Giant Drag

Annie Hardy conceived the dreamy-yet-tough indie rock of Los Angeles outfit Giant Drag, shaping insightful lyrics and layered guitar tones that recall My Bloody Valentine, the Breeders, PJ Harvey, and Mazzy Star. Before pursuing her own project, Hardy handled keyboards in the regional group Shrinkwrap. Once several songs were finished, she enlisted drummer/keyboardist Micah Calabrese; after testing other possible additions, the pair chose to continue strictly as a duo. Giant Drag contributed to the Fold compilation and developed an audience in the U.K., prompting noted indie label Wichita to sign them. The Lemona EP appeared in 2004, after which Eli replaced Calabrese on drums and keyboards. Early 2005 brought the EP’s U.S. release, and September marked the arrival of the band’s first full-length album, Hearts & Unicorns.