EELS

Offering a novel twist on the post-grunge and lo-fi norms of American indie rock in the mid-90s, Eels hatched in the bohemian Echo Park area of Los Angeles in 1995. The band are the brainchild of the mysterious E (vocals/guitar/keyboards), who had previously recorded two acclaimed solo albums for Polydor Records in the early 90s, and drummer Butch Norton. After finding bass player Tommy Walter at LA’s Mint Club, the trio was picked up by Michael Simpson, half of the Dust Brothers and an A&R man for DreamWorks Records. "Novocaine For The Soul" was a big college/alternative hit in 1996, with a tension-and-release structure that seemed a throwback to the rock basics laid down by the Pixies and Nirvana, accentuated by characteristically indie themes of alienation and depression. Despite their apparently conventional power-trio line-up, the band’s music evinces a fascination with sonic experimentation.