Singer

Chicago indie rockers Singer prioritize restoring originality to the genre over the construction of conventional hooks, resulting in a sound whose eccentricity nearly matches the group's unusual name. Fragmented and disjointed lyrics define their tracks, which follow atypical forms that drift alongside rhythms without developing into clear melodies or recognizable choruses. Although the quartet employs standard instrumentation of bass, guitars, drums, and occasional Rhodes, the centerpiece remains a twisting falsetto vocal line delivered collectively by all four members. Prior to the band's formation, Robert Lowe, Todd Rittman, Adam Vida, and Ben Vida had each established themselves through performances in various local Chicago acts. As Adam Vida and Todd Rittman's art-punk outfit U.S. Maple began to wind down, they invited Adam's brother Ben—previously active in Bird Show and Town and Country—to join. An initial rehearsal proved unsuccessful, as Ben struggled to integrate with the others' already cohesive approach honed over years of collaboration. Rather than abandon the effort, the musicians enlisted Lowe, who had earlier joined Ben on tour for the latter's solo work. This addition produced an oddly unbalanced dynamic that allowed the songs to evolve into a distinctive form, drawing splintered elements from freak folk culture, psychedelia, free jazz, and indie rock. Drag City soon signed the group and issued its debut album, Unhistories, in March of 2008.