Hot Cross was a post-hardcore band from Philadelphia. They were signed to Hope Division Records and Equal Vision Records. The band was composed of former members of such bands as Saetia (vocalist Billy Werner and drummer Greg Drudy, who was also a founding member and the original drummer of post-punkers Interpol), Off Minor (bassist/guitarist Matt Smith), You and I (guitarist Casey Boland), Neil Perry, The Now and Joshua fit for Battle (bassist/guitarist Josh Jakubowski). Their songs are composed of intricate (and in the beginning of their career, dueling) guitars heavily influenced by Drive Like Jehu. They initially signed with Level Plane in 2003. On May 2, 2006, Hot Cross has officially announced that they had signed to Hope Division/Equal Vision Records and would be releasing their next full length on this label. On August 10, 2006, the band announced on their website that they would be re-recording their CD originally recorded by Mike Hill. The album was recorded by former Hot Cross member Josh Jakubowski. On July 7, 2007, the band officially announced on their MySpace that they were "indefinitely inactive," effectively ending their 7 years together and cutting their 2007 tour short. Bass player Matt Smith is currently involved with a project called Halo of Snakes. They are scheduled to release a record on Harvcore. Casey Boland and Josh Jakubowski began a new project called Vista Rhymes. Their first album VR:1 was made available via streaming in 2022. Members Billy Werner – lead vocals Josh Jakubowski – guitar, vocals Casey Boland – guitar, vocals Matt Smith – bass Greg Drudy – drums Discography Studio albums Cryonics (2003) Risk Revival (2007) EPs A New Set of Lungs (2001) Fair Trades & Farewells (2004) Splits Split with Light the Fuse and Run (2003) (Songs: 1. "The Eye Is A Tricky Machine", 2. "In Memory Of Movern") Split with Lickgoldensky (2004) (Songs: 1. "A Voice Turned Vacant", 2. "Patience And Prudence") Split with The Holy Shroud (2005) (Songs: 1. "Tacoma") References External links Official site [ Allmusic] Interview with Billy from 2011 about post-Hot Cross life Interview with Billy shortly before the release of Cryonics An interview with Billy from Hot Cross from Under the Volcano issue 96 Hot Cross lyrics Hot Cross Interview at REDEFINE Magazine, March 2007 Billy Werner talks about Hot Cross, Risk Revival, Saetia with Punknews.org American screamo musical groups Musical groups from Philadelphia Equal Vision Records artists