Jank (band) explained

Jank
Landscape:	yes
Origin:	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Years Active:	–2016
Spinoff Of:	Panucci's Pizza
Past Members:	Lou Diamond Ruben Polo Sam Becht

Jank (stylized as JANK or J A N K !) was an American DIY band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It formed in 2015 following the disbanding of vocalist Lou Diamond's previous group, Panucci's Pizza, and was dissolved in 2016 due to alleged sexual assault allegations against Diamond.

History

Jank formed following the break-up of Downingtown, Pennsylvania duo Panucci's Pizza, which consisted of Lou (formerly Matt) Diamond and Blair Benzel. During Panucci's tenure, Diamond had been introduced to bassist Ruben Polo through mutual friends in the Philadelphia DIY scene, and they later met drummer Sam Becht during the trio's studies at the University of the Arts.^[1] After Diamond's other projects disbanded, they decided to start a new band containing light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and upbeat, energetic instrumentals, in contrast to the emotional lyricism and acoustic instrumentation of Panucci's Pizza.

Jank released their debut album, Awkward Pop Songs, in 2015 via Honest Face Records and Funeral Sounds.^{[2] [3]}

In early 2016 they recorded a new EP called Versace Summer. The band self-released a remixed version of Awkward Pop Songs, entitled Awkward Chopped Songs, on July 5, 2016 before releasing Versace Summer on July 27, 2016 through Creep Records.^{[4] [5] [6]} The album was named one of Vice's "100 Best Albums of 2016".^[7]

Breakup and aftermath

Since the release of Versace Summer, Lou Diamond, the frontperson, has been accused of sexual assault. This caused bassist Ruben Polo to depart the band. Following this, Lou, alongside drummer Sam Becht, released a new project titled "Fail Better, Heal faster", before once again being accused of another sexual assault.^[8]

Polo continued to play in the band Soul Glo until 2022, when he was accused of sexual assault and subsequently stepped down from the band.^[9] Meanwhile Becht joined Remo Drive as a touring drummer and in 2019, joined a new band called Oolong.^[10]

Members

• Lou Diamond – guitar, vocals (2015–2016)
• Ruben Polo – bass guitar (2015–2016)
• Sam Becht – drums (2015–2016)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

• Awkward Pop Songs (Honest Face Records, 2015)

EPs

• Versace Summer (Creep Records, 2016)

Remix albums

• Awkward Chopped Songs (Self-released, 2016)

Compilation Albums

• B-Sides and Dem-Os (Self-released, 2021)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Helm . Justin . LOCAL BAND INTERVIEW: Northern Liberties' Jank . 18 July 2016 . Spirit News . 21 July 2023.
2. Web site: Cohen. Ian. Jank: Awkward Pop Songs. Pitchfork. 9 August 2016.
3. Web site: JANK: Awkward Pop Songs (2015). 2 February 2016 . Punknews.org. 9 August 2016.
4. Web site: New JANK Remix LP Available for Streaming & Download. The Deli Magazine. 9 August 2016.
5. Web site: Domenighini. Annalise. JANK Is Back to Bling Out Your Weird Feelings with New EP 'Versace Summer. 20 July 2016 . Vice. 9 August 2016.
6. Web site: Anthony. David. Jank wrote a love song for a bike, and made a touching video for it. 4 August 2016 . The A.V. Club. 9 August 2016.
7. Web site: Garrison . John . The 100 Best Albums of 2016 . 7 December 2016 . Vice . 21 July 2023.
8. Web site: Ezer . Zach . Does DIY Have a Sexual Assault Problem? . 5 September 2017 . Long Day Modern . 21 July 2023.
9. Web site: Grow . Kory . Soul Glo Are Proving That Heavy Music Can Be Anything, and Everything . 26 June 2023 . Rolling Stone . 21 July 2023.
10. Web site: Sam Becht - Sound In The Signals Interview . Sound in the Signals . 21 July 2023.