The Last Bison | |
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 The Last Bison at the NorVa Theater | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | Indie folk,[1]indie rock,folk rock,roots rock |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | AntiFragile,[2] Universal |
| Website | www |
The Last Bison, formerly known asBison, is an Americanindie folk band formed inChesapeake, Virginia. The Last Bison originally dubbed their sound "mountaintop chamber music," combining elements of alternative indie-folk with classical sensibilities. Their first albumQuill was released independently in September 2011 and received critical praise, noting the band's complex arrangements, refined lyrics, and vocal harmonies.[3]
The band initially received airplay onWROX-FM inNorfolk, Virginia.[4][5] James Steele, the station's program director, stated that "Switzerland", the first single from their debut album, prompted the biggest audience response of any tune in his five years at the station.[6] The band was signed toUniversal Republic records in 2012, and released 3 projects with the label: theInheritance EP, theInheritance album, and theSleigh Ride EP. The option to continue for another album cycle with Republic was not renewed, and in February 2014 the band became independent. In April 2014, The Last Bison began recording their third full-length album,VA, which was released independently in September 2014. They released an EP,Dorado, in 2015.
Ben Hardesty's (vocals and guitar) songwriting bears sonic resemblance to groups such asFleet Foxes,Mumford and Sons, and TheDecemberists.[7]Folkhive stated "Dare I say that [The Last] Bison is to folk what Arcade Fire is to indie rock? Boasting seven members and a sound seemingly born on the tree-covered mountaintops of Virginia, [The Last] Bison lays down expansive and yet imminently listenable folk with an original feel I've not experienced in quite some time".[8][unreliable source] The band incorporates traditional folk instruments with a reed organ, percussion, and classical strings. Independent Clauses stated "[The Last] Bison's debut albumQuill uses the seriousness of Fleet Foxes' grounded sound as a framework, layering strings, bells, and more on top. "Iscariot" and "The Woodcutter's Son" have a darklypastoral bent that recalls pre-The King Is Dead Decemberists."[9][unreliable source] The Last Bison has headlined theNorva Theatre inNorfolk[10] as well as performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.[11] The Daily Press said of Bison's live performance, "The stars of [the] show did not disappoint. Bison skillfully performed complex arrangements and delivered songs with passion and sensitivity [...] [The Last] Bison is a unique musical outfit that creates an unusual energy on stage."[12]
According to an e-mail sent out by the band on July 20, 2012, they officially changed their name from Bison to The Last Bison to avoid confusion with an identically named band.
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