Fronted by Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt (graduates of Shrimp Boat and the Coctails respectively), the Sea & Cake were one of the first Chicago post-rock bands, debuting before the term was even known. Their atmospheric, low-key sound feels strangely rootless even as it incorporates influences from bossa nova, '60s and '70s pop, and electronic music. From 1994 on, they established themselves as thoroughly contemporary, forward-looking pop pioneers.