After eight years and three full-length albums, Soul Coughing are calling it quits. A statement on the band's Web site (www.soulcoughing.com) reads, "Soul Coughing have amicably decided to go separate ways. This is not an end, but rather a new beginning for all. The band would like to sincerely thank their fans for all the support they have received over the years. They hope that this enthusiasm follows them into the new endeavors that they are exploring."

The band formed in the Knitting Factory, New York City's legendary avant garde jazz venue, where singer M. Doughty was holding down doorman duties while working as a music critic. Doughty, who has described the band's sound as "deep slacker jazz," hooked up with fellow Knitting Factory scenesters, bassist Sebastian Steinberg, drummer Yuval Gabay and keyboardist Mark De Gil Antoni. The band's first record, Ruby Vroom, was released in 1994, followed by 1996's Irresistible Bliss, which produced the hit "Super Bon Bon." In 1998, the band released what would become its final album, El Oso, spawning the alt-radio hit, "Circles."

Recently, band members have been increasingly involved in side projects. M. Doughty is at work on a solo album and recently penned a column for NYPress.com. De Gil Antoni worked with John Scofield on his new album, Bump, and begins a tour with Scofield on March 23 in Somerville, Mass. Steinberg has been touring with Beth Orton and working with Gabay's side project, UV Ray.

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(March 22, 2000)