Rydell formed in the late nineties when Miles Booker (Vocals / Guitar) Adam French (Bass) and David Gamage (Guitar), three former members of long running Kent hardcore band COUCH POTATOES, decided it was time to try something different. With the addition of Duncan Morris (Drums) the band began playing shows as a four piece until Mark Wilkinson (Guitar), also a member of long running band RUDEDOG, joined in late 1999, allowing Miles to concentrate on vocals.

Rydell's sound has evolved over the years but comparisons are often drawn with the likes of older GET UP KIDS for the pop element, CAP'N JAZZ for the chaos, BRAID for the indie-rock, SPLIT LIP for the darker moments and CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE for the epic emotional feel.

Rydell's first release was a split 7" with HOT WATER MUSIC, released to coincide with a European tour the two bands did together. This tour did not include the UK, however, when HOT WATER MUSIC came to the UK the following year the two bands played together again, and have continued to do so. Rydell has also played with bands including BLUE TIP, SPARKMARKER, STARMARKET, DISCOUNT, SAMIAM, SHADES APART, LEATHERFACE, THE DISMEMBERMENT PLAN, KARATE, LEIAH, BURNING AIRLINES and ONELINEDRAWING.

Releases to date include split EP's with HUNTER GATHERER, PALE, SAN GERONIMO, A ROCKET SENT TO YOU, SUNFACTOR AND THE BABIES THREE, plus a full length CD on Headhunter records called "Per ardua Ad Astra", which was hailed by kerrang magazine as "..The best British emo album ever...". More recently a compilation CD of the early EP's and some unreleased songs called "Always Remember Everything" has been released.

In late 2002 Rydell recorded the majority of a new album with John Hannon (HUNDRED REASONS, xCANAANx, etc), which along with some soon to be recorded songs will be released sometime during 2003.