Punchline is an American rock band hailing from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, formed in 1998. The band released its sixth full-length album, Delightfully Pleased, on August 10, 2010, through its own label, Modern Short Stories, in conjunction with TDR Records.
1998-2002: Early Years
Punchline emerged in 1998 as a three-piece ensemble featuring Steve Soboslai on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Fafalios on bass guitar, and PJ Caruso on drums. At the time, Fafalios was a senior in high school, while Soboslai and Caruso were juniors. The band quickly began performing at local venues and recorded their debut album, How to Get Kicked Out of the Mall, which showcased a mix of pop and ska-influenced punk. In subsequent releases, the ska elements became less pronounced.
In 1999, Punchline self-produced and self-released their full-length album, Punchline.
Following the addition of Paul Menotiades on guitar and vocals, the band co-produced Major Motion Picture with Billy Rossi, which was released in August 2001. The four-piece collaborated again with Rossi in 2002 on The Rewind EP, which featured four tracks that signified a shift towards their signature pop-punk sound.
2003-2005: Gaining Popularity with Fueled by Ramen
In 2003, Punchline signed with Fueled by Ramen Records. The Rewind EP was remixed and remastered by Shelly Yakus for its re-release under the label, which included early pressings that featured The Rewind Documentary, a DVD compilation of band footage.
Punchline's February 2004 album, Action, produced by Sean O'Keefe, distinguished the band in the pop-punk scene with its vibrant three-part harmonies, distinctive melodies, catchy riffs, and a robust rhythm section. All three members contributed vocals, and the initial 10,000 copies were accompanied by a DVD titled The Action DVD.
During a tour, Menotiades departed from the band, and the remaining members invited Greg Wood, a longtime friend and former member of the now-defunct Connecticut band West Beverly, to fill in on guitar and vocals for the remaining shows. Wood later became a permanent member, contributing keyboards and piano alongside guitar on Punchline's 2006 album, 37 Everywhere.
In 2005, TDR Records released a split 7-inch vinyl featuring Punchline and Over It, which included two exclusive tracks: an acoustic version of "Partner in Crime" on the Over It side and an unreleased acoustic version of "Battlescars" on the Punchline side.
2006: 37 Everywhere
On April 11, 2006, 37 Everywhere, produced by Shep Goodman and Kenny Gioia, was released by Fueled by Ramen Records. The album is dedicated to the memory of John "Beatz" Holohan (1974–2005), the former drummer of Bayside. The title references a theory suggesting that the number 37 is the most frequently observed number, with the liner notes humorously claiming that it appears 37 times.
The album featured guest vocals from Anthony Raneri of Bayside, Vinnie Caruana of I Am the Avalanche and formerly of The Movie Life, John Johansen of the defunct Stryder, and Josh Bonner of Unsung Zeroes, along with guest guitar work by Ryan Mendez of Yellowcard on "Don't Try This at Home."
On August 28, 2006, the band announced Wood's departure, citing amicable reasons as he sought to pursue a solo career and teaching guitar. He was succeeded by Jon Belan, a longtime friend of the band and former member of The Berlin Project and lead singer of Gene the Werewolf. Belan's first tour with Punchline was the "Better Than Knowing Where You Are Tour," which also featured Spitalfield, Over It, Valencia, Peachcake, and Boys Like Girls.
2008: Just Say Yes and Modern Short Stories
The follow-up to 37 Everywhere was recorded in two parts during 2007. Part 1 took place at Room Sound Studios in Tempe, Arizona, with producer Jamie Woolford, while Part 2 was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, with Sean O'Keefe.
On February 7, 2008, Punchline announced their departure from Fueled by Ramen, stating their desire to seek a new label after fulfilling their contract. Subsequently, on July 11, 2008, the band launched their independent label, Modern Short Stories, using winnings from Heavy.com's Contraband Contest.
On March 7, 2008, known as "37 day," Punchline revealed their new album title, Just Say Yes, which was released on September 16, 2008. The first 500 pre-orders included a four-song bonus disc titled Just Say Maybe.
2009: Line-Up Changes and Night Lights
On January 25, 2009, Punchline announced the departure of original drummer Caruso, stating the split was amicable. In a blog entry, Soboslai reassured fans of their intention to continue creating music and announced plans for a spring tour and a new album.
On May 3, 2009, the band premiered their music video for "Ghostie" during a chat on Absolutepunk.net. Later, on August 30, they offered the new track "Heart of Gold" for free download, providing bonus songs for those who paid $3 or more.
During a hometown show in Pittsburgh on September 12, 2009, Punchline invited temporary drummer Pat Dee to join as a permanent member. Shortly after, Belan departed, leading to Menotiades rejoining the band for the fall 2009 US tour.
On December 1, 2009, Punchline released a digital collection of unreleased songs titled Night Lights.
2010–2011: Delightfully Pleased
In May 2010, Punchline traveled to Ohio to record with Jamie Woolford, during which time Dee left the band. He was replaced by Cory Muro, a member of Menotiades's other band, The Composure.
Following their recording sessions, Punchline released "Roller Coaster Smoke," a single inspired by the television series Lost, coinciding with the show's finale. The accompanying music video was directed by Pittsburgh filmmaker Joe DeWitt and released on July 23, 2010.
On June 24, the band announced their new album title, Delightfully Pleased, set for release on August 10, 2010. The first track, "21 Forever," was made available on their revamped website, PunchKids.com, on July 18. The album title references an incident involving Muro and a crunkcore group, Brokencyde, during a show in Pittsburgh on April 25, 2011, which resulted in minor injuries for Muro, with proceeds from EP sales directed towards his hospital bills.
2012–Present: So Nice to Meet You
On January 3, 2012, Punchline released a new EP titled So Nice To Meet You exclusively on iTunes. The band launched a social media campaign aimed at reaching No. 1 on the iTunes charts, achieving a peak position of No. 7 overall and No. 1 in the Rock category by January 4. The EP also reached No. 4 on Billboard's Heatseekers charts, No. 29 on Rock Albums, No. 16 on Independent Albums, and No. 23 on Alternative Albums. On April 1, 2012, Punchline appeared on the Fox reality television show Mobbed, where Soboslai performed Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" in a flash mob setting to express his feelings for a long-distance friend.
