BNQT

In 2013, BNQT—pronounced "banquet"—came together through the exchange of files over email, drawing its personnel from prominent indie rock outfits on both sides of the Atlantic: Band of Horses, Franz Ferdinand, Travis, Midlake, and Grandaddy. The project unites the primary vocalists from each of these ensembles—Ben Bridwell, Alex Kapranos, Fran Healy, Eric Pulido, and Jason Lytle—with Pulido initiating contact among the group. Characterized by consistent melodic appeal and prominent guitar work, the collective issued its first single, "Restart," during January 2017. That April saw the arrival of their inaugural album, Vol. 1, issued via Bella Union and Dualtone.