Chicago's Blacktop Mourning formed around songwriter/guitarist Max Steger (a guitar prodigy who got his start playing area blues bars at a precocious 11 years old), bassist Joe Levand, drummer Jon Meredith, and vocalist Marty James Abezetian. The punk-pop outfit got together in 2004. For the next two years, Blacktop Mourning honed their infectious and melodic rock sound, playing shows in and around Chicago and writing material for their debut album. Rhythm guitarist Shawn Nystrand joined the group during this time, adding to the band's energetic live show. Blacktop Mourning's ...