Capping Day

The moody, jangly pop of Capping Day seemed incongruous to the grunge-dominated Seattle music scene of the late '80s; ironically, Capping Day was one of the first Seattle alternative rock groups targeted for a commercial breakthrough. Formed in 1986, Capping Day featured Laura Weller (vocal, guitar), Bonnie Hammond (vocal, keyboard), Joe Ross (bass), and Scott McCullum (drums). In 1988, Capping Day was included on the Seattle rock compilation Secretions with Pure Joy, Weather Theatre, Skin Yard, and others. Capping Day also performed live on Spud Goodman's TV show. After winning the Snickers/EMI Best Unsigned Band in America contest, Capping Day was awarded a major-label record deal; however, the group wasn't pleased with the contract and returned to the underground. Capping Day released an EP, Post No Bills, in 1990 and then broke up in 1993. In 1997, Weller collaborated with the Green Pajamas on the track "Secret Day" from the album Strung Behind the Sun. Ross was then reunited with the Green Pajamas, and Weller followed him. In 2001, Kelly and Weller recorded Ghostland as Goblin Market. Released by Camera Obscura Records, Ghostland was inspired by Kelly and Weller's love for poets such as Emily Bronte, Elizabeth Siddal, Edgar Allan Poe, and Christina Rossetti. ~ Michael Sutton