The Choir
Swirling, reverb-drenched guitars meet breathy vocals and unexpected woodwinds. Atmospheric rock for rainy days and deep, late-night self-reflection.
Swirling, reverb-drenched guitars meet breathy vocals and unexpected woodwinds. Atmospheric rock for rainy days and deep, late-night self-reflection.
The Choir creates a sonic environment that feels like a watercolor painting left out in the rain. Their sound is defined by Derri Daugherty’s shimmering, delay-heavy guitar work and a vocal style that never shouts, instead opting for an intimate, whispered confidence. It is music that occupies the space between dream pop and alternative rock, favoring mood and texture over aggressive hooks.
What truly sets them apart is the interplay between Steve Hindalong’s poetic, often brutally honest lyrics and Dan Michaels’ use of the Lyricon and saxophone. These woodwind elements add a haunting, organic layer to the wash of electric sound, creating a signature 'atmospheric' quality that few of their contemporaries could replicate. They manage to be spiritually profound without being preachy, focusing on the human experience of doubt, love, and longing.
For those new to the band, the 1990 masterpiece Circle Slide is the essential starting point. It perfectly captures their peak 'swirl' - a lush, immersive experience that rewards repeat listens. If you prefer something a bit grittier but still atmospheric, Chase the Kangaroo offers a darker, more experimental edge that showcases their range.
The Choir is an atmospheric alternative rock band currently comprising Derri Daugherty on guitar and lead vocals, Steve Hindalong on drums and percussion, and Dan Michaels on saxophone and Lyricon. Long-time bass guitarist Tim Chandler died in 2018, and guitarist Marc Byrd was the fifth member of the band between 2005–2014. The Choir's industry accolades include a GMA Dove Award for Alternative/Modern Rock Album of the Year in 1996 and a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002. As of 2026, the band has commercially released 21 full-length studio albums, three EPs, eight live albums, one single-disc compilation album, one retrospective box set, and is still actively recording new material.
Shares dream pop, alternative rock, shoegaze (subgenres); reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares dream pop, alternative rock, shoegaze (subgenres); reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style); shoegaze, dream pop, alternative rock (subgenres)
Shares shoegaze, post-rock, alternative rock (subgenres); reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares dream pop, alternative rock, shoegaze (subgenres); reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares shoegaze, dream pop, post-rock (subgenres); reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style); shoegaze, dream pop, alternative rock (subgenres)
Shares melancholic, wistful, contemplative (moods); reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style)
Shares reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style); dream pop, alternative rock, shoegaze (subgenres)
Shares reverb heavy, layered dense, analog warmth (production style); shoegaze, dream pop, alternative rock (subgenres)
Shares reverb heavy, shoegaze, dream pop, psychedelic rock (signature)
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