Balmorhea

Formed in 2006 by founders Rob Lowe and Michael Muller, Balmorhea play textural post-rock with a classical influence. Joined by a revolving cast of additional musicians, the Austin, Texas-based group utilize plaintive strings as well as a host of other instruments to create a delicately layered and pastoral sound, sometimes reminiscent of a more rustic version of post-classical indie ensembles like Stars of the Lid and Rachel's. Their albums include full-bodied ensemble works like 2009′s acclaimed All Is Wild, All Is Silent, as well as more stripped-down efforts including 2021′s The Wind.
Balmorhea’s eponymous debut, recorded with only Lowe and Muller, was self-released in 2007. The group subsequently signed to Western Vinyl, which released Rivers Arms in 2008. On this album, the duo was joined by violinist Aisha Burns (who would become a mainstay of the group) as well as cellist Erin Lance and guitarist/bassist Jacob Glenn-Levin. All Is Wild, All Is Silent followed in 2009, with Lowe, Muller, and Burns joined by bassist Travis Chapman, vocalist Jesy Fortino, cellist Nicole Kern, and drummer Taylor Tehan. All Is Wild, All Is Silent: Remixes was released later in the year.
After extensive touring in the United States and Europe, the band found time to get back into the studio, and issued Constellations the following year, retaining most of the previous album’s lineup. Live at Sint-Elisabethkerk appeared in 2011, and Balmorhea’s fifth studio album, the eclectic Stranger, was released in 2012. For this album, cellist Dylan Rieck replaced Kern, and Kendall Clark played drums and percussion. In 2014, Western Vinyl re-released Balmorhea’s self-titled debut, and a 7″ titled Heir was also issued. Sixth album Clear Language appeared in 2017, recorded primarily by Lowe and Muller, along with Burns. The group’s six-person lineup toured in support of the album. Clear Language: Reworked and non-album singles “Chime”/“Shone” and “The Most Fleeting” were all released in 2018. Partially returning to some of the group’s roots, 2021 full-length The Wind featured both Lowe and Muller on piano, with additional contributors including horn player Morris Kliphuis, cellist Clarice Jensen, and singer Lisa Morgenstern. The album was Balmorhea’s first for Deutsche Grammophon. ~ Gregory Heaney & Paul Simpson