In the late 1980s and early '90s, Thin White Rope was one of the most idiosyncratic and arresting US alt-rock bands. Their “desert rock” sound incorporated two-guitar interplay that was often compared to Television, supporting leader Guy Kyser's gravel-throated, Tom Waits-like singing and bizarre lyrics, with just a hint of garage psychedelia illuminating their Neil Young-goes-post-punk sound. Never breaking out of cult status, they disbanded in the early '90s, Kyser eventually forming the Mummydogs.