Element Of Surprise

Element of Surprise merges pop and rock melodies with the ferocious intensity of metal, where commanding guitar assaults and unyielding bass propulsion take the lead. The band coalesced in San Francisco in 2000 when several Bay Area musicians, seeking fresh outlets after their prior groups, came together. Bassist Jean Baudin and drummer Steve Sigaty, both alumni of Nuclear Rabbit, formed the initial duo, later completed by vocalist Andy Slipka and guitarist Raye Medeiros. Drawing on substantial live experience from those earlier projects, the musicians steadily secured a foothold in the San Francisco music scene. Their first public performances occurred in 2001, followed by sessions to capture their debut album.