Neutral Milk Hotel is an American indie rock band formed by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jeff Mangum in the late 1980s. The band is a part of the Elephant 6 Recording Company, a collective of musicians known for their exploration of a variety of sounds and DIY ethic. Neutral Milk Hotel's music is characterized by its lo-fi aesthetic, eclectic instrumentation, and Mangum's distinctive, emotional vocal delivery. They combine a blend of psychedelic folk, noise rock, and surrealistic lyrics, which often delve into themes of nostalgia, love, and existentialism.
The band gained a cult following with the release of their debut album, "On Avery Island," in 1996, but it was their second album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (1998), that cemented their place in indie rock history. Although met with modest acclaim at the time, the album has since been widely celebrated for its unique sound and emotional depth, often appearing on "best of" album lists. Following the release of "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," the band became inactive, with Mangum retreating from the public eye. However, Neutral Milk Hotel's legacy endured, and they saw a resurgence in popularity in the 2000s, leading to a reunion tour in 2013-2015. The band's later releases, including "Ferris Wheel on Fire" (2011) and "You've Passed / Where You'll Find Me Now (Early Versions)" (2011), offer fans a deeper look into their process and evolution, featuring early versions of songs and previously unreleased material. Despite their limited discography, Neutral Milk Hotel's impact on indie music remains profound and lasting.
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