We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines are an indie rock group from Brooklyn, New York, active from 2011 to 2016. The band forms around William McCarthy and Eric Sanderson, with Rob Allen later added to the line-up. Their sound is listed as alternative rock and indie rock.

Formation and background

After the break-up of their former band Pela, McCarthy and Sanderson continue working on songs originally intended for Pela’s second studio album. They team up with former Pela bandmates Tomislav Zovich and Nate Martinez and record their first material under the name We Are Augustines. McCarthy is the guitarist and lead voice, and Sanderson is a multi-instrumentalist.

Releases and name change

The group first releases Rise Ye Sunken Ships digitally, then physically later the same year. Rob Allen joins after the album is recorded. The band later shortens its name to Augustines before the release of its self-titled second album. A third album, This Is Your Life, follows in 2016.

Split and later activity

The band announces its split in 2016 and plays its final show at the Liverpool Academy in England. That performance is broadcast on Facebook Live. Their story is later documented in Todd Howe’s film RISE. In 2023 and 2024, members begin to tease a reunion.