Roadkill Ghost Choir emerged as an indie rock outfit whose sound fuses the unhurried yet intense style typical of the genre with an undercurrent of Southern gothic atmosphere, expressed chiefly through banjo and pedal steel. Lead singer and principal songwriter Andrew Shepard assembled the group in DeLand, Florida during 2011 after securing a solo club date that prompted him to recruit additional musicians instead. The initial lineup drew from his circle of friends and family: Stephen Gaza on guitar, previously active in Introduction to Sunshine; brothers Zach Shepard on bass and Maxx Shepard on drums, both of whom had performed with the Quiet Men; Kiffy Meyer handling pedal steel and banjo, likewise a Quiet Men alumnus; and Joe Davoli contributing keys and trumpet from his time in Loud Valley. Satisfied with the results of that first performance, the players chose to keep collaborating, which marked the formation of Roadkill Ghost Choir. The ensemble quickly gained notice across Florida and expanded its reach with tours through the South and along the East Coast. In 2013 the band issued the Kickstarter-supported EP Quiet Light, whose favorable critical response and growing grassroots attention secured higher-profile engagements such as sets at Austin City Limits and Governor's Ball as well as an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. That same year Roadkill Ghost Choir began recording its debut full-length album, although the project concluded with the departure of Joe Davoli, reducing the group to a five-piece. During summer 2014 the quintet unveiled In Tongues and resumed an active touring schedule that included performances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
