Caviar

In 1999, Caviar arose in Chicago as a modern rock quartet laced with electronic textures, born from the breakup of Fig Dish. Guitarist and vocalist Blake Smith, together with bassist, vocalist, and keyboardist Mike Willison, chose to keep working as a creative unit even after the group’s earlier label setbacks. A journey across the U.K. introduced the pair to electronica’s surging presence, motivating them to weave samplers and keyboards into their guitar-centered style. The lineup grew to a quartet when lead guitarist Dave Suh and drummer Jason Batchko joined, and after several live shows the band secured a contract with Bomb Trax/Island. Caviar placed a track on the Gone in 60 Seconds soundtrack ahead of issuing its self-titled debut album in mid-2000. Although reviewers responded favorably, the record sold modestly, so four years passed before the group reappeared with The Thin Mercury Sound on Aezra/EMI.