Biography

Underground indie rock heroes Earwig were formed in the early '90s in Columbus, Ohio by singer/guitarist Lizard McGee. After recruiting bassist Jeff Perkins and drummer Chuck Palmer, the original trio cut a five-song EP in 1992 called Dead Slow Hoot that introduced their brand of melodic yet complex indie rock and McGee's heart-on-sleeve lyrical style. It marked the first release on the band's own indie LFM Records, which would also release their debut album, Mayfeeder in 1994. By 1996, Earwig seemed on the cusp of a breakout, with much attention being paid to them and the Columbus scene in general. It would be several more years and various lineup shifts, however, before the band finally delivered their follow-up. With McGee now supported by drummer Justin Crooks and bassist Rich Cefalo, Earwig released Perfect Past Tense in late 1999. Not long after, McGee left the Midwest for California and set up shop in the Bay Area, where he re-released a more widely available version of Perfect Past Tense in 2000. He began playing shows as a duo with drummer Raj Kapololu, as well as doing several solo tours under the Earwig name. The lineup continued to evolve with McGee always at the helm and in 2006, Earwig delivered Center of the Earth, which contained "Used Kids," one of many songs McGee wrote from a dream. In fact, for their 2010 album, Gibson Under Mountain, McGee only included songs that were inspired by his dreams. The early 2000s saw the departure of longtime drummer Justin Crooks, who was replaced by George Hondroulis and his brother, Costa Hondroulis, on bass. With the brothers and new member James McGee-Moore on board, McGee began recording what would be the band's fifth studio LP in 2013. When George Hondroulis left to tour with Lydia Loveless, incoming drummer Nicholas Nocera joined Earwig, completing their retooled lineup. It was this quartet that delivered 2016's Pause for the Jets. ~ Timothy Monger & Mike DaRonco, Rovi