The Sheila Divine Deserves More Attention

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The Sheila Divine is an alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, that emerged in the mid-1990s. The band is named after a character from the novel "Lullaby" by Chuck Palahniuk, and their music is known for its powerful and emotive vocals, intense guitar riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics.

The Sheila Divine was formed in 1996 by vocalist and guitarist Aaron Perrino, bassist Jim Gilbert, and drummer Shawn Sears. They released their debut album, "New Parade," in 1999, which was critically acclaimed and helped establish the band's sound and style. The album included the hit single "Hum," which received significant airplay on college radio stations and helped the band gain a dedicated following.

Following the success of "New Parade," The Sheila Divine released two more albums, "Secret Society" in 2002 and "Where Have My Countrymen Gone" in 2004. Both albums were well-received by critics, with "Where Have My Countrymen Gone" being named one of the best albums of the year by several music publications.

The band's music is often described as a combination of post-punk, grunge, and indie rock, with influences from bands like The Pixies, Joy Division, and Sonic Youth. Aaron Perrino's vocal style is often compared to that of Kurt Cobain, with its raw emotion and intensity.

Lyrically, The Sheila Divine explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Many of their songs deal with the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life, as well as the pain and confusion that often accompanies relationships and personal growth.

Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, The Sheila Divine never achieved mainstream success, and the band went on hiatus in 2007. However, they continued to play occasional shows and released a compilation album, "The Things That Once Were," in 2010.

In 2017, The Sheila Divine reunited for a sold-out show at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album, "New Parade." The band has since continued to play occasional shows and festivals, and fans continue to clamor for new music from the beloved Boston band.

The Sheila Divine is a band that has had a lasting impact on the alternative rock scene, with their powerful vocals, intense guitar riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics. Their music continues to resonate with fans, and their influence can be heard in the work of many of today's alternative and indie rock bands.