The eclectic electronica-psych-folk collective the Blue Whale is led by Japanese singer/songrwriter Mars, who also played with E-Trance and the Boom Boom Satellites. The group also counts ex-Ultra Bide members Tada (drums, bass, acoustic guitar) and Satoru (bass) among its members, along with former Blonde Redhead bassist/vocalist Maki and former Contortions member Paula on saxophone and vocals. The Blue Whale's Shimmy Disc albums -- Congregation, The Blue Whale and 2000's Wind Runs Through It -- showcase the group's hypnotic, involving ballads and epic jams. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi