All about this artist
Biography:
US indie rock band formed in 2005 by Brian Aubert (vocals/guitar), Nikki Monninger (vocals/bass), Christopher Guanlao (drums) and Joe Lester (keyboards). Originating from the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles, California, the line-up was drawn from several local bands and drew its name from a liquor store on Silver Lake Boulevard and Sunset.
Having built up a loyal following with its unabashedly retro take on classic US indie rock, the quartet made its recording debut on the California-based independent label Dangerbird Records, with 2005's Pikul EP. In addition to the EP's seven normal length songs there were 16 untitled bursts of music interspersed between the sixth and seventh tracks.
The opening "Kissing Families" captured the band at its best, with the music and Aubert's vocals blending perfectly to create an air of barely concealed tension. The quartet's full-length debut Carnavas followed in July 2006. At times eerily reminiscent of 90s alt rock favourites the Smashing Pumpkins, the album demonstrated both the quartet's impressive musicianship and their ability to craft winning melodies and hooklines.
