At the time of their 1985 debut, Camper Van Beethovens merging of punk, folk, ska, and world musics was truly a revelation. Self-described as surrealist absurdist folk, the band formed in Santa Cruz, CA, after singer/songwriter David Lowery of Redlands, CA, with his dry humor and valley-boy voice (sometimes confused for a faux English accent), and boyhood friends Chris Molla and Chris Pedersen disbanded Box o Laffs. Victor Krummenacher was added on bass and soon they were joined by Greg Lisher (guitar) and Jonathan Segel (violins, keyboards, mandolin). It was Segels violin that would prove to be the bands hallmark at a time when alternative rock had yet to be invented, and indie rock was still shy of roots music or traditional elements.