Cigar

By incorporating improvisational elements and intricate arrangements into their rapid, straightforward punk sound, Cigar distinguished themselves within the scene they joined upon forming in 1996. Big Jon on drums, Jason on bass, and Rami handling vocals and guitar established the band in Eugene, Oregon, adopting the name Cigar before shifting their base to San Diego, California in 1998. Prior to this relocation, they shared stages with A.F.I., Pennywise, Blink-182, D.I., and Rancid. Once settled in their new location, Theologian Records quickly signed them, issuing the band's debut album Speed is Relative the following year in 1999.