Swirlies is a ban from Boston that formed in 1990. Similar to My Bloody Valentine, they have been referred to as shoegaze musicians. Notorious for loud, wall-of-noise guitar music, as well as a twisted quiet side, Swirlies have a fondness for the phrase "sneakyflute music" to describe their endeavors. Their live shows usually culminate with the mechanical failure of some piece of equipment, the interminable tuning of Damon's guitar, or Andy rapt with anxiety by the side of the stage. They have been known to inadvertently break things in hotel rooms and rent-a-vans, and are particularly skilled at signing undesirable (for the band) contracts with people they barely know. These activities have earned them a "bad-boy (and girl)" image in the music industry, thus sending them into such a state of financial ruin that several members have gone on to pursue more lucrative graduate student stipends.