Lying in States

In 1999 the Chicago indie rock group Lying in States formed around Justin Trombly on bass, Fergus Kaiser on guitar, Ben Clarke handling vocals and guitar, Mark Benson on drums, and Jeremy Ohmes on keyboards. Over the subsequent two years the quintet honed a quirky punk-inspired style recalling Drive Like Jehu and the Constantines while crisscrossing the Midwest. Shared bills with Rainer Maria, Hot Hot Heat, Rye Coalition, and Denali brought the band wider attention. Harmless Records released the Bewildered Herd EP in 2002. The following year the members entered Semaphore Studios in Chicago with engineer Scott Adamson, whose credits include Joan of Arc and the Arrivals, to track their first proper full-length. Most Every Night appeared in January 2004.