Criteria
Criteria is an Omaha, Nebraska-based indie/post-hardcore band formed in 2003 by Cursive founding member Steve Pedersen after he graduated from law school. Known for anthemic, guitar-heavy rock, the band released En Garde (2003) and When We Break (2005) on Saddle Creek Records. After a long hiatus, they returned with the album Years in 2020 and recently announced their new LP "Seize!" for Spartan Records in May of 2026. RIYL: Quicksand, Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins, Battles, Cursive
News updates for Criteria
Omaha indie-rock staple Criteria are back with announcement of new album "Seize!" for Spartan Records and latest single "You Maketh Me"
Omaha indie-rock band Criteria, led by Stephen Pedersen (ex-Cursive), have just announced their new album SEIZE! on May 22 via Spartan Records. Along with the album announcement, the band has released the video for crushing lead off single "You Maketh Me" an absolute ripper that captures what Criteria do best. The album, recorded in Omaha with producer Matt Bayles, is the follow up to 2020's "Years" which was their first album in 15 years and picked up right where the band left off after their sophomore LP. The new album is said to embody a blend of guitar fueled heavy rock reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins and Quicksand, with the pulse and syncopation of technical percussive-heavy bands like Battles, exploring themes of loss and the importance of seizing the present moment. The band's latest work is a reflection of personal and professional transitions, offering a glimpse into the current state of life through intense and poignant soundscapes.
Make sure you stream the new single below and check out the pre-order bundles available at Spartan Records from the pre-order link.
OMAHA INDIE STAPLE CRITERIA ADDRESS THE AGE-OLD ADAGE, “IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME,” ON NEW GRUNGE-POP SINGLE, “I AM THE END”
Spartan Records and Criteria are pleased to present “I am the End,” the latest single to be lifted from the Friday, May 22 release of SEIZE!, the forthcoming studio album from the Omaha indie-rock band featuring Stephen Pedersen (ex-Cursive). “It’s not you. It’s me.” Whether it's the end of a friendship, a romance, or a job, “I am the End” is about owning its demise even when you’re never alone in that endeavor.
"The video for ‘I am the End’ is a brief — and hopefully funny — reflection on the day-to-day, tiny miseries that many of us experience in adult life, keeping a straight face through it all and attempting to remain positive in the end,” Pedersen said. “Huge props to Jeff VanRoy and the team at Dundee Digital for shooting, co-directing and editing and Timmy Tamesiea and Mike Smith for conceiving, writing and performing the mini-misery vignettes!"
Watch the music video for “I am the End” below, and pre-0rder SEIZE! via the Spartan Records store at the pre-order link.
Releases
Seize!
May 22, 2026Omaha indie-rock band Criteria, led by Stephen Pedersen (ex-Cursive), will release their new album SEIZE! on May 22 via Spartan Records. Along with the album announcement, the band has released the video for crushing lead off single "You Maketh Me" an absolute ripper that captures what Criteria do best. The album, recorded in Omaha with producer Matt Bayles, embodies a blend of heavy rock reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins and Quicksand, exploring themes of loss and the importance of seizing the present moment. The band's latest work is a reflection of personal and professional transitions, offering a glimpse into the current state of life through intense and poignant soundscapes.
Years
January 17, 2020Criteria's 3rd LP, "Years," marks their return after a 15-year hiatus, showcasing loud, heavy, guitar-driven indie rock/post-hardcore vibes. Produced by A.J. Mogis of Cursive, the album is set to drop on January 17, 2020, with a tour alongside Cursive and Cloud Nothings in January 2020.