Biography

Introduction

A Place to Bury Strangers is a New York–based indie rock band composed of Oliver Ackermann (guitar/vocals), Jono MOFO (bass) and Jay Space (drums). The band plays a heavy, atmospheric wall of sound-influenced blend of psychedelic rock, shoegaze and space rock. The band is commonly known by the initials APTBS.

Career

A Place to Bury Strangers has been affectionately lauded as New York City's "loudest band" by various indie reviewers and bloggers throughout the course of their live music career, as well as "the most ear-shatteringly loud garage/shoegaze band you'll ever hear" by The Washington Post. The New York Times applauded their revival of "the ominous, feedback-drenched drones of the 1980s"

In 2006, the band gained some acclaim following their Webster Hall performance with Brian Jonestown Massacre. They returned to Webster Hall in 2007 to play with one of their major influences, The Jesus And Mary Chain.

In August 2007 the band suddenly gained national attention after a favorable Pitchfork review of their debut release A Place to Bury Strangers on the Killer Pimp label.

In 2007, the band joined Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on tour.

In April 2008 it was announced that the band would open for Nine Inch Nails for several dates on their US tour.

The band's first UK release came in May 2008 where they played a handful of UK shows and garnered strong praise from the British media with early support from NME and Kerrang!. In November 2008, the band returned to Europe and the UK on tour supporting MGMT. Their album, out the same month, once again made a stir amongst UK media.

In early 2009 APTBS signed to Mute Records. The band also announced another European Tour and appearances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Siren Music Festival.

Activities outside A Place to Bury Strangers

Guitarist/vocalist Oliver Ackermann founded the effects pedal company, Death By Audio, which has provided custom effects equipment to other rock bands such as U2, Wilco, My Bloody Valentine and Lightning Bolt.