The Seattle-based alterna-pop outfit Muzzle was formed in 1994 by singers/guitarists Ryan Maxwell and Wesley Nelson, longtime friends who had previously tenured in a series of short-lived metal bands. Endless shuffling of the rhythm section plagued the group throughout its early years, but they garnered a devoted live following and in time released their indie label debut Betty Pickup; soon after Muzzle signed with Reprise, releasing Actual Size in 1999. ~ Jason Ankeny