Back in the early 80s Brendan deVallance and Michael Cornelius started the seminal Phoenix punk band the Jr. CHemist. Along with Dawn Kelly, they helped form the early Phoenix punk scene playing alongside bands like Killer Pussy and the Meat Puppets.

Michael went on to form JFA (Jodie Foster's Army) one of the first skate punk bands. After his time in JFA he continued to be involved in original music in phoenix playing guitar and bass in Zuwal, Housequake, Suite No. 3 and The Father Figures. The latter band being the longest running and most prolific of his projects with 4 LPs and several EPs released.

Brendan moved onto Chicago where he immersed himself in performance art but also always continued making music. He has been part of the duo Dead Gwynne for over 30 years.

Fast-forward 45 years and Brendan has returned to Phoenix, Arizona. Brendan and Michael have picked up where they left off creating a new band in May of 2025. They reformed the Jr. CHemist and played a great show at Club Placebo with Lucy La Mode filling in for Dawn Kelly. The new band, Cornelius deVallance, is a great new collaboration between these old friends.

We were featured playing on a night of interesting music at Club Placebo in February of 2026. Derrick Bostrom of the Meat Puppets joined us on drums for a couple of songs.

We had a great time playing at Sidepony Express 12 in 2025. We played at the Copper Queen, The Silver King and Badassery.