This San Francisco band began in 1997 when songwriter and guitarist Elissa Daly met vocalist Bobby Rooney, bassist Ingrid Smart and drummer Eric Froshneider. Rehearsing at Downtown Rehearsal Studios, Kumquat's goal was to create avant garde rock with plenty of effects, feedback and distortion. A two-hour set was practiced and perfected and the group began performing at various clubs and parties. While gaining praise for its live show, Froshneider wasn't enthused with the band's direction and left the group. He was replaced with Billy Davison. Relocating to Merlin Studios, Kumquat met members of The Signal who offered its recording space to them. A 7" release, The Fallen Child Porn Star, was the end result. The band were about to tour the Northwestern United States in support of the release when Davison quit Kumquat. He was replaced by former Bully Pulpit West drummer Allan Canumay. In 2001, Kumquat released its debut album Indie Rock 4evR. Recorded at Roof Brother Studios in Oakland, the group recorded the album using two-inch analog tape. The band have often been compared to Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth. ~ Jason MacNeil