The Cringe

The New York-based rock quartet the Cringe came together in the early 2000s when singer/songwriter/guitarist John Cusimano joined forces with guitarist Robb Levin, bassist Matt Powers, and drummer Shawn Pelton. Their first release, the 2003 album Scratch the Surface, appeared on Listen Records. Tipping Point arrived as the follow-up in 2007. Shortly afterward, guitarist James Rotondi (Air, Mr. Bungle) stepped in for Levin while Jonny Matias (Crash Moderns) took over on bass for Powers. The revised lineup issued the band’s third album, Play Thing, in June 2010, then followed it two years later with Hiding in Plain Sight. Their fusion of heavy alt-rock and melodic power pop secured opening slots alongside Cheap Trick, New York Dolls, and Mötley Crüe, the last of whom selected the Cringe for their 2014 farewell tour. Producer Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Train) guided sessions for the group’s fifth album, Blind Spot, which surfaced in late 2015.