Following the death of singer Shannon Hoon in 1995, former Blind Melon members Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith moved to Seattle and began working on a new project.
However, after meeting former Celia Green singer Chris Shinn, they regrouped with Smith in Seattle and, with the addition of former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen, formed Luma in 1998.
[1] The band released two studio albums, Blind Melon and Soup, before singer Shannon Hoon died of a drug overdose in 1995.
[2][3] Smith and Thorn moved to Seattle, Washington following Hoon's death,[4] with the band taking extended break, releasing Nico, a rarities compilation album, in 1996.
[1][7] After listening to several singers,[3] Thorn met vocalist Chris Shinn, during his time as touring guitarist with Live, after hearing an album by his previous band Celia Green.
[12] The album was recorded at Stank Face Laboratories and Lucky Dog Studios in Seattle, and was produced by both Thorn and Smith,[5] and mixed by Andy Wallace.
[13] Jon Bolton and Matthew Steer contributed additional drums to the recording, while string arrangements were handled by Dave Dysart.
[14] In June, Unified Theory shot a music video for their first single "California" with director Bobby G,[12] before touring the US in July.
[12] The band's debut album entitled Unified Theory was released on August 15, 2000, through 3.33 Music Group in North America only.
"[20] Classic Rock stated that the band's "self-titled debut has to be one of the most exciting, spiritual albums of recent times" and that "their sound combines flashes of the off-the-wall genius that was Blind Melon's calling card, the odd reminder of the 90s Seattle scene and a whole host of fascinating influences.
"[16] Following the breakup of Unified Theory, Smith released his debut solo album Mercy, under the alias Abandon Jalopy, in 2001.
[31] Krusen would go on to form Novatone with guitarist Robert Lyons and former Green Apple Quick Step singer Tyler Willman, releasing their debut album entitled Time Can't Wait in 2005.
[2][41] The band performed at the MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert and announced plans to tour in support of their album.