Unified Theory (band)
Unified Theory | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Luma |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Years active | 1998–2000 |
| Labels | Universal |
| Past members | Chris Shinn Christopher Thorn Brad Smith Dave Krusen |
Unified Theory was a rock supergroup, made up of two former members of Blind Melon (bassist Brad Smith and guitarist Christopher Thorn), ex-Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen, and Chris Shinn on vocals and guitar.
History
Unified Theory began to form in early 1998. After the first plan to carry on Blind Melon with a new singer did not work out, Smith and Thorn decided to start a new band. Thorn came across Shinn after moving to Los Angeles to scout vocalists.
"Chris has an exceptional voice. I was blown away," says Thorn, "You have to like people you're working with. We wanted someone with personality and a voice. He's a fun guy and I was completely floored by his songs."
Krusen, the drummer on Pearl Jam's album Ten, was already friends with Thorn and Smith. Krusen joined Unified Theory after touring with Candlebox.
Unified Theory was originally called Luma, they issued a four-track CD through their website in 1999. After they were signed to Universal Records later that year, they changed their name to Unified Theory after the theory Albert Einstein was working on when he died.
In August 2000 the band issued their self-titled debut album. While working on tracks for a second album, delays set the band back, and Krusen grew somewhat frustrated and left, leading to Unified Theory's eventual break-up.
Brad Smith and Christopher Thorn reunited with the remaining two members of Blind Melon, recruiting Travis T. Warren to perform lead vocals for Blind Melon's return. Chris Shinn toured with his band, Everything Is Energy. Dave Krusen's band, Novatone, released their second album.
The band have since announced plans to release a new album consisting of the recorded material for the second album (some of which has never been heard) as well as songs from the Luma period. No timetable has been set for this release.[citation needed] Unified Theory has recently filmed a music video for the song "15 Hits", a song set to be released on their upcoming album.[citation needed] The group played a reunion show on August 4, 2010 at the King King in Hollywood
Comparison to Blind Melon
While recording, the band made a conscious effort to try and steer away from the Blind Melon sound. "I didn't want to repeat that sound because it would be too painful—a lot of time had passed between Blind Melon and Unified Theory. During this time we naturally evolved in our musical influence," states Smith. Smith also said, "Chris was the key to making my writing sound more modern. There was none of that hippie retro tag that Blind Melon had. Chris comes from a different school. He was listening to Peter Gabriel and The Last Temptation of Christ soundtrack. He brought in a whole new perspective, whereas I can play you every Allman Brothers song and all the Zeppelin catalog blindfolded!"[citation needed]
Discography
| Album | Type | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Unified Theory | Studio | Universal Records |
| Cinematic | Compilation | Universal Records |
| Luma | EP | None |
Singles
| Song | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|
| "California" | Unified Theory | 2000 |
| "Wither" | Unified Theory | 2000 |