[1][2] The band originally formed in 1988 under the name Giant Henry and recorded an album's worth of material (the album would be released in 2013 as Big Baby[3]) before changing their name to Cygnus X-1 for a short period of time in 1991 before settling on Unwound.

The band released a self-titled demo that same year and not long after signed to Kill Rock Stars, who would release a majority of the band's discography, beginning with their debut album Fake Train.

A year later in 1994, New Plastic Ideas was released, as well as a split EP with Helmet, Slug, and Hammerhead.

2001 saw the band release their final album Leaves Turn Inside You and a music video for "Radio Gra".

[3] In 2023, the band announced several reunion shows[4] and have stayed active since but have yet to release new music.