Olympia, WA experimental pop duo
the Need teamed singer/drummer
Rachel Carns (formerly of
Kicking Giant) and guitarist/bassist
Radio Sloan. Debuting in 1996 with a contribution to the
Destination compilation,
the Need issued a series of seven-inches on labels including Kill Rock Stars and Outpunk prior to releasing a self-titled full-length on Chainsaw in 1997; more compilation appeances preceded the appearance of their sophomore effort, 2000's
The Need Is Dead. That same year Carns and
Sloan also co-wrote the indie rock opera The Transfused -- first performed at Olympia's Capitol Theater, its soundtrack was also issued on Yo Yo. 2000 found
the Need busy touring Europe and North America with Blonde Redhead and working on a split single with
Le Tigre ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide