Ima Robot

Emerging from Los Angeles, Ima Robot fashions catchy yet abrasive contemporary rock assembled from chic sonic leftovers. The group originated in the early 1990s when only willowy Alex Ebert and crazy Timmy Anderson collaborated on beats while attempting to rap. Electronics whiz Oligee eventually completed the lineup, allowing the trio to enter the L.A. music circuit with a wiry, fiery combination of electronics, guitar, and sort-of singing. Attention mounted quickly, drawing crack session pros Justin Meldal-Johnsen and Joey Waronker into the band on bass and drums. A contract with Virgin soon materialized, yielding the Public Access EP. The self-titled Ima Robot arrived in September 2003, revealing a tighter approach aimed at radio and video outlets. Shared tours with likeminded acts such as Hot Hot Heat helped spread recognition. With the refreshed configuration of Ebert, Anderson, Filip Nikolic on bass, Scott Devours on drums, and Andy Marlow on guitar and keys, the band delivered its sophomore album, Monument for the Masses, in September 2006. After parting from Virgin the next year, the musicians used their independence to develop new songs. Their third full-length, Another Man's Treasure, surfaced in 2010 on Werewolf Heart Records.