Brian Aubert (guitar/vocals), Nikki Monninger (bass), Christopher Guanlao (drums), and Joe Lester (keyboards) comprise the swarthy indie rock stylings of
Silversun Pickups. The quartet's textured melodies capture the hypnotic dream pop threads of
My Bloody Valentine and pop bitter sweetness of
Earlimart, and such a blend has wowed their native L.A. since 2005. Silversun Pickups issued their debut release, the six-song Pikul EP that same year while shared show dates with the likes of
Brendan Benson,
Dead Meadow,
Two Gallants, and
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club followed into 2006. Produced by Dave Cooley (Rolling Blackouts, Citizen King,
Smash Mouth), their full-length debut
Carnavas, arrived in July. The group got the word out with some intensive international touring throughout 2006 and 2007, supporting
OK Go and
Snow Patrol in the U.S. and
Foo Fighters and
Kaiser Chiefs in the U.K. and Europe. Their second full-length, Swoon, hit the shelves in 2009 and made a strong showing with its first single, "Panic Switch." Also out in 2009 was the five-track sampler Connect Set. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, Rovi