Sleepytime Gorilla Museum stands among rock's most elusive acts, with commentators invoking performance art, art rock, experimental rock, and heavy metal in attempts to capture the group's sound. Hailing from Oakland, California, the ensemble draws frequent comparison from critics to Mr. Bungle, one of the era's most eccentric outfits, and the parallel holds: like that band, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum welcomes every conceivable musical approach. One of their albums first appeared on a label founded by former Mr. Bungle member Trey Spruance. Distinctive costumes, theatrical makeup, and a mix of conventional and custom-built instruments form core elements of the group's identity, elements that have helped cultivate a devoted cult audience. The lineup includes Matthias Bossi on drums, glockenspiel, xylophone, and vocals; Nils Frykdahl on guitar, flute, and vocals; Carla Kihlstedt on violin, percussion guitar, autoharp, organ, and vocals; Michael Mellender on percussion, assorted melodic instruments, and vocals; and Dan Rathbun on bass, piano log, trombone, lute, and vocals. The musicians first convened in 1999. Their discography encompasses the 2001 release Grand Opening and Closing, the 2003 album Live, and the 2004 effort Of Natural History. In 2006 the band joined the End roster, which soon reissued Grand Opening and Closing with extra tracks, followed a year later by their fourth studio album overall, In Glorious Times. Outside this project, most members have appeared in additional groups, among them Faun Fables, Idiot Flesh, Mute Socialite, Tin Hat, and 2 Foot Yard.
