Laguardia began in Philadelphia in 2000. While bassist Michael Morpurgo (ex-
Dandelion) and vocalist
Joshua Ostrander were playing in
Ty Cobb, they began collaborating with guitarist Lee Bernstein on the side. The lineup solidified with the addition of Trip 66 drummer Greg Lyons, and soon
Laguardia was a full-time operation. Gigs in both Philly and New York City followed, and the band supported national types like
the Brian Jonestown Massacre while honing its
Radiohead-friendly mix of modern rock accessibility and angular indie dynamics. After dalliances with a few major labels,
Laguardia settled on Republic/Universal and began recording its debut with expert helmer
Brad Wood.
Welcome to the Middle appeared in September 2003, and was supported by tours with
the French Kicks and
the Fire Theft. ~ Johnny Loftus