Formed in 1989, Side Over cut their teeth in the fledgling Scranton/Wilkes-Barre scene that would become legendary. They quickly grew into a melodic hardcore powerhouse, contributing to the early nineties proto-emo scene. Northeastern PA was surging with new venues and bands, key factors in cross-pollinating with bands from other strong scenes, particularly Philadelphia, Morgantown, and Syracuse.

The band made a lasting impact despite only releasing two cassette demos. The 1991 demo was a live soundboard recording from Reading, PA’s famed Unisound Club. Their 1993 demo was instigated and released by John Dudeck via his fledgling operation, Very Distribution. He was launching a new label, Edison Recordings (Starkweather, Coalesce, Overcast), with Side Over on deck for his first LP release. The band would end before the LP was recorded.

By 1994, Side Over was playing consistently in the mid-Atlantic region, with highlights including Turning Point’s NJ reunion show, New Bedford Fest ‘94, and the infamous Life Of Agony show (which quite literally brought down the ceiling). Drummer Brian Craig left to tour with Turmoil, and the band went in separate directions with other projects, pausing work on their upcoming debut album indefinitely.

Side Over reunited in 2025 after the sudden death of co-founder Neil Husvar. They would perform their first show in over 30 years at Hardcore for Husvar in his memory, also honoring departed bandmates Brian Craig and Chris Pawloski. The show proved to be a reunion, a benefit, an opportunity to reignite their passion for the music and community of their roots.

Side Over - Loves You is a collection of re-recorded versions of the original cassette demos, spirit and purpose intact. With new tracks drawn from riffs on a 32-year-old practice tape, the record is an homage to the band’s history and departed brothers while staying firmly rooted in the present.

Side Over 2026: Lou Rogai - guitar, James Simon - bass, Aaron Ferranti - vocals, Phil Layland - drums

recent shows:

4/25/26 - Reading, PA - Reverb w/ Suffer The Ghost, Detox Meds, Streets of Rage, Pain Strikes
5/17/26 - Philadelphia, PA - Bonk’s w/ NEKS, Duel, Cheat Death, Put To Pain
6/12/26 - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Gallery of Sound - Record Release Show - Instore
6/27/26 - Scranton, PA - Record Release Party - The Bog w/ Loading, A Constant Murder
7/25/26 - Scranton, PA - St. Mary’s - Hardcore for Husvar II w/ Judge, Burial Ground, Controller, Joystick Fury + more
8/15/26 - Scranton, PA - NEPA HORROR FEST Spooky Summer w/ The Mesos, Suburban Downgrade, Blush + more
9/5/26 - Bethlehem, PA - The Ice House - Punk Rock Flea Market presented by Tape Swap Radio
9/6/26 - Scranton, PA - 20th Ward w/ Witness Marker, Suffer The Ghost, A Constant Murder + more