User:Dennis Piper O'Brien/sandbox

The Montaines

The Montaines are an indie rock band from Washington, DC. Formed in June 2023, the band consists of vocalist Alec O'Brien, lead guitarist Jack O'Brien, bassist Seamus Mulcahey, guitarist Luke DeCrese, and drummer Charlie Christofferson. Their debut four-song EP, *The Montaines*, was released on November 10, 2023. The Montaines have quickly gained local popularity, followed by sold out shows and opening slots for national acts.

History

The O'Brien brothers, Alec and Jack, grew up in Massachusetts and were both avid music lovers from a young age. In high school, Jack began playing guitar and performing in the Boston music scene. At the same time, Alec worked on electronic music and also began writing songs on guitar. The two were heavily influenced by the guitar-based rock bands they grew up listening to, like Oasis and U2, as well as modern influences, like the 1975, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Catfish and the Bottlemen.

Both brothers continued to grow musically during their college years in North Carolina; while studying abroad in Paris, Alec was inspired by a Hippo Campus concert to start working on demos, passing them on to Jack. The demos inspired them to form a Raleigh-based band, and they began playing at local colleges and house parties. They built a reputation as having a powerful stage presence, and before long they were headlining Hopscotch Day Parties and playing Raleigh's mainstay venues.

After graduation, Alec relocated to DC to become a part of a bigger music community. There he threw himself into song writing, sending tracks to Jack to help write and arrange. Before long, the brothers had songs that they knew surpassed all of their previous music. It wasn't hard for Alec to convince Jack to follow him to DC and start a new band. They recruited Luke and Seamus to fill out the band. Prior to playing any shows, the group went to the studio to record their first EP. After two days of recording, they had the basis for *The Montaines*.

Career

The Montaines quickly broke into the DC music scene, playing at various porch fests around the city. At Adams Morgan PorchFest, their set was delayed, leaving them only 15 minutes at the end of the festival to play. They rearranged their set, opening with "Normal People", and immediately drew a crowd of more than 300 people. Stories of the band's live performance and exciting stage presence spread quickly, and the band began selling out smaller DC venues.

In February 2024, The Montaines opened for Chicago-based band Brigette Calls Me Baby at a sold-out DC9 show. The band is incredibly passionate about their live sound, practicing at a local storage unit three days a week, writing constantly, and working on stage presence. In June of 2024, The Montaines released "Dramamine," marking their one year together with a new song.

Discography

The Montaines EP (2023) "Dramamine" (single, 2024)

Members

Alec O'Brien (vocals) Jack O'Brien (lead guitar) Seamus Mulcahey (bass) Luke DeCrese (guitar) Charlie Christofferson (drums)