Bryce Chambers, Sterling Williams, and Brian Brewer were fans of Echo & the Bunnymen, My Bloody Valentine, and Mogwai, and together they derived a lush, bittersweet sound. Goldenwest marked Ester Drang's debut in 2001; this shimmery masterpiece was a critical hit among the indie crowd and gained the trio shared dates with the likes of the Get Up Kids, Wheat, and the Starlight Mints. Three years later, Williams and Brewer were out; Kyle Winner (bass), Jeff Shoop (guitar/synths), and James McAlister (drums/piano) were added to the group, allowing Ester Drang's shoegazer-drenched style to grow. Infinite Keys, their first for Jade Tree, captured Ester Drang's newfound confidence when it was released in April 2003. Rocinate followed three years later. ~ MacKenzie Wilson