by Kenyon Hopkin
Often compared to the early lo-fi eclectic mixtures of Beck, Portland, OR's Blitzen Trapper had already gone through various genres on its first few records. Led by guitarist/vocalist Eric Earley, the band is also comprised of Erik Menteer (guitar, keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums, vocals), Michael Van Pelt (bass), Drew Laughery (keyboard), and Marty Marquis (keyboard, vocals). The band self-released two albums, a self-titled effort in 2003 and Field Rexx in 2005. Wild Mountain Nation came out in mid-2007.