Chicago based gaberdine is a quiet indie rock band that colors melodic, bittersweet songs with lush textural sounds. The conception of mark federighi, gaberdine creates artful music with subtle hooks and intriguing instrumentation.

Their self released debut EP earned critical acclaim:
 "A desolate gem" -Chicago Reader

 "Federighi is a soulful singer-songwriter whose dark embracing lyrics perfectly match his inspired vocals" -Chicago Sun Times

 "A chamber-pop group that rises above preciousness" -The Onion

gaberdine’s first full-length album, thin wire transport, exemplifies the range of their sound. mark’s rich vocals anchor sounds of undulating guitars, flowing cello melodies, looming Fender Rhodes piano bass, bass guitar, and sparse to swelling percussion. These elements are made even richer with layers of toy piano, kazoo, harmonica, air organ, wine glasses, toy accordion, piano, glockenspiel, chimes, bowed cymbals, cornet, keyboards and other experimental sounds.

The use of these unusual, instruments, in juxtaposition with traditional instruments, often creates an ironic and dissonant beauty. While the songs could stand alone with just vocals and guitar, the layering of sound creates a greater depth to the material, rewarded by repeated listening. mark’s lyrics combine concrete and abstract imagery to convey poignant songs of cautious optimism, inter and intrapersonal struggle, and politics.

gaberdine has had the good fortune of supporting Red House Painters, Luna, Jeff Tweedy, The The, and many others.

The band is:
mark federighi - vocals, guitars, keys, other bells, whistles, and toys
chad frakes - piano bass, bass, guitars and keys
jay santana - drums/percussion
ellen o'hayer - cello

note: bethany swain plays cello on gaberdine’s self titled EP and thin wire transport.
josh berman plays cornet on thin wire transport.

download hi-res band photo here