Formed in New York in 1979, Borbetomagus began as a double saxophone and guitar trio of Jim Sauter, Donald Miller, and Don Dietrich. Influenced by the American and European free jazz of the '60s, the trio set out to forge new sonic territory through pure improvisation. Their eponymous debut was an immense, feedback-drenched noisefest that turned heads on the improv circuit and left traditionalists agape. The group went on to collaborate with the likes of rock visionary Thurston Moore and Swiss electronic duo Voice Crack. These collaborations led to a higher profile for the ensemble's unique "spittoon" style, and helped generate reissues of their obscure early-'80s cassette-only releases. Borbetomagus continued its sonic assault into the 2000s, flirting with electronics and pushing the limits of live performance.