Okkervil River

Okkervil River is an indie rock and folk rock group from Austin, United States, formed in 1998. The band takes its name from a short story by Russian writer Tatyana Tolstaya. Its line-up changes over time, but members associated with the group include Will Sheff, Justin Sherburn, Brian Cassidy, Lauren Gurgiolo, Frank LoCrasto, Jonathan Meiburg, Travis Nelsen, Patrick Pestorius, Mike St.Clair, Cully Symington, Zach Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Seth Warren and Scott Brackett.

History and releases

The band self-releases its first album, Stars Too Small to Use, and that record leads to an invitation to perform at South by Southwest. After recording that debut in a garage, Okkervil River signs to Jagjaguwar. It then releases a run of albums and EPs, including Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See, Down the River of Golden Dreams, Sleep and Wake-Up Songs and Sham Wedding/Hoax Funeral, the latter a split release with Shearwater.

Black Sheep Boy becomes one of the group’s best-known records and is followed by Black Sheep Boy Appendix. After touring for that album, the band releases The Stage Names, followed by The Stand-Ins. Later albums include I Am Very Far, The Silver Gymnasium, Away and In The Rainbow Rain. The group also issues a free covers release, Golden Opportunities Mixtape, based on live performances.

Style and recognition

Okkervil River is noted for lyrics, detailed instrumentation and concept-driven albums. Its music receives positive critical attention and it appears on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. The band also performs with acts including The Decemberists, The New Pornographers, The National and Lou Reed.

Personnel

At different points the group includes Will Sheff on vocals, guitar and harmonica; Travis Nelsen on drums and percussion; Scott Brackett on trumpet, cornet, keyboards, organ, tape player and percussion; Patrick Pestorius on bass, piano and woodblocks; Justin Sherburn on keys and guitar; Lauren Gurgiolo on electric guitar, pedal steel and mandolin; and former members such as Jonathan Meiburg, Brian Cassidy, Seth Warren, Zachary Thomas and Mark Pedini.