In 1994, Ryan Rapsys, of Heroic Doses, started a solo project, called Euphone, where he'd experiment with a improvisational mix of progressive jazz and rock. He played live shows with just a drum kit, a sequencer and a keyboard and released his first album, Euphone, in 1997. Heroic Doses band mate Nick Macri later joined Rapys making Euphone a duo. The two released the album The Calendar of Unlucky Days in 1999. Euphone's sound follows in the footsteps of other Casey Rice-produced Chicago bands, such as Tortoise and the Sea and Cake. A sophomore effort Hashin' It Out was released in fall 2000. ~ Tracy Frey, All Music Guide