Originally known as the Deaf Aids, indie rock quartet Longwave formed in New York, their self-released ENDSONGS appearing in 1999, which introduced the band’s blend of shoegaze-influenced textures, post-punk edge, and melodic grandeur. A tour with the Strokes landed Longwave a major label deal with RCA, and THE STRANGEST THINGS (produced by Dave Fridmann of the Flaming Lipps and Mercury Rev) arrived in 2003. Despite line-up changes and label troubles, Longwave persisted, releasing THERE’S A FIRE (2005) and SECRETS ARE SINISTER (2008), both of which leaned less toward arty shoegaze and more toward streamlined pop.