Not letting the lack of a music scene get in the way of playing gigs throughout their state -- even if it meant the weekly ritual of driving hours on end -- the Raymond Brake first got together in the unlikely town of Greensboro, North Carolina with only their instruments, a practice space, and a few supportive friends. With their debut in 1994, the band released a handful of singles that were reminiscent of the sounds of heartfelt indie rock and lyrical complexities.

The Raymond Brake's first album, Piles of Dirty Winters, came out later in 1995, followed by a 1996 tour of the United States with Liquorice, Karate, and the Archers of Loaf. Signing to Hep-Cat, they released their next two EPs, "Never Work Ever" and "New Wave Dream/ Secret" (the latter was released on Simple Machines). ~ Mike DaRonco, Rovi