Formed in the fall of 1995, by guitarists Will Salazar and Damon DeLaPaz, and singer Carl Lockstedt. However, Carl's tenure was shortlived after recruiting bassist Adam Lewis and drummer Donnie Reyes. At this point, Salazar took over vocal duties.

In 1996, the four-piece band released their debut EP on Houston-based record label Fuzzgun Records. The band then sent their demo to various labels, almost signing to Mojo Records, but they got a deal with Drive-Thru Records to be the first band on the fledgling label. The band released their eponymous debut in 1997 on Drive-Thru, toured the United States, getting increased airplay for their song Speechless, and catching the ear of MCA Records.

In 1999, when the band were transitioning to MCA, estate of late actor River Phoenix supposedly filed a cease and desist order against the band, barring further usage of the name Riverfenix. Though the band never saw evidence of the order, they became Fenix TX, re-recording most of their prior album.