The North Carolina alt-rock quintet Sugarsmack is led by vocalist Hope Nicholls, who was previously a member of roots rockers Fetchin Bones (issuing a string of albums that proved to be favorites of college radio during the late '80s). After the group's breakup, Nicholls formed Sugarsmack with her boyfriend/guitarist Aaron Pitkin, enlisting percussionist Deanna Gonzales, drummer John Adamian, and second guitarist Chris Chandek to round out the band. Sugarsmack issued their debut album, Top Loader, in 1993 on Chicago's Invisible label, while a sophomore album, Tank Top City, saw the light of day in 1998 (which also proved to be their major-label debut for Sire). ~ Greg Prato