The Cynics are an American garage rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The band, at the time consisting of guitarist Gregg Kostelich, drummer Bill Von Hagen, vocalist Michael Kastelic who joined in 1985,[1] bass player Steve Magee, and keyboardist Becky Smith (later founder of New York City's Bellwether gallery), debuted with their first album, Blue Train Station in 1986.
Scott Mervis of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said "Here We Are might be best of the Cynics' seven records, and USA Today has already called it "one of the best neo-garage-rock albums in years.
"[7] Entertainment Weekly called them "gnarly, sweaty, raucous, and brimming with snotty attitude".
[8] In reference to the band's first two albums, Blue Train Station and Twelve Flights Up, Trouser Press said they were packed with "surefooted atmosphere and excitement".