The Factory Incident

The Factory Incident
Origin	Washington, D.C.
Genres	Post-punk, indie rock
Years active	2000 (2000)–2005 (2005)
Labels	Postfact Records
Past members	John Stabb Karl Hill Aimee Soubier Shaun Wright Stephen Brown

The Factory Incident was an American post-punk band from Washington, D.C.. From 2000 to 2005, they released two EPs and a split single on the Washington, D.C.–based label Postfact Records.

History

After Government Issue disbanded, John Stabb fronted a number of bands and eventually collaborated with guitarists Karl Hill and Aimee Soubier, bassist Shaun Wright, and drummer Stephen Brown to form The Factory Incident.  

The Factory Incident's sound evolved from the raw energy of Stabb's earlier work into a more melodic and textured post-punk style. Their music incorporated elements of indie rock, noise rock, and even hints of shoegaze, creating a dynamic and atmospheric sonic landscape. Stabb’s lyrics continued to explore themes of social commentary, personal struggles, and political disillusionment.

In 2001, the band released their debut EP, Helmshore, on Postfact Records. The EP showcased their evolving sound and Stabb's distinctive vocal style. This was followed by a split 7-inch single with Last Burning Embers in 2003, featuring the songs "Rail" and "Vacillator".

Their final release, the EP Redtape, came out in 2004. It further refined their sound, demonstrating a greater emphasis on melody and songwriting craft. The EP received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, solidifying The Factory Incident’s place in the D.C. music scene.

The band played their final show in late 2005. While their time together was relatively short, The Factory Incident left a lasting impression on the D.C. punk and indie rock community. Their music continues to resonate with fans of the genre, and their recordings remain a testament to their creative vision.

In the years following the band’s breakup, several members remained active in the music scene. Notably, John Stabb reformed Government Issue with a permanent line-up in late-2013 and recruited Karl Hill to play drums.

Musical style and influences

The Factory Incident’s music drew inspiration from various sources. Their post-punk sound echoed the energy and rawness of bands like Wire and Gang of Four, while their melodic sensibilities and atmospheric textures hinted at influences from shoegaze and dream pop acts like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive.

Stabb's lyrics, always a focal point of his music, tackled various topics, from political and social issues to personal introspection. His powerful and vulnerable delivery added an emotional depth to the band's music.

Legacy

Although The Factory Incident’s active period was relatively brief, their music continues to be appreciated by post-punk and indie rock fans. Their recordings capture a unique blend of raw energy, melodic sophistication, and lyrical depth. They remain a testament to the creative vision of John Stabb and his collaborators, and their music serves as a bridge between the D.C. hardcore scene of the 1980s and the city's vibrant indie rock community of the 2000s.

Band members

• John Stabb (Vocals)
• Karl Hill (Guitar)
• Aimee Soubier (Guitar)
• Shaun Wright (Bass)
• Stephen Brown (Drums)

Discography

Release Date	Name	Record Label	Format
2001	Helmshore	Postfact Records	EP
2003	"Rail" b/w "Vacillator" (split 7-inch with Last Burning Embers)	Postfact Records	7-inch
2004	Redtape	Postfact Records	EP

External links

• "Interview: John Stabb of Government Issue". Scissor Press/Verbicide 2008. Retrieved 2016-03-07.
• "Interview with The Factory Incident". Ear Candy Magazine 2003. Retrieved 2016-03-07.
• The Factory Incident Discography at Discogs. Retrieved 2016-03-09
• The Factory Incident - BandToBand.com. Retrieved 2016-03-07.