by John BushWell after the death of new wave, Brainiac formed in 1992 with a sound that perfectly epitomized the uptight, herky-jerky tension of the early-80s movement, as well as its warped sense of song structure and electronic breakdown. The band came together in Dayton, OH, originally the basement experiments of vocalist/keyboard player Tim Taylor and bassist Juan Monasterio. After recruiting guitarist Michelle Bodine and drummer Tyler Trent, Brainiac began playing around the Midwest and hooked up with Limited Potential Records, which released the single Super Duper Seven in September 1992. After another single, a split with Bratmobile on Daytons 12X12 label, Brainiac signed with Grass Records. The groups debut album Smack Bunny Baby, produced by Girls Against Boys Eli Janney, appeared in mid-1993. During 1994, Brainiac replaced Bodine with guitarist John Schmersal and released their second album, Bonsai Superstar. After a tour on...