A Dayton, Ohio-based instrumental surf-revival combo, the Mulchmen were formed in 1995 and originally consisted of Nick Kizirnis (guitar, theremin), Brian Bagdonus (bass), and Gregg Spence (drums). When Bagdonus left the group (and Dayton), Brian Hogarth was recruited from the local scene to take his place. Following the trails blazed by '50s/early-'60s instrumentalists like Link Wray, Dick Dale, and Duane Eddy (and adding a dose of post-punk irony), the trio recorded a seven-inch EP entitled All the News That's Fit to Surf! in 1996. After contributing two tracks to the compilation Rock Don't Run, Vol. 2, the Mulchmen issued their debut album, Louder Than Dirt, Thicker Than Mud!, in 1998. ~ Steve Huey