Shh Ores were formed in 2009 in the Richmond District of San Francisco. Inspired by post-rock transmigrations of bands such as Tarentel, Stars of the Lid, and Flying Saucer Attack as well as by electronic acts like Black Dog, Plastikman, and DJ Shadow, founding member Jude Morris had been developing an approach to songwriting that integrated experimental turntablism, samplescapes, and electronic compositions. Jude approached his friend Will Pritikin (a garage rock bassist who blended his jazz and improvisation background with a psychedelic thrash sound) with the idea of forming a full band. Alex Darr, a didgeridoo and percussion aficionado with diverse interests in electroacoustics and outdoor performance art, joined soon thereafter, followed promptly by guitarist Nathan Ladd, who brought his own unique interests in surf, pyschedelic, and hypnotic fret experimentations in the vein of Skip Spence, Neil Young, and Syd Barrett. Drummer Sean Degaetano completed the band, contributing a rich foundation for the band’s sound rooted in his work in SF’s early shoegaze scene—together his own keen interest in acoustic experimentation, via such instruments as the bow guitars, pedal sets, and the saw. The group played primarily in art galleries and alternative venues around the Bay Area, including participation in the 2010 Green Sound festival hosted by Project Soundwave. Shh Ores frequently collaborated with experimental filmmakers (particularly Jaakko Vilpponen and Kerry Laitala) and other Bay Area artists, often incorporating their work and support into both their songwriting and their performances.