Mercurial British singer/songwriter Vinny Miller originally performed as Starry Smooth Hound, and, under that name, released a few songs on 4AD samplers, including Anakin, Dust Distorts, and Kiddy's Got Four Fingers, all of which came out in 1998. Initially, Miller collaborated with Laika's Guy Fixsen, who would add experimental production touches to the tapes that Miller sent him. However, after these initial tracks, Miller remained signed to the label for five years without releasing any music. In summer 2003, he broke his silence with the limited-edition 7" "Pigpen," a noisy song very different than his earlier output as Starry Smooth Hound. The following year, he resurfaced with another single, "Breaking Out of Your Arms," and -- finally -- his debut album, On the Block. ~ Heather Phares