The Standard

Originating in Portland, The Standard first performed live in 1999. Vocalist/guitarist Tim Putnam, keyboardist Jay Clarke, bassist Rob Oberdorfer, and drummer Rob Duncan had previously crossed paths in assorted local groups that covered a range of styles, and together in The Standard they fused those influences into the band’s moody, unpredictable indie rock approach. Their self-titled album surfaced on Barbaric in 2001, with the Touch & Go release August following a year later. The group then shifted to Yep Roc for the strong 2004 effort Wire Post to Wire, and Albatross appeared in 2005.