Formed in Madison, WI, Hum Machine began performing its brand of alternative rock in the mid-'90s around the Midwest. Speed Kills the Dying Beat was released in 1996, gaining them local exposure and some coverage in Chicago. They followed it with The Trance Voltage Solution, a guitar-heavy album that gained them a lot of college radio airplay. In the spring of 1999, Pay Victoria showcased the band's road-weary attitude and frustrated way of thinking, offering a more tense and exuberant side of the group. After touring behind it, some time was taken for writing and resting until they stepped back into the studio at the tail end of 2001. No Joy in Mudville was the result of those sessions and was released in summer 2002. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide