About This Footage
The grainy, VHS-quality footage of School of Fish's "3 Strange Days" is a time capsule from the early days of alternative rock, a genre that would soon come to define the musical landscape of the 1990s. Filmed in 1991, this music video is a rare glimpse into the band's energetic live performances, which were characterized by Josh Clayton-Felt's distinctive vocals and Michael Ward's intricate guitar work.
At the time of its release, School of Fish was one of the many alternative rock bands vying for attention on MTV and college radio stations. Their music was a fusion of grunge, psychedelia, and folk influences, which set them apart from the more polished sounds of mainstream rock. "3 Strange Days" was their breakout single, reaching moderate success on the charts and earning them a loyal following among fans of the emerging alternative scene.
What makes this footage particularly notable is its raw, unpolished quality. Filmed in a cramped, dimly lit room with a shaky camera, it captures the band's frenetic energy and spontaneity. Clayton-Felt's vocals are intense and emotive, while Ward's guitar playing is a masterclass in texture and tone. The rest of the band - bassist David LaBruyere and drummer Scott Mercado - provide a solid foundation for the song's driving rhythm.
The "3 Strange Days" music video is also significant because it represents one of the last gasps of the pre-grunge era, before Nirvana's massive success would shift the musical landscape forever. School of Fish was part of a thriving alternative rock scene in Los Angeles, which included bands like Jane's Addiction and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their music was a precursor to the more experimental sounds that would emerge in the mid-1990s.
Watching "3 Strange Days" today is a nostalgic trip back to a time when alternative rock was still an underground movement, rather than the mainstream phenomenon it would become. The footage is a testament to the band's dedication and passion for their music, as well as their willingness to take risks and push boundaries in their songwriting and performance.
Despite its cult following, School of Fish never achieved widespread commercial success, disbanding in 1994 after releasing two albums. However, their music has endured, influencing a new generation of alternative rock bands who drew inspiration from their eclectic sound. "3 Strange Days" remains a fan favorite, and this footage is a rare opportunity to experience the band's energy and intensity firsthand.
The grainy, VHS-quality footage may not be polished or slick, but it captures the raw emotion and creativity that defined School of Fish's music. Watching "3 Strange Days" is a reminder that even in the pre-streaming era, there was a thriving underground scene of musicians pushing the boundaries of what rock music could sound like.
Curated from public records and music databases.
