Motor City rockers Sponge caught fire during the post-grunge boom of the mid-’90s with modern rock radio hits like “Plowed” and “Molly (Sixteen Candles).” Sponge hit their commercial peak in 1996 with the release of their sophomore effort, Wax Ecstatic which, like their 1994 debut Rotting Pinata, went gold. Vinnie Dombrowski would serve as Sponge’s sole constant member throughout their tenure.
Sponge grew out of a Detroit-based hard rock act called Loudhouse, which regrouped as Sponge in 1992, adapting their ’70s hard rock influences to fit the grunge zeitgeist. Initially compared to Stone Temple Pilots, Sponge earned a major-label deal with Columbia and released their debut album, Rotting Pinata, in late 1994. Despite facing challenges, Sponge continued with new releases like Galore Galore, Stop the Bleeding, and Lavatorium, showcasing their dedication to their sonic attack and musical evolution.
In the following years, Sponge signed various deals, released albums, and went through several lineup changes. Despite ups and downs in their journey, Sponge remained resilient and creative, consistently delivering new music to their devoted fans. With a mix of hard rock roots and a touch of alt-pop, Sponge’s music legacy endures through their extensive discography, culminating in the recent release of Lavatorium and honoring the memory of their original guitarist, Mike Cross.