Stars of the Lid

Ambient drone duo Stars of the Lid was formed in Austin, TX, by guitarists Brian McBride and Adam Wiltzie, the latter also a member of Windsor for the Derby as well as the longtime soundman for Bedhead. Debuting in 1994 with Music for Nitrous Oxide, the duo returned the following year with Gravitational Pull vs. the Desire for an Aquatic Life; signing to Kranky, Stars of the Lid next resurfaced in 1997 with the epic The Ballasted Orchestra. 1998's Per Aspera Ad Astra, a collaboration with painter Jon McCafferty, preceded the Sub Rosa release Avec Laudenum. Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid landed in 2001, with And Their Refinement of the Decline following in 2007. Both were double CDs. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide