Pleasant Grove

In the closing years of the 1990s, Pleasant Grove surfaced in Dallas by fusing expansive, theatrical arrangements with the earthy twang typical of alt-country ensembles. Marcus Striplin and Bret Egner divided frontman responsibilities from the outset, each demonstrating solid abilities on vocals and guitar, while the remainder of the five-piece lineup comprised Tony Hormillosa, Chris Mayes, and Jeff Ryan. The group created an immediate stir with its appearance at the South by Southwest festival in 2000. Germany's Glitterhouse Records responded by issuing the band's self-titled debut the following February, followed by the second album, Auscultation of the Heart, in December. Throughout the opening months of 2002 the musicians toured extensively in America and Europe, prompting British outlets to liken their sound to that of the Silver Jews, Mercury Rev, and the Handsome Family. Once back in the States they secured a deal with Portland's Badman Recording Co. and delivered their third full-length, The Art of Leaving, in summer 2004. Pleasant Grove sustained its road schedule over the ensuing years until Striplin relocated from Texas to New York City in April 2008.