Retribution Gospel Choir

Retribution Gospel Choir originated in 2005 chiefly as a concert-focused project led by Alan Sparhawk of Low and Mark Kozelek from Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon, both established figures in minimalist and understated indie rock. During a string of warmly received road engagements the pair of guitarists embraced the chance to amplify their approach well beyond the limits of their principal groups, generating dense, riff-heavy classic-rock textures and piercing joint solos while interpreting material associated with Neil Young and the Rolling Stones. Their self-titled debut album reached stores in March 2008 via Caldo Verde, Kozelek’s own imprint, where he also served as producer even after exiting the band; by then the original quartet had contracted to a trio built around Sparhawk, Low bassist Matt Livingston, and drummer Eric Pollard of the Duluth outfit No Wait Wait, incorporating songs first explored on two earlier, freer tour EPs.