to rejoin, and drummer Pat came back as well.

The new style of the Impossibles was a more in-your-face style of rock and roll. With their new record, Return, gone were the ska-influences (much to the chagrin of old-school fans), and here were crunchy guitars, feedback, and some yelling at the mics. Listening to the tunes from their earlier years and comparing them to what they were now shows how a band can mature. More poignant lyrics, not singing along with the guitar lines, fun breaks, and room for the members to really showcase their style of rock are what The Impossibles now brought to the table. I really enjoy Return as an album. It's very obvious to feel what they were trying to get at and how they were trying to reinvent themselves. The loyal fanbase accepted the album after they spun it a few times, and the Impossibles seemed to be more popular than they ever were before the break-up.

Now, Gabe and Rory really didn't care for their drummer come 2002, so they decided to get a fill in drummer for what they called their final tour which ended in Austin, TX. Here was the end of the Impossibles as a band. Before they broke up, they did release one more 4 song EP called Brick Bomb that many critics called their best work. I have posted 3 songs below. The first two, 'Never Say Goodbye' and 'Hey You Kids' are from Return, and they really display the rocking out that the Impossibles began to emphasize. Guitar solos mixed in with harmonies during the choruses dominate, while strong guitar lines provide an always-strong background. The last tune is from Brick Bomb, and it is a bit more subdued, yet still holds the quiet intensity that songs on Return really had going for them.

Compare with their old stuff, and enjoy! Which do you prefer? Did they get back together a third time? Hmm...

The Impossibles - Never Say Goodbye

The Impossibles - Hey You Kids

The Impossibles - Disintegrationisthebestalbumever