Led by Helena, Montana native Colin Meloy, Portland, Oregon's the Decemberists' craft theatrical, hyper-literate pop songs that draw heavily from late-60's British-folk acts like Fairport Convention and Pentangle and the early 80's college rock grandeur of the Waterboys and R.E.M.. The band's initial lineup also included drummer Ezra Holbrook, bassist Nate Query, keyboardist/accordionist Jenny Conlee, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Funk. Frontman Meloy had previously devoted some time to an alternative country group before breaking off to pursue his craft as a singer/songwriter in the city of Portland, a move that eventually led to the Decemberists' formation.