Quintaine Americana

The Boston, MA-based trio Quintaine Americana is comprised of singer/guitarist Robert Earl Dixon, drummer Jason Beauregard King, and bassist Marc Upton Schleicher. Originally from Drew, Mississippi, the band decided to relocate when they realized there wasn't much of a music scene in their hometown. They instantly acquired a dedicated following based on their live show, with the local press describing them as a cross between Big Black and the Birthday Party. After receiving even more local acclaim, Quintaine Americana signed to the independent record company Cherry Disc, who released their debut album, Needles, in 1996. Local praise soon spread to national, particularly in Alternative Press. On the subsequent tour, the band opened for Karma To Burn, Jesus Lizard, Helmet, Girls Against Boys, and U.S. Maple.

When the band began writing material for their follow up, they treated their fans to some unreleased songs on a pair of compilations (Wicked Deluxe on WickedDisc and Take Your Medicine on Wonderdrug), while bassist Schleicher played in two side projects, Crack Torch and Coke Dealer. With Shellac's Bob Weston (Sebadoh, Hurl, etc.) signed on as producer, Q.A. entered the studio in August of '97, eventually emerging with a fine sophomore effort, Decade of the Brain. Upon its release in early '98, the band hit the road again.