Sometimes galloping and sometimes trotting, The Midgetmen – Austin's slop-punk mavens – finally bust out of the gate with the release of their third album: "Show Pony". Sixteen songs short, the album captures four years of The Midgetmen's unhealthy hobby through a hazy filter of feedback, beer, and confusion. Six years after forming following the tech sector collapse, The Midgetmen still sound fresh and comforting to everyone who loves late 80s/early 90s indie rock.
The Midgetmen sired "Show Pony" after self releasing two previous albums, touring throughout America, and realizing that they had to capture the energetic boozy charm of their live shows. Inspired by sharing bills with bands as diverse as The Wrens, Catfish Haven, and Joseph Arthur, The Midgetmen were determined to record the definitive document showing just how much the band enjoys where they've been and where they're going. Lighthearted, noisy and distorted, The Midgetmen are Austin's fun rock thoroughbred.
The Midgetmen pride themselves on having set the standard in Austin, TX for doing it all within the band. They don't ask anyone else to play their instruments or write their songs, and they won't pay someone else to design a logo to represent the fun they have. This devotion has consistently earned them recognition in the Austin Chronicle's Austin Music Awards for some of the city's best poster and album artwork.
Originally conceived as a foursome (Jon Loyens and Alex Victoria on guitars, Marc Perlman on bass, and Justin Petro on drums) in October 2001, the Midgetmen asked their friend Keith Shepherd to join them as lead vocalist. The Midgetmen entered their own studio to record their debut album "Pool Party Emergency" in mid-2002. Its release in November 2002 provided seventeen rocking songs, two of which Mike Watt (of Minutemen fame) featured on his online radio show.
The Midgetmen reverted to their original foursome when Keith moved from Texas to chase other dreams in mid 2003. Lacking a vocalist, Alex, Jon, and Marc took over singing responsibilities. The band re-entered their studio to record the followup to "Pool Party Emergency" in early 2004. Released in April 2004, "High Life" presented eleven songs by a more mature and talented band. It retained the band's smirking commentary on the nine to five grind, sobriety, hipsters, and pop punkers.