The Band:
Brian Maselli-guitars, vocals, credit card debt
Levon Veils-bass, loop programming, fetching good looks
Angela Darrow-vocals, cat-like reflexes
Michael Coulter-drums, prank calls

The Goods:

Bystanders Often Do Nothing (2006) The debut release from The Aught-Threes Listen & Buy: [ CDBaby ]

The Press:
It's acoustic guitars chiming low in the mix, floating harmonies, and Low-style ambience. Add to that some ultra-modern electronic stuff and elements of Plains States indierock (Rilo Kiley, Lifted-era Bright Eyes) and you've got a band that feels older, acts new, sings fresh, and comes across exciting, fun, and serious. Add to that gorgeous DIY production that rolls with the big leaguers, and you've got a kick-ass album. I've heard they're pretty amazing live too.
--Portland Mercury

. . . there are some potential hits on the band's latest, Bystanders Often Do Nothing . . . This is pure indie pop.
--Mark Baumgarten Willamette Week

The Aught-Threes play indierock that comes painted up in country colors. It's not country per se, but the colors are there--shades of Nashville-style harmonies, classy lead vocals, and a pace that shuffles along past Wilco, strides in step with Low, before outpacing the Jayhawks and breaking through the paper race ribbon.
--Portland Mercury


The Story:
Brian and Levon were in Blue Star Creeper. The Portland press liked them. Paul and Justin left in 2003. Tears.

Brian wrote bunches of melancholy acoustic songs. Levon programmed loops for them. Angela came along to sing harmony. Haunting. Pretty. But kinda unrock. Played a few shows. With loops, shows felt karaokeish, unfortch.

Recorded Bystanders Often Do Nothing with loops, acoustics, etc. Added electric guitars after depressive state set in. Started craving drums for album layers and pending live sets.

Enter Michael.

Changed name to The Aught-Threes in 2006. Plugged electrics back in. Back to rock, but not as much. Pop really: acoustic electronica minus electronica and acoustics. The debut CD, Bystanders Often Do Nothing, captures the sound of the band’s genesis and metamorphosis. That’s the story.