Brooklyn-based Miniature Tigers are a quirky baroque and synth pop outfit centered on singer/songwriter Charlie Brand. Formed in Brand's hometown of Phoenix, Arizona in 2006, the group initially began as a solo bedroom-recording project. The resulting material paired his acoustic guitar with a wide range of pop influences -- the Cars' strut, Weezer's snark, Phil Spector's polish -- and Miniature Tigers soon inked a deal with Modern Art Records. With drummer Rick Schaier, guitarist Algernon Quashie, and bassist Alex Gerber also on board, Miniature Tigers released Tell It to the Volcano in September 2008. ~ Andrew Leahey