Unwritten Law May 3, 2008

More of a power-pop band than anything else, though they're nestled in Southern California's skate/snowboard punk scene, Unwritten Law formed early in the 1990s, with drummer Wade Youman the only holdover from the band's early days. The group eventually coalesced around vocalist Scott Russo, guitarists Rob Brewer and Steve Morris, bassist John Bell and Youman. Playing since the mid-'80s, Orange County punk veterans the Vandals injected terminally juvenile humor and catchy punk-pop into their sound, paving the way for bands like the Offspring, blink-182, and Less Than Jake. It wasn't until the '90s that the group found acclaim, starting with 1991s 'Fear of a Punk Planet,' and continuing with their recent effort, 'Hollywood Potato Chip.' Formed in the swamps of Gainesville, Florida, Hot Water Music quickly made an inexorable impact on the post-punk world. They have earned a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in punk rock.