The Cave Singers

• Genre: Indie/Alternative
• Hometown: Seattle

About

Nearly everything about the Cave Singers reeks of the Pacific Northwest -- coarse lumberjack vocals blend with acoustic melodies like rocky terrain melting into the sea. The Seattle band has tapped into its homeland's mysticism with a mix of brute and beauty that looks to tradition for inspiration. Frontman Pete Quirk's gruff howls cut through the trio's foot-stomping beats, tambourine taps and acoustic picks, providing a sound that takes on both classic rock and traditional folk, like Fleetwood Mac and Woody Guthrie bunking together in the mountains. The three members broke off from the bands Pretty Girls Make Graves (Derek Fudesco), Hint Hint (Pete Quirk) and Cobra High (Marty Lund) to form the Cave Singers in 2007. They signed to indie label Matador Records and released their debut album, Invitation Songs, that same year. After a long bout of touring alongside bands like Department of Eagles, they released their second album, Welcome Joy, in 2009.

- Stephanie Benson