High Back Chairs was formed in Washington by guitarist Peter Hayes, veteran drummer Jeff Nelson (Minor Threat), bassist Charles Steck (Velvet Monkeys) and second guitarist Jim Spellman (future Velocity Girl).

Of Two Minds (Dischord, 1991) introduces their booming power-pop with brutal ditties like Miles To Inches and Doldrums.

The EP Curiosity And Relief (Dischord, 1992) reprises their first single, Share.