When Seam formed at the turn of the 1990s, its initial lineup featured members of Superchunk and Bitch Magnet. Their sound was inspired by early emo outfits like Rites Of Spring, and along with acts like Braid and Silkworm, would help define the raw production values and methodical song structures that typified the genre’s original sound. Their debut, HEADSPARKS, was released in 1992 on Homestead Records, but after their move from North Carolina to the Midwest, they signed with Chicago label Touch & Go, and released three more full-lengths, until finally calling it a day in 1999.