Gabardine got together in late 1996 by housemates Chris Hughes, Eric Bemberger, and Joel Petersen, along with non-resident Ben Armstrong. However, the band didn't actually take off until the following year when all four members moved in a house together and recorded a six-song demo. Saddle Creek Records somehow received a copy and immediately brought Gabardine in a studio to record two songs for the Saddle Creek Compilation. With their clashing dual guitar noise and overlaying vocals that are comparative to the likes of Sonic Youth and Drive Like Jehu, the Lincoln, NE, natives eventually released a self-titled full-length in August of 1999 through the funding and distribution of Saddle Creek. ~ Mike DaRonco, Rovi