by Margaret Reges Sneaker Pimps founding member Chris Corner began performing as the drippingly seductive electro-pop persona IAMX in 2003. Adopting the trappings of mid-'80s electro-pop and new wave acts like New Order, the Cure, and Depeche Mode with his pounding, reverb-swathed, synth-washed compositions, Corner's work as IAMX represented a notable departure from his work with the Sneaker Pimps. His first full-length as IAMX, Kiss & Swallow, was released on Recall in 2004; the sophomore IAMX album, The Alternative, followed on Major two years later. Both albums featured a dark, vampirish sensibility and dealt with topics like alternative sexuality and drug use.