Mishima USA

The bass-less indie pop duo Mishima USA consists of guitarist/singer Arto Payaslian and drummer Sean O'Brien, based in Cambridge, MA. Formed in 1998 and drawing their influences from such alt-rock icons as Hüsker Dü, Sugar, Sonic Youth, and Pavement, the pair honed their live act opening for such renowned artists as Come, Rufus Wainwright, and Mark Eitzel. March 1999 saw the release of their first 7", which led to appearances on several compilations and a nomination at the 2000 Boston Music Awards (for Best New Rock Band on an Indie Label). Their debut full-length was issued on the Boston-based Catapult label in 2001, titled Hold My Breath. ~ Greg Prato