Though Christian indie rock may have its detractors, there is no doubt that the genre once boasted an incredibly fertile, high quality set of artists, particularly Pedro the Lion. Although the scene has died down since its height, the members have moved on to various other projects, and in some cases, beliefs, there’s no denying that they made some great music along the way.
Years later, some of the subgenre’s best and brightest have formed a supergroup by the name of Lo Tom. The band’s lineup is an absolutely phenomenal collection of artists — David Bazan of Pedro the Lion playing bass and vocals, Pedro the Lion bandmate TW Walsh and Starflyer 59’s Jason Martin on guitars, and His Name Is Alive’s Trey Many of drums.
Even better than the lineup is the fact that the music actually sounds really good. Like classic Pedro the Lion, the band’s lead single “Overboard” is a straight-ahead rock song that embraces subtlety over studio theatrics. The track will scratch the itch for anyone who’s been missing Bazan’s voice over chugging distorted guitars. “Don’t stop on account of me,” he sings, “I don’t live there anymore.”
“Overboard” is the kind of Pacific Northwest indie rock you may expect from this lineup. Listen to it below as you wait for their self-titled debut to be released July 14 via Barsuk. Also below is a chart with all the bands Lo Tom’s members have been in.