L.A.'s Crystal Method are a dance-based electronic duo with a definite rock band feel. What makes the group distinct is their solid base in American hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop.
Formed in 1993 by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, Crystal Method is the most recent stop in a string of projects that led them from their native Las Vegas (and some forgettable four-track stabs at vocal house music), to the early-'90s L.A. rave scene.
Drawn in by its youthful idealism, Jordan and Kirkland became absorbed by L.A.'s underground club culture and began knocking out tracks inspired by their experiences.
On the strength of one of their demos, Crystal Method signed to Steve Melrose and Justin King's City of Angels imprint in 1994, and their debut single, "Keep Hope Alive", appeared soon after.
The pair's demand to be taken seriously as a band (as opposed to the enforced anonymity of most techno acts, and something of a new concept for American dance producers) extended to incessant live performances, and Crystal Method's increasing popularity both in the clubs and among radio jocks led to a deal with Geffen affiliate Outpost Recordings in 1996.
The group's debut LP, Vegas -- an unabashed party record bathed in acid, funk, rock, and big beat hip-hop -- appeared in mid-1997 and sold very well. The follow-up Tweekend was released four years later, and the duo inaugurated a series of mix albums (Community Service) in 2002.
Their next release, 2004’s Legion of Boom (V2 Records) earned The Crystal Method their first ever Grammy nomination in the newly-instated “Best Electronic/Dance Album” category and encompassed eclectic collaborations with former Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland, rapper Rahzel of The Roots, San Francisco poet Hanifah Walidah (aka Shä-key) and Lisa Kekaula, singer for Los Angeles’ indie stalwarts The Bell Rays.
One of the most recognizable collaborations however was the single "Born Too Slow", a ravishing track that mashes up heavy metal bluster with a roaring bassline featuring the vocals of John Garcia, one-time frontman for California desert rockers Kyuss.
Today, The Crystal Method have distinguished themselves as two of the most recognizable faces in the American electronic music landscape, boasting over a million-and-a-half in album sales combined between all their releases.