The Chicago-based jazz-funk fusion ensemble
Isotope 217 featured guitarist
Jeff Parker along with percussionists
John Herndon and
Dan Bitney, all three better known for their work in
Tortoise; the roster on the group's 1997 Thrill Jockey label debut
The Unstable Molecule also includes trumpeter
Rob Mazurek, bassist
Matt Lux, and trombonist
Sara P. Smith. Utonian Automatic followed in 1999, along with a split collaboration with Commander Mindfuck and
Designer. A year later, Who Stole the I Walkman was released. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide