In 2003, Travis Johnson first recorded under the moniker The Muggabears. The album, Kim Berlin, reveled in early-90s underground influences, colorful guitar textures, off-kilter hooks, and diamond-sharp energy. Moving to New York from Dallas in the winter of 2005, he immediately drafted Emily Ambruso and Kevin Murphy, two other Southern transplants, on bass and drums, respectively. What came about was still The Muggabears, a band who plays a structurally-mutilated brand of noise-pop. In 2006, The Muggabears recorded their first EP, "Teenage Cop", at Headgear Recording (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and have been playing live consistently throughout NYC. A short tour is planned, while they continue to craft material for their upcoming full-length release. The Muggabears are gaining a following for their unhurried, introspective and poignant music, something that stands out in their hyper-charged home base of New York City.
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