Kat Onoma

The French ensemble of Kat Onoma were nearly veterans in their homeland before their everywhere instrumentals and abstract vocals hit American shores. The band's name, which translates to "like our name says," debuted in the states with a 2001 self-titled album. The release was produced by U.K.'s, Ian Caple, who had previously worked with Tricky and also the Tendersticks. With Caple on board the album lead the group into a balanced sound of riffing guitars from member Rodolphe Burger and electronic drums weighed with Phillipe Poirier's deep, moody vocals. The album also marked a return by Burger and Poirier to the group after taking time off to work on solo projects.