Rein Sanction

Jacksonville, Florida's Rein Sanction faced relentless critical linkage to Dinosaur Jr. in virtually every review and profile. Both acts specialized in sludge pop, yet this trio preserved a genuine group dynamic rather than allowing one member to dominate in the manner of J. Mascis within Dinosaur Jr. Guitarist Mark Gentry, bassist Ian Chase, and drummer Brannon Gentry formed the band in the late 1980s. Sub Pop Records released their 1991 debut Broc's Cabin, produced by Shimmy Disc honcho Kramer. Even though Sub Pop had become a major music epicenter by then, the band proved unable to exploit that momentum. Their 1992 follow-up Mariposa, helmed by infamous grunge producer Jack Endino, likewise failed to register with audiences. Critics sharpened their Dinosaur Jr. comparisons into accusations of derivativeness and creative emptiness. Following a period of inactivity, the group returned in 1996 with Blue Men on Souldier Records and an accompanying tour.