Both of the founding members had problems with their jaws.

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Founded in 1998 by Jason Mullinax and Michael Coleman, Mandible began as an experimental home recording project called Art Nada. Armed only with a 4-track and an arsenal of toys, gadgets and effects, the duo frantically recorded hours of material that it later would dub "incidental music for non-existent films." Because of their use of bizarre instrumentation and quirky song structures, Mandible's early work has drawn many comparisons to that of The Residents, The Boredoms, Frank Zappa, and Renaldo and the Loaf. Nearly a year and a half after its inception, the duet decided that it was time to change their name and take their oddball shenanigans to the stage.

Unexpectedly, the concept of live performance enthralled Mandible and replaced home recording as the band's main priority. Compelled by their new outlet, they began constructing elaborate set-lists that included songs, improvisation, and performance art. Over the next few years, the group tried on many different hats (electronic ambient, noisy glitch rock, progressive punk thrash) before it finally settled into its last incarnation: psychedelic art metal quartet. Members were added and removed along the way, but the band remained resolved and held fast to its vision.