What's been rumored for a while has finally been confirmed by the band's webmaster on their webpage:
"Yes, it is true, and I must say, it is very hard for me to even imagine having to type this up. It's my 24th bday and this is the most emotionally shaken I have been in years… I must say though, that after talking in length with the three remaining members, that this does seem like it is for the best. I am not entitled to release the details of the break up here, for it is not my place, but I've listed e-mail addresses below to contact the band themselves. They may be willing to talk, they may not, but it is a choice that they need to make, not myself."
You can read the full statement below. For those of you who are uninformed, GR was one of the best, most underrated emotional punk bands in all of the Midwest. They put out two full lengths on Chicago's own Johann's Face Records, as well as a handful of 7"s [most of which came out on Arms Reach Records]. They really did rock the house. Don't believe me? Go here to get some MP3s. Guys, you will be sorely missed, at least by me. "What will they say when I'm not around? I'll never know… Someone call the doctor."
Yes, it is true, and I must say, it is very hard for me to even imagine having to type this up. It's my 24th bday and this is the most emotionally shaken I have been in years. You see, Gods Reflex entered my life right at the same time that I started getting involved in punk rock, beyond just buying records and attending shows; Actually putting out records and promoting shows. I feel personally linked to the band however weird that may be and it is a very difficult thing for me to accept. Almost as if I quit doing the record label or even quit going to shows and listening to independent music. Something I seriously couldn't fathom happening. Like waking up one day and realizing a loved one who has been with you your whole life is all of a sudden not there and there's not enough memories to fill in the gaps and missing holes in the times you are lucky enough to remember.
I must say though, that after talking in length with the three remaining members, that this does seem like it is for the best. I am not entitled to release the details of the break up here, for it is not my place, but I've listed e-mail addresses below to contact the band themselves. They may be willing to talk, they may not, but it is a choice that they need to make, not myself.
Does this mean that these three will not be making music anymore? No. Jesse is currently carrying on with his new band, The Braves. They are playing out very frequently in the Chicago area and have already been on a tour. Zach is playing in a band tentatively called The Moment and hope to be ready to record and play out come early summer. After having talked with Phil, I am uncertain what, and even if, he will be doing in the future, but you can definitely write him and ask him. Check back here for any information pertaining to any of their new projects like links to websites, etc.
I just want to thank Zach, Jesse, Phil and Marcus for letting me be a part of what they created and helping me grow and mature along with them. Their music they created together was truly under-rated and will be sorely missed.
--Mike Gibson, 05.04.02