Eels

Biography

Offering a novel twist on the post-grunge and lo-fi norms of American indie rock, Eels hatched in the bohemian Echo Park area of Los Angeles in 1995. The band was the brainchild of E (Mark Oliver Everett, 10 April 1963, McLean, Virginia, USA; vocals, guitar, keyboards), who had previously recorded two acclaimed solo albums for Polydor Records in the early 90s, and drummer Butch Norton (b. Jonathan Norton, 21 March 1958, USA). After finding bass player Tommy Walter (b. 30 October 1970, Pasadena, California, USA) 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 US 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. The single and the follow-up ‘Susan’s...

Read the Full Biography of Eels