The Tarantulas came together in 1996 when the Orlando, FL, natives Randy J and Chris Valentino first combined forces. Playing acoustic guitar and drums respectively, both earned bassist Loran Lea, who was simply soon changed by Ken Baugh. Collectively, the trio come up with the surf rock and roll record Monster Influx… 100 Ft. Large! in 1999. Released the same yr, the recording sparked several tours and resulted in the band starting focus on their second recording.