Notable for their pioneering synthesis of acoustic instruments and electronic textures, the British acid jazz trio
Red Snapper comprised guitarist
David Ayers, double bassist
Ali Friend and drummer
Richard Thair. Formed in 1993, the group's debut EP The Snapper appeared the following spring; after two more EPs, Swank and Hot Flush,
Red Snapper signed to the acclaimed Warp Records label, where their early singles were later compiled as
Reeled and Skinned. The full-length
Prince Blimey was released in 1996, followed two years later by their American debut
Making Bones. After releasing one more LP,
Our Aim Is to Satisfy Red Snapper, the trio split in 2002. (
Thair formed a new band,
Toob, while
Friend worked on a soundtrack and
Ayers collaborated with
Alan McGee and
Felix Tod.) Compilations, remix albums, and stray tracks satisfied the faithful until a 2007 reunion and a 2008 studio record,
Pale Blue Dot. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide