The Chicago-based, electronic-tinged modern rock group Caviar formed in 1999 out of the ashes of Fig Dish. Despite the troubles the band had with their label, guitarist/vocalist Blake Smith and bassist/vocalist/keyboardist Mike Willison wanted to continue making music together. A trip to the U.K. made them aware of electronica's growing influence and popularity, and inspired the duo to incorporate samplers and keyboards into their guitar-driven sound. The band expanded into a quartet with the addition of lead guitarist Dave Suh and drummer Jason Batchko and signed to Bomb Trax/Island after playing a few gigs. Caviar appeared on the Gone in 60 Seconds soundtrack before releasing their self-titled debut album in mid-2000. Despite some critical acclaim, Caviar didn't fare well commercially, and it was another four years before the band resurfaced with The Thin Mercury Sound on Aezra/EMI. ~ Heather Phares