The Corevares were a power-pop punk band rooted in the Rustbelt, emerging from Toledo, Ohio, in early 1997. Like many local bands of their era, The Corevares formed from members of previously lesser-known groups, including Black Belt Jones, Forgiveness Row, Tastes Like Chicken (2), and Grand Mal.
The original lineup featured Lead Guitarist Aaron Urbanski, Bassist Jimmy “Jazz” Izbinski, Lead Singer/Guitarist Mic Graves, and Drummer Jay “Scrap” Nevers. Renowned for their catchy original songs, energetic performances, and eagerness to play anywhere for anyone, The Corevares quickly established themselves within the local music scene. They formed a close connection with their “Brother Band” Lazy American Workers, as well as Detroit’s Culture Bandits (which included Ken Haas, later associated with Reverend Guitars) and Columbus, Ohio's A Planet For Texas.
In late 1997, The Corevares signed with local label Sin Klub Entertainment and began recording their first CD. They played numerous shows around Toledo and the Tri-State area, gaining popularity throughout 1998. Despite ongoing work on their album, production delays and internal conflicts led to the project being shelved, although it was later salvaged by Graves.
In late 1999, singer Mic Graves left the United States for a job in Tokyo, Japan. Ken Haas from Culture Bandits stepped in as his replacement. However, this new configuration was short-lived, as the band ultimately split into the Punk-a-billy group Four On the Floor and the Kid Rock-inspired Metal Rap outfit, Kids From Krypton.
The original Corevares lineup reunited with Graves for a single electrifying show in December 2001 but remained inactive until late 2002. During this period, former Lazy American Workers drummer Kev replaced the reluctant Scrap. Following the unexpected passing of Joe Strummer, a significant influence on Graves whom he had met in Japan, The Corevares performed a tribute show in downtown Toledo, featuring a spontaneous cover of The Clash’s “White Riot.” Shortly after, the revitalized band entered the studio to record new material that Graves and Urbanski had composed during the hiatus. These sessions were characterized by a high level of creativity and continued intermittently into the summer of 2003 and 2004, alongside a few reunion concerts. Unfortunately, production delays due to the primary songwriter residing overseas, issues with the Audiomatrix studio in Toledo, and further internal disagreements resulted in the release of the 'Unfortunate Sons' CD being postponed until 2006.
Although Mic Graves returned to Toledo shortly thereafter, one or two members became increasingly hesitant to participate in future reunions, leaving the band's more mature second studio effort to remain dormant in cardboard boxes.
In 2010, motivated by the emergence of the new Toledo Hockey Team, The Walleye, the lineup from the Unfortunate Sons era reformed and collaborated with The Cherub Ballroom studio in Toledo to create an unofficial fight song for the team titled “Home Ice.” This song was a reworking of an earlier instrumental by Aaron and Jimmy, now with new lyrics written by Mic Graves. Since then, Kev and Mic have continued to collaborate in Thirsty Houligans, a folky traditional ‘beer band’ that includes veteran Lead Guitarist and Cherub Ballroom owner Carl Herkimer II among its ranks. Urbanski and Izbinski, who were actively involved in the local music scene following The Corevares’ initial run, appear to have largely stepped back from performing.
The Corevares emerged during a resurgence of punk music in their region of middle America, leaving a lasting impact on their local scene. While time has passed and memories may have faded, their music endures. The future of The Corevares remains uncertain, but the band members can take pride in their achievements during their time together.
