The M's

In the summer of 2000 the Chicago noise pop quartet the M's came together. Singer and guitarist Josh Chicoine, formerly of the local jam band Jamestown, had already joined forces with drummer Steve Versaw in the brief psych pop group Sanoponic. Once that band ended, Versaw took up residence alongside singer and bassist Joey King, a former member of the Kalamazoo outfit Ordination of Aaron, and singer and guitarist Robert Hicks. The four players soon formed a steady creative unit, constructing a home studio where they tracked original songs on a regular basis. When Chicago venue Martyrs reached out to Chicoine hoping to book the defunct Sanoponic, he agreed and persuaded Versaw, King, and Hicks to perform in its place. The M's played their first show in July 2001, and their sharp, tuneful style rapidly built a loyal audience in the city. The following February they issued a self-released EP bearing their name; Brilliante shortly reissued the recording with two additional tracks added. Although Brilliante initially intended to put out two further EPs, the songs were instead compiled into the band's first album, the self-titled full-length that appeared in spring 2004.