Pioneering alternative rock band Throwing Muses had been playing for five years when their unpredictable mix of new wave, punk, and college rock got them signed to UK label 4AD in 1986. The American band took influence from the emotionally raw post-punk of Siouxsie and The Banshees as well as the sweet jangle of R.E.M. They released four critically acclaimed albums before co-lead singer Tanya Donelly left to join The Breeders in 1992. But the band continued on, garnering success and acclaim with remaining singer Kristin Hersh handling vocal duties on her own.