Smashy Claw's debut album showcases their unique brand of quirky experimental-rock. With its smart lyrics, catchy melodies, and inventive arrangements, Former Spine is a fantastic first effort from a band at the beginning of their career. Smashy Claw is a three-piece band from Denver, CO that specializes in experimental alternative rock. Influenced by acts like They Might Be Giants and Jonathan Coulton, their goal is to hook you in with their catchy melodies and interestingly-layered orchestration. Then once you’re humming along, you start to notice that the lyrics are about things that you’ve never heard in rock songs before, like talking pet rocks, for instance. Often including the obligatory distorted guitars of most rock music, they have been described as “Green Day with better lyrics” by Brian Rezac, director of the legendary Dickens Opera House venue. The band was formed in April 2011 by bassist Austin Aeschliman and guitarist Nathan Long. In summer 2012, drummer Dave Frey would join and fill out the group. An assemblage of young, consummate musicians, the members have achieved much in their early career. In addition to being played on national radio programs such as The Dr. Demento Show, they also have written the theme song for the Nerdapalooza music festival.