Band History

Pleasant Grove, named for Southeast Dallas neighborhood, was formed by co-vocalists / guitarists Bret Egner and Marcus Striplin. They were drawn together by a vision to write and play music that captured raw melancholy melodies laid out over slow spacious rhythmic harmonies. With a revolving door of drummers and bassists, Pleasant Grove released their debut album, Pleasant Grove, on Last Beat Records in 1999.

Germany's Glitterhouse Records caught Pleasant Grove's stunning SXSW 2000 Music Showcase. The label quickly snapped up the band and released their self titled CD in Europe.

Pleasant Grove's line-up solidified with the addition of Jeff Ryan (drums), Tony Hormilosa (bass) and Joe Butcher (pedal steel). With the new rhythm section on board they began work on their next album. As the album took shape it was evident to the band that the music was going in a new direction. The original vision, however, was not lost, but rather expounded upon. The new album, Auscultation of the Heart, was released on Glitterhouse in January 2002.

Information from the band's site

Members

• Marcus Striplin: guitar, piano, vocals
• Bret Egner: guitar, percussion, piano, vocals
• Joe Butcher: keyboards, organ, pedal steel guitar
• Tony Hormilosa: bass

Former Members

• Jeff Ryan: drums, percussion
• Paul Burrough: drums

Albums

• Pleasant Grove
  
• Auscultation of the Heart
  
• The Art of Leaving
  

Sound Description

The down-and-out ache of Texas country flowing with the sonic outbursts of an electric Neil Young, the Flaming Lips or an out of control Alex Chilton.

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Related Links

• MySpace
• Live video: Marcus Striplin and Sarah Jaffe