Junction 18 began in Boston in 1996. Originally rehearsing and performing throughout the Northeast and New England area, the band grew a small but loyal following with an energetic live show and impressive musicianship. With influences such as
the Smashing Pumpkins,
Faith No More, and
Bad Religion,
Junction 18 performed on the Vans Warped Tour, where they shared the stage with
New Found Glory. Representatives from Fearless Records were searching for new talent at the time when
Chad Gilbert from
New Found Glory mentioned
Junction 18. The band sent a demo in and were signed within the week. In the fall of 2000,
Junction 18 -- vocalist
Andy Bristol, bassist
Ryan Spencer, drummer
Chris Kelley, and guitarists
Ryan McHugh and
Scott Morganella -- released
This Vicious Cycle on Fearless and spent time touring with bands like
Dynamite Boy and
the Stryder. They followed up two years later with the EP
Heroes from the Future. The guys then appeared on
The Acoustic Split alongside
Over It in 2003, issued through Top Notch Records. ~ Jason MacNeil