Israel Nebeker and his band had the unenviable task of following up a lauded debut LP that was both a critic’s darling and an indie fan favorite.
Portland, Ore.-based Blind Pilot’s debut, 2008′s “3 Rounds and a Sound,” captured our imaginations and introduced us to an important new songwriter, Nebeker, whose fresh approach to literate chamber-pop music was both emotional and impressionistic. The record grew as the band got the word out, first via a self-produced bicycle tour of the West Coast and later via opening slots for the Decemberists and large festival appearances.