Art rock band Untied States was formed in the early 21st century by childhood friends Colin Arnstein and Skip Engelbrecht, both of whom are from Sarasota, FL, but relocated to Atlanta, GA, in 1997. Mixing elements of traditional rock with sonic experimentalism, the group self-released its debut EP, Bird of the Blood Feather, in 2003 and followed with a full-length album, Ineffable, by Design, in 2004. The two recordings earned positive reviews and college radio play, expanding Untied States' exposure throughout the American Southeast. Meanwhile, Untied States had expanded in personnel, adding drummer Jim Early so that they could perform live. The lineup then grew to include bassist Andy Jones and guitarist Lindell Todd. Early and Todd eventually departed, and Wade Page was added as drummer, so that the group was consolidated into a quartet. They released their second album, Retail Detail, on May 2, 2006. ~ William Ruhlmann