Unified Theory (band) Thorn and Shinn then regrouped with Smith and began recording material. It was during recording that Smith invited friend, and former Pearl Jam drummer, Dave Krusen to record with them, with Krusen eventually joining the lineup permanently, forming Luma in mid-1998. The following year, they released a four-song self-titled EP through their website, and toured the Pacific Northwest from July 29–August 18, the same year. By the end of the year, Luma changed their name to Unified Theory, named after Albert Einstein's final hypothesis unified field theory. By 2000, Unified Theory signed with Universal Records subsidiary 3.33 Music Group while
Unified Theory (band) only. "Unified Theory" went on to sell over 16,000 albums by 2002. "California" and "Wither" were both released as singles. However, with the exception of Seattle, most major market radio stations avoided playing "California." Critically, the album received generally positive reviews. Reviewing for Allmusic, Greg Prato stated that "Unified Theory's self-titled debut shows that Shinn has brought a more modern rock sound to the proceedings, mixing Jeff Buckley and Radiohead with Smith and Thorn's retro rock stylings" and that the "12-track debut is a refreshing break from the norm." Lina Lecaro, of the "Los Angeles Times", describes the album as