Fruit Bats is a country and folk-influenced indie rock band from Chicago. The group's sound has often drawn comparisons to bands such as The Shins and Dr. Dog due to its combination of stripped-down folk rock and retro pop elements. Fruit Bats formed in 1997 as the songwriting project of still current member, Eric D. Johnson. As more and more albums have been released, Johnson has gone through many accompanying members before settling on the stable lineup he now employs. The result of the new members' contributions has led to a more distinctly full-band sound, and has led to the band's embracing of subtle country influences that rest beside its usual folk rock and pop offerings. Fruit Bats is currently signed to Sub Pop Records, and continues to pay homage to groups such as The Kinks and The Grateful Dead, albeit in a glossier and much more modern sounding package.
