Combustible Edison emerged as a significant presence in the early 1990s, at the forefront of the lounge music revival that swept through the alternative music scene. They were characterized by their eclectic mix of exotica, jazz, swing, and bossa nova, filtered through a contemporary lens that reinterpreted the suave and campy cocktail culture of the 1950s and 60s for a new generation. Founded in Providence, Rhode Island, the group was originally formed by the multi-instrumentalist the Millionaire (Michael Cudahy), alongside vocalist Miss Lily Banquette (Liz Cox), and keyboardist Brother Cleve (Steve Coveney), with other members joining as the band evolved.

Their debut album "I, Swinger" was released in 1994 and is often hailed as a cornerstone of the lounge revival genre, an influence that heard echoes in the popular culture of the time, from films to advertising. Following up this debut, Combustible Edison produced several more albums, including "Schizophonic" in 1996 and "The Impossible World" in 1998. They also composed the soundtrack for the 1996 film "Four Rooms" which featured the song "Vertigogo," exemplifying their flair for cinematic and stylish instrumentations. Their blend of retro style with modern sensibilities made them darlings of the then-burgeoning alternative scene and gained them a cult following. Unfortunately, despite their distinctive sound and style, the band disbanded in the late '90s, but their legacy lives on through their music and the continued fascination with retro and lounge aesthetics they helped to re-popularize.