How an indie pop collective turned failed romance into a prolific musical odyssey
In short: Founded in 1996 by Kevin Barnes, the American indie pop band of Montreal evolved from a solo project into a shape-shifting musical force. Known for their association with the Elephant 6 collective, the group has traversed genres from psychedelic pop to EDM, consistently reinventing their sound across twenty studio albums.
The band originated in Athens, Georgia, after Kevin Barnes named the project following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. Initially a solo endeavor, the group expanded to include collaborators like Derek Almstead and Bryan Poole before releasing early records such as Cherry Peel. By the late 1990s, the lineup began to fluctuate, a trend that would define the band's history as Barnes frequently recruited new musicians to match his shifting creative vision.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, of Montreal became known for their relentless experimentation. Albums like 2007's Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? and 2013's Lousy with Sylvianbriar reflected personal upheavals and diverse influences, ranging from 1970s New York rock to the writing of Sylvia Plath. This period also saw the band embrace unconventional release strategies, such as the 2008 album Skeletal Lamping, which was issued in ten formats including tote bags and paper lanterns, reflecting Barnes' desire to create functional objects rather than mere shelf-fillers.
Beyond their own discography, the band members have maintained a dense web of side projects and collaborations, consistent with the ethos of the Elephant 6 collective. From contributing to projects like Solange Knowles' 2012 single Losing You to performing as a backing band for various artists, the group has functioned as a hub for creative exchange. By June 2026, the band reached a milestone with the release of their twentieth studio album, aethermead, cementing their legacy as one of indie music's most enduring and unpredictable acts.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Of Montreal
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