Minks

The project of Shaun Kilfoyle, Minks' moody take on indie pop initially drew comparisons to the Cure, New Order, and My Bloody Valentine. Little was known about the group until the April 2010 release of their first single, Funeral Song, by Captured Tracks, also home to the like-minded Wild Nothing. That summer, the band returned with the single Ophelia, which revealed a softer side to Minks' music. Live shows (for which the band expanded to a six-piece) with Veronica Falls and labelmates Cosmetics and Blank Dogs increased buzz around the band, culminating with the release of Minks' debut album, By the Hedge, in January 2011. Vocalist Amalie Bruun left the group to join Ex Cops and Kilfoyle refined Minks' music into a sleeker, breezier sound. While staying at Long Island's East End, he was inspired by a decrepit beachfront estate named Tides End; it became the namesake of Minks' 2013 album, which Kilfoyle recorded with producer/engineer Mark Verbos.