In later years, as guitarist John Reis found international recognition with his band Rocket from the Crypt, a gradually growing audience began to pinpoint Drive Like Jehu's music as a catalyst for the eclectic San Diego music scene and the emerging national emo scene of the 1990s.
As guitarist John Reis became well-known with his band Rocket from the Crypt over time, a larger group of listeners started to see Drive Like Jehu's music as influential for the diverse San Diego musical community and the developing emo scene in the United States during the 1990s.