And Then Like Lions

Released in 2016, And Then Like Lions is the third studio album by Oregon-based indie folk outfit Blind Pilot. Arriving five years after their sophomore effort, the album was heavily shaped by frontman Israel Nebeker's experiences with grief following the death of his father and the end of a long-term relationship. Sonically, it represents the pinnacle of the band's 'chamber folk' sound, utilizing a six-piece lineup to create arrangements that are far more expansive than their debut. The album was recorded at Flora Recording & Playback in Portland with producer Tucker Martine, known for his work with The Decemberists and My Morning Jacket. This collaboration resulted in a high-fidelity, analog-warmth production that highlights the band's signature use of trumpet and vibraphone. Critics praised the album for its emotional maturity and the way it balanced heavy themes with uplifting, melodic hooks, solidifying Blind Pilot's place as masters of the Pacific Northwest folk aesthetic.