The Antlers

The Antlers

The Antlers are an indie rock group from Brooklyn, United States, active since 2006. The band centres on Peter Silberman, with a line-up that includes Nicholas Shelestak, Justin Stivers, Darby Cicci, Michael Lerner and Silberman. Their sound is associated with indie rock, slowcore, chamber pop and dream pop.

Formation and early releases

The Antlers begin as a solo project for vocalist and guitarist Peter Silberman after he moves to Brooklyn. He writes the first two albums, Uprooted and In the Attic of the Universe, under his own name before recruiting Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci and turning the project into a full band. The group also releases the EPs Cold War and New York Hospitals.

Hospice and wider recognition

Hospice becomes the band’s first full-length album and is built around a narrative about an abusive relationship told through the perspective of a hospice worker caring for a patient with bone cancer. Silberman describes the record as largely autobiographical. It is initially released independently and receives strong critical attention for both its story and musicianship, appearing on several album-of-the-year lists. The band later signs with French Kiss Records, which releases a remastered edition of the album.

Later work

The Antlers follow Hospice with Burst Apart, which also receives strong critical reception, and then tour internationally in support of it. They release the remix-and-covers EP (together), made with several collaborating artists, and the four-song EP Undersea. Their fifth studio album, Familiars, follows in 2014 and is also well received. The discography continues with Green to Gold in 2021.

Personnel and recording details

Silberman provides vocals and guitar, Michael Lerner plays drums and percussion, and Darby Cicci plays keyboards, trumpet and bowed banjo. Justin Stivers contributes bass guitar on Hospice, and Timothy Mislock is listed as a touring player on bass guitar and guitar.