Biography
Formed in 2004, the Daredevil Christopher Wright originated with brothers Jon and Jason Sunde. Jason handled vocals and bass while Jon covered vocals and guitar; Eau Claire, Wisconsin, musician Jesse Edgington soon joined on vocals and percussion. Together they shaped a distinctive indie approach rooted in late-'60s British folk and the Laurel Canyon folk scene. Their self-titled debut EP appeared as a self-release in September 2005, followed in November 2008 by the three-song EP The East Coast, steeped in communal and freak-folk sensibilities. Amble Down Records issued the band's first full-length, In Deference to a Broken Back, in May 2009; nine of its eleven tracks were mixed by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Several songs drew partial inspiration from Jason's experience with a debilitating back injury. After his recovery the group maintained an active schedule that included opening slots for Bon Iver, appearances at the Midwestern indie festival Pygmalion, and a Daytrotter session. Their second full-length, The Nature of Things, arrived in 2012.