Black Market Flowers | History of the Band
From Gritty LA Venues to Cult Status: Black Market Flowers’ Raw and Melodic 90s Sound
The 1990s alternative rock boom birthed a flood of bands, but some gems got lost in the tide. Black Market Flowers is one of those bands—beloved by the few who found them, their music is still a treasure worth rediscovering. Crunchy guitars, irresistibly catchy riffs, and a bittersweet brevity (just two albums before they were gone) define their legacy. For fans who used to crank Bind on heavy rotation in college, Black Market Flowers is one of those bands that makes you go, “How were they not more popular?”
Formation and Early Years
In 1991, guitarist and vocalist Matt Neth and bassist Bryan Ray formed Black Market Flowers in San Francisco. Seeking broader opportunities, they relocated to Los Angeles, where drummer Heath Patterson completed the trio. The band quickly became a fixture in the local club scene, sharing stages with emerging acts like Weezer. Their name, suggested by a schoolmate, hinted at something both raw and unexpectedly beautiful—a perfect reflection of their music.
Jason K. suggested this artist for a future Dig Me Out podcast episode. Each month, our Patronsare presented with a selection of albums suggested by listeners and asked to vote for their favorite.
Musical Style and Evolution
Black Market Flowers blended the distorted edge of grunge with melodic alternative rock, creating a sound that balanced heavy riffs with introspective lyrics. Their music resonated with fans who appreciated the emotional depth and raw energy characteristic of the era. Over time, they refined their style, incorporating more dynamic arrangements and showcasing their growth as musicians.
Discography and Notable 90s Albums
Despite their short career, Black Market Flowers delivered two albums and an EP that captured their creative energy:
“Cracked Pain / Coool” (1991)
Their debut single, recorded in San Francisco and released on Piece of Mind Records, showcased their raw beginnings. Gritty and unpolished, it gave early fans a glimpse of the potential that would soon bloom.
“Gladiola Flower Petal II” EP (1993)
Released on Relativity Records, this EP featured standout tracks like “Sympathize” and a riff-heavy cover of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl.” The EP’s layered sound and melodic structure hinted at the bigger things to come.
“Bind” (1993)
Their full-length debut, Bind, is the album that cemented Black Market Flowers as a cult favorite. Recorded at Butch Vig’s Smart Studios, tracks like “Kenny and Cleo” and “Fixin’” combined crunchy guitars with a melodic punch that felt effortless. Fans who discovered the album often kept it on heavy rotation, its hooks and energy becoming the soundtrack to dorm rooms and road trips. “This album rocks,” fans would say then—and still say now.
“Thicket” (1995)
The band’s second and final album, Thicket, released through Boy’s Life Records and Interscope, saw them pushing their sound further. Tracks like “Rainvisor” and “Amber” built on the foundation of Bind, adding more dynamics and maturity. Available on 10” vinyl with alternate artwork, Thicket remains a collector’s dream—a bittersweet final chapter from a band that burned bright and fast.
Critical Reception
While they didn’t reach mainstream acclaim, Black Market Flowers struck a chord with critics and fans who sought out music beyond the charts. Their music videos, including “Kenny and Cleo,” directed by Casey Niccoli, received airplay on indie outlets and helped the band carve out a cult following. Fans were drawn to the way the band balanced grunge’s heaviness with hook-driven songwriting—a sound that felt like it should’ve been bigger, if only the stars had aligned differently.
Influence and Legacy
Black Market Flowers may not have headlined arenas, but their impact lingers in the memories of fans and the fabric of 90s underground rock. They were the kind of band that stuck with you, the type of discovery that made you feel like you had something special no one else knew about. As one fan puts it: “How were they not more popular?” Their final performance—a benefit for the family of their early supporters, Mykel and Carli Allan, who tragically died in a car accident—was shared with Weezer and That Dog, closing their story with both poignancy and camaraderie.
Even after their disbandment, Black Market Flowers’ music continues to resonate. Their ability to craft songs with crunchy guitars and infectious riffs while capturing the emotional weight of the 90s makes them a gem in the era’s vast musical landscape.
Black Market Flowers’ story is a reminder of the bands that left their mark without dominating the spotlight. With Bind and Thicket, they gave us music that was raw, melodic, and unmistakably authentic. Whether you’re rediscovering their albums or hearing them for the first time, their songs still have the power to transport you back to that era—the clubs, the road trips, the nights spent dreaming of what could be. So dig out Bind, turn it up, and let yourself fall back into a sound that should’ve been bigger but remains unforgettable.