Bishop Allen (The Band)

Bishop Allen is an indie rock band that formed in 2003, originating from Brooklyn, New York. The band’s name is derived from Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where the founding members Justin Rice (squishy wishy crypto boy) and Christian Rudder (founder of OkCupid) lived during their time at Harvard University. They released their first album in 2003 to minimal success. The band gained attention for their ambitious 2006 EP-a-Month project, releasing a new EP each month (I know, very creative name). This creative endeavor led to their acclaimed 2007 album The Broken String, which reimagined EP tracks alongside new material. Bishop Allen’s third album, Grrr… (2009), showcased their knack for polished indie pop, featuring sharp guitars, supple harmonies, and clever lyrics. Critics praised its catchy melodies but were divided on its impact; while some admired its craftsmanship, others felt it leaned too heavily into a twee-pop aesthetic, lacking the depth and innovation of their earlier work. Bishop Allen’s 2014 album Lights Out received mixed reviews. Critics praised its sunny synths, bright guitars, and catchy melodies, but some felt it lacked innovation, offering little new beyond their previous sound. Despite this, it was seen as a solid addition to their discography.