Danish indie rock outfit Figurines formed in the mid-'90s around childhood friends vocalist/guitarist Christian Hjelm, bassist Andreas Toft, and guitarist/vocalist Claus Salling Johansen in their hometown of Aalborg. Boasting a lo-fi sound with elements of bands like Modest Mouse, Pavement, and Built to Spill, the band's debut EP sold out quickly, resulting in a deal with Denmark indie Morningside Records. By the year's end, drummer Kristian Volden had joined the group and the quartet began recording its debut, Shake a Mountain, which was released in 2003. Their follow-up effort, Skeleton, was issued in April 2005. A fifth member, Mads Kjærgaard (synth, guitar, vocals) would eventually join the group as well. ~ Corey Apar