The band recently released deluxe versions of their debut album United by Fateand their sophomore album Pedals, showcasing unreleased B-sides and bonus tracks.
Over the years, touring with acts like Weezer and The Gaslight Anthem introduced Rival Schools to new audiences, many of whom were unaware that the band’s members had performed in some of hardcore’s most influential acts, such as Youth of Today, Judge, and CIV. Despite their hardcore pedigree, the band managed to create music that is both commercially viable and enduringly relevant, with albums that sound as fresh today as when they were first recorded. Rival Schools continues to bring these songs to life on stage, touring with peers like Thursday and performing at festivals like Riot Fest. “It’s great,” Schreifels says when asked about performing live. “When we were touring behind United by Fate, we were doing it professionally, trying to make it in some way, and there’s a lot of intensity in that. Now, we’re doing it because we really enjoy it and want to be with each other and get into it. So because of that chillness, we just have a lot of laughs. Our chemistry has been there for a long time.”