Chicago's
Cougars formed in 2000 from remainders of local ska-ish heroes
Hot Stove Jimmy. Eight dudes strong, their lineup included vocalist Matt Irie, keyboardist Sam Ambrosini, and guitarists Brett Meingasner and John Mclurg; a rhythm section of Bryan Bienias (bass) and Brian Wnukowski (drums, ex-
Big'n); and horn players Mark Beening (trumpet) and Jeff Vidmont (sax). A huge sound was necessary to validate so many mouths to feed on tour, so
Cougars opted for a trashy, slutty stumble of
Jesus Lizard noise, tickled with sick humor and occasional melodic accessibility. The full-length debut
Nice, Nice appeared from Go Kart in October 2003; the band issued the
Manhandler EP via Chicago imprint Thick the following May. Tours with types like
Pigmy Love Circus and
Supersuckers followed. ~ Johnny Loftus