Headlights

Headlights are an indie threesome from Champaign, Illinois, made up of members of Kindercore band Maserati and Parasol band Absinthe Blind. After name changes, false starts, and membership adjustments (at one point, they were known as Orphans) the group settled on their current moniker and lineup (Erin Fein on vocals and keyboards, Brett Sanderson on drums, and Tristan Wraight on vocals, guitar, and bass) in 2004. Headlights recorded their debut, The Enemies EP, with Adam Schmitt serving as producer. Featuring an early-'90s American noise-pop sound reminiscent of Velocity Girl and Lilys filtered through modern electronics, the record was originally available only through mail order and at Headlights gigs. The EP sold out, and Polyvinyl took notice of the band's popularity, signing it and re-releasing The Enemies EP in November 2005. The band continued recording and issued its first full-length album, Kill Them with Kindness, in 2006. The record was largely recorded in Milwaukee, and Headlights opted to stay closer to home for the recording of their follow-up effort. Some Racing, Some Stopping appeared in February 2008, followed by another round of touring (this time alongside Oklahoma's the Evangelicals). Wildlife, released the following year, showed the band at its most immediate and emotionally powerful.