First Nation

Intuitively fusing elements of folk, noise, and pop fragments into a cohesive yet exploratory sound, the New York City trio First Nation centers on singer/guitarists Nina Mehta and Kate Rosko alongside percussionist Melissa Livaudais. Mehta and Rosko, already accustomed to performing as a duo, connected with their mutual acquaintance Livaudais—who had previously played in Wikkid and maintains an ongoing role in Telepathe—to begin informal sessions. The group devoted roughly twelve months to refining an approach built on overlapping vocal lines, repeating guitar motifs, and dynamic, unpredictable percussion before launching into concerts, with their first appearance occurring at a tsunami benefit concert during January 2005; subsequent bills placed them alongside Excepter and Gang Gang Dance. Animal Collective noticed the band, resulting in a contract with the Paw Tracks label and an invitation to join their touring schedule. The single Coronation surfaced in the first part of 2006, followed by the album First Nation later that summer. Once Livaudais departed and Abby Portner—sister of Animal Collective member Dave Portner—stepped in, the lineup reworked its aesthetic and carried forward under the name Rings.