It was the perfect late September night for an outdoor show at Sacramento Valley Amphitheater. The sky was clear, the temperature perfect and a sense of anticipation was in the air as eager fans awaited the first glimpse of Unified Theory, the band opening up for Live and what was supposed to be the headlining band, Counting Crows (they canceled due to illness).

The performance was riveting as Unified Theory, gentle but persuasive, swept through their set, which included their first release, “California,” and the dreamy number, “Cessna.” Though their name might seem unfamiliar, the members of Unified Theory are no strangers to the music scene. The band combines lead singer/guitarist Chris Shinn with guitarist Christopher Thorn and bassist Brad Smith, both formerly of Blind Melon, and former Pearl Jam drummer, Dave Krusen. The band has been together for two years, though, according to Thorn, “(they) were underground for a while.” In an effort to prove to listeners that they aren’t a new Blind Melon-meets-Pearl Jam, the underground time gave the band the ability to form a “clear image without it being changed by other opinions,” Thorn said. Their self-titled debut album was recorded in Seattle where the band has their own studio, though by now they have all migrated to Los Angeles.

Unified Theory is named after Einstein?s Unified Theory, which according to Thorn, was “the last one he was working on before he died. In a seventh-grade version, he was trying to connect everything, to connect quantum theory with the theory of relativity.” Thorn takes it as meaning “All in one,” adding that it had a “beautiful, positive sound to it.”

Unified Theory indeed has a very calming, dreamy effect to their music, especially when seeing them perform live. Thorn said he hopes their music is “ethereal?and makes people feel like they want to float.” He also said that the band enjoys promoting peace rather than aggression, much like some of the more popular bands of today do, i.e. Korn and Rage Against the Machine. (He did say that he enjoys those bands.)

One of the highlights of Unified Theory?s performance was when their friends, Live, came out to perform with them.

The harmony and charisma they shared onstage was evident to anyone in the crowd. “We had the best time (touring with Live and the Counting Crows). It was really, really fun,” Thorn said. “Everyone was totally cool to us.” Thorn worked with Live on their last record and “did some touring” with them, as well.

Unified Theory promotes a positive environment on and off the stage, which was evident in the smiles on the faces of the crowd and the pacificity with which they interacted. No pushing, fighting, moshing, or elbows in the gut as you worked your way to the front to catch a glimpse of Chris Shinn?s dreadlocks. The band also answers e-mail every day.

“Sometimes 400 messages are in the inbox and (we) attempt to get to them all,” Thorn said. Just in case you were wondering (as I did on my way to the concert) what performers thought of the location of Sac Valley Amphitheater, Thorn said, “it wasn?t odd” to play out in the middle of nowhere and that many venues had the same kind of locale. He also added that, “(they) had a great time playing there. An exceptionally good time,” and that “(he) felt much love” from the crowd.

Unified Theory just wrapped up their tour with V.A.S.T. Thursday, at The Roxy in Los Angeles.