Ten Foot Pole: The High-Octane Sound of California Skate Punk

Ten Foot Pole is an American skate punk band that emerged from the fertile Southern California punk scene of the late 1980s. The group, originally formed as Scared Straight, built a dedicated following through relentless touring and a series of energetic albums on the influential label Epitaph Records.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to 1983 in Simi Valley, California, under the name Scared Straight. Led by vocalist and guitarist Dennis Jagard, the early lineup focused on a fast, melodic style of punk rock. Their first official release was the 1990 album Swill on the German label We Bite Records, which helped establish their sound within the international punk community.

Breakthrough

Ten Foot Pole's major breakthrough arrived after signing with Brett Gurewitz's iconic Epitaph Records. Their 1994 label debut, Rev, became a staple of the 90s punk explosion, fueled by its relentless pace and catchy hooks. While not achieving major chart positions, the album sold consistently, becoming a cult classic and a cornerstone of the Epitaph catalog during its peak commercial period.

Key tracks

Rev — The title track from their breakthrough album is a definitive anthem of 90s skate punk with its breakneck speed and shout-along chorus.

300 Miles — This track exemplifies the band's knack for blending melodic sensibility with driving punk aggression, making it a live set staple.

My Wall — A standout from the album Unleashed, this song showcases their refined songwriting and more complex musical arrangements.

Racer X — This fan favorite, known for its thematic lyrics and energetic delivery, remains a highlight of their extensive discography.

Following Rev, Ten Foot Pole released several more albums on Epitaph, including 1996's Unleashed and 1998's Insider. These records saw the band tightening their musical approach and touring extensively across North America and Europe. Lineup changes occurred over the years, with Jagard remaining the constant creative force, steering the band through the evolving punk landscape of the 2000s with albums like Bad Mother Trucker.

Fans of Ten Foot Pole's driving melodic punk should also explore similar artists featured on our radio stations. Listen to Bad Religion for sophisticated lyrical themes and harmonized vocals over fast-paced punk. Check out NOFX for a similarly irreverent and energetic take on the California skate punk sound. Discover Lagwagon for another pillar of the 90s Epitaph roster known for technical prowess and melody. Explore Strung Out who share a commitment to musical precision and speed within the punk genre.

The music of Ten Foot Pole maintains a strong presence on radio stations featured on this website. Their catalog receives regular spins on dedicated punk rock channels, alternative rock radio stations focusing on 90s revivals, and online radio streams that celebrate the legacy of the Epitaph Records era.

Listeners can discover the high-energy catalog of Ten Foot Pole by tuning into the skate punk and classic alternative rock radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Our curated stations frequently feature their essential tracks alongside other defining artists of the genre.