Particle

Formed in Los Angeles during 2000, Particle assembled keyboardist Steve Molitz, drummer Darren Pujalet, bassist Eric Gould, and guitarist Dave Simmons, though their sound drew equally from disco and electronica alongside jam-band traditions. Tragedy arrived just two months later when Simmons died, after which the group recruited Charlie Hitchcock to fill the guitar position. The sheer intensity of their concerts quickly attracted a loyal audience and paved the way for the 2004 release of their debut album, Launchpad. Hitchcock exited the following year, replaced on guitar by Scott Metzger and Ben Combe, who also added vocals—a first for the previously instrumental outfit. Particle marked the debut performance of this revised lineup by recording the show and issuing selected tracks from it, along with material from a second concert, as the 2006 release Transformations Live for the People.