Artist page · 05/07/2026

Karate

BostonFormed in 1993Alternatif13 vinyl albums
Karate is an indie rock and post-rock band from Boston active since 1993. Their sound combines intricate guitar work with subtle jazz inflections, marking a distinct place in the American indie scene.
13Albums on Vinyles.com
400Discogs releases
146kLast.fm listeners

About

Karate, Boston's indie rock pioneers blending post-rock and jazz influences.

14 vinyl releases tracked with original 90s pressings and recent limited editions.

Formed in Boston in 1993, Karate emerged as a defining voice in indie and post-rock. Their catalog spans over a decade with 14 vinyl releases ranging from original 90s pressings on Southern Records to 2020s limited editions via Numero Group. Noteworthy albums include the 1995 self-titled debut, 1997's 'In Place of Real Insight,' and 2004's 'Pockets,' each showcasing a fusion of rock, jazz, and experimental textures.

The band's vinyl editions feature a variety of formats including LP albums, colored vinyl variants, and limited editions. Audiophiles value these pressings for their detailed mastering and distinct sound dynamics. Real-time pricing data reveals a healthy market for both original and reissued pressings, with some releases commanding premiums upwards of €60.

Discography

Karate — Discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Karate's career.

01
There Are Ghosts
There Are Ghosts
The Bed Is In The Ocean · 1998
02
Sever
Sever
Unsolved · 2000
03
The Same Stars
The Same Stars
The Bed Is In The Ocean · 1998
04
Original Spies
Original Spies
Some Boots · 2002
05
Diazapam
Diazapam
The Bed Is In The Ocean · 1998
06
Small Fires
Small Fires
Unsolved · 2000
07
The Roots and the Ruins
The Roots and the Ruins
Unsolved · 2000
08
Today or Tomorrow
Today or Tomorrow
In Place Of Real Insight · 1997

The essentials

The 3 Karate albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2024
LP, Album, Limited Edition
Make It Fit

Latest studio album reflecting Karate's evolving sound, available as a limited edition LP with 10 tracks including 'Defendants' and 'Silence, Sound.'

10 tracksLimited Edition LPNumero Group (2024)
#2 · 2004
LP, Album
Pockets

A late-career album straddling indie and alternative rock genres with intricate song structures and extended tracks like 'Concrete' (8:30).

8 tracksSouthern Records (2004)LP Album
#3 · 2002
LP, Album
Some Boots

An early 2000s project with deep post-rock influences, featuring expansive track lengths such as 'Original Spies' (6:38) and 'South' (8:44).

8 tracksSouthern Records (2002)LP Album

Go further

Artists similar to Karate

Artists who share part of Karate's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Karate

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"Karate blends post-rock complexity with indie rock accessibility."
— Music Enthusiast
01Release

Original 1995 self-titled debut album

Released on Southern Records, the band's debut set the foundation for their fusion of indie rock and jazz-like intricacy captured on vinyl.

1995Boston
02Reissue

2023 reissues of 'Unsolved'

'Unsolved' saw a remastered limited edition vinyl reissue in 2023 via Numero Group, broadening availability beyond the 2000 Southern Records original.

2023USA
03Pressing

2024 'Make It Fit' limited edition LP

Numero Group released a limited edition pressing of 'Make It Fit' on LP in 2024, catalog number NUM305, notable for its collector's value and sound quality.

2024USA & Europe
04Studio Album

'The Bed Is In The Ocean' from 1998

'The Bed Is In The Ocean' exhibits a slowcore-inflected indie rock style recorded during the late 90s, still sought after on vinyl with various pressings.

1998Boston

Records by Karate

See all

FAQ

FAQ: Karate on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

What genres best describe Karate's music?

Karate's music is best described as a blend of indie rock, post-rock, and subtle jazz influences, often featuring intricate guitar work.

What are the key vinyl releases by Karate available today?

Key vinyl releases include 'Make It Fit' (2024), 'Pockets' (2004), and 'Some Boots' (2002), available in original and limited edition pressings.

Are there colored vinyl editions of Karate records?

Yes, several albums like 'In Place Of Real Insight' and 'Karate' have colored vinyl editions such as indigo and green variants from recent reissues.

Where was Karate originally formed?

Karate was originally formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1993, where they built their signature blend of indie and post-rock.

How does Karate’s vinyl pricing vary for collectors?

Vinyl pricing varies by edition and rarity, with original pressings typically commanding higher prices, sometimes exceeding €60 for sought-after albums.

Which Karate albums are best for exploring their post-rock style?

Albums like 'Some Boots' (2002) and 'Unsolved' (2000) highlight Karate's post-rock elements with longer, atmospheric tracks.

Are Karate records available in France?

Yes, many releases including recent reissues by Numero Group are distributed widely, including in France, available via specialty vinyl retailers.

What labels have released Karate's albums on vinyl?

Karate's albums have been released primarily on Southern Records in the 90s and early 2000s, with recent reissues on Numero Group.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026