Shark Quest

Chapel Hill, NC, quintet Shark Quest plays eclectic instrumental rock geared toward the alternative market. Their music draws from atmospheric soundtrack music (Ennio Morricone being one likely overused reference point), folk music, desert twang, and bits of other genres. Although pretty guitar-oriented, they also employ banjo and mandolin (played by Sara Bell), as well as occasional cello, keyboards, and vibes. Their debut Battle of the Loons was released in 1998. Their second album, 2000's Man on Stilts, was produced by Brian Paulson who has worked with Wilco, Son Volt, Slint, and Squirrel Nut Zippers).