[4] They eventually formed Veruca Salt with bassist Steve Lack and drummer Jim Shapiro, and the four had been a full band less than a year when they signed with the independent label Minty Fresh.

"Seether" became a hit on college and alternative radio stations, and the band recorded the album American Thighs with producer Brad Wood.

Nick Kelly of Hot Press said, "Given that this is their first record, you can't help asking yourself how a band so young can sing songs so good.

"[16] Eric Gladstone of CMJ New Music Monthly wrote that "the album works an infectious formula: thick harmonies layered over attack-formation guitars and drums, with lyrics shifting from childlike innocence to guiltless brutality.

[17] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called American Thighs "a pure pop album masquerading as the next big thing.