Headlights - Biography
By Marcus Kagler
When the extraordinary underrated space rock outfit Absinthe Blind ran out of steam in 2003, vocalist/keyboarist Erin Fein, bassist Brett Sanderson, and drummer Seth Fein formed the short lived indie rock group The Orphans. When former Absinthe Blind guitarist Tristan Wraight joined the ranks as the principle songwriter, the group changed their name to Headlights and set about crafting pastoral indie pop laced with flourishing electronic washes and lush orchestration anchored by Erin Fein and Wraight’s vocal harmonies. Seth Fein soon split from the group and Headlights soldiered on as a trio with Sanderson taking over percussion and Wraight pulling double duty on guitars and bass.
After self-releasing the The Enemies EP in 2004, the group hit the road for numerous national US tours, gathering a growing audience one city at a time. Only available through their website and at live shows, The Enemies EP quickly sold out but was re-released in 2005 after the band signed to Polyvinyl Records. Headlights debut full length, Kill Them With Kindness (2006 Polyvinyl) further explored the pastoral pop meets electronic sound and received positive reviews. The band spent the majority of 2006-07 on countless national US tours, not only earning a reputation as a powerful live band but also an army of new fans. Some Racing, Some Stopping (2008 Polyvinyl) contains a stripped-down version of their highly orchestrated sound, turning focus on the raw power of their live indie pop persona. Self-produced at a farm house in their native state of Illinois, much of Some Racing, Some Stopping was recorded in first takes. Tired of touring as a three piece, Headlights current touring roster includes Decibully’s Nick Sanborn on bass and accordion. Primarily known as a live act, the young band has played more than 300 shows since their inception.
