We Barbarians

We Barbarians formed in 2007 in Long Beach, California, following the dissolution of the indie-rock outfit The Colour. Comprised of David Quon, Derek VanHeule, and Nathan Warkentin, the trio quickly established a reputation for a high-intensity sound that bridged the gap between the blues-inflected garage rock of the early 2000s and the more atmospheric, anthemic indie rock of the decade's end.

Their move to Brooklyn coincided with a sharpening of their aesthetic, moving toward a tighter, more post-punk influenced sound characterized by jagged riffs and heavy, rhythmic drumming. Their debut LP, 'There's This There's That' (2009), was critically noted for its 'rock revelry' and inventive use of reverb. The 2011 EP 'Headspace' marked their creative peak, produced by Hugo Nicolson, showcasing a more expansive and polished sonic palette. Historically, they represent the tail end of the 'blog rock' era, sharing a DNA with bands like Cold War Kids and Arcade Fire, focusing on earnest, high-stakes vocal performances and rhythmic drive. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain a 'catchy yet inventive' balance, though they remained a cult favorite rather than a mainstream breakthrough.