In this case, "seminal" should be taken literally. If you're a semiobscure indie band that other bands cite as an influence, chances are Dahlia Seed is the band you cite as an influence. Thanks to Troubleman Unlimited's mail-order copies of their work, even total mainstreamers can now check out the Seed's cross-pollination of female emo vocals and art-punk guitars.
LONG before emo was a dirty word, DAHLIA SEED existed. They are one of the pioneers of the "aggro-woman fronted vocals with rocking music" trend that currently plagues us. See why everyone cites them as an influence. This record is not available in stores anymore, but Troubleman Unlimited has some copies for mailorder. The vinyl has beautiful silkscreened covers.