The short, tumultuous career of the D.C. quintet Jonathan Fire*Eater culminated in the 1997 release of their debut album, the quality of which may only be surpassed by their Tremble Under Boom Lights EP. Riding high on a wave of hype that was, in every way, utterly deserved, the band terrorized and romanced audiences with their grinding, eerie performances and intense lyrical imagery. Standouts on the album include ‘When the Curtain Calls for You,’ ‘These Little Monkeys,’ and ‘Bipolar Summer.’ They were, simply, incredible.