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Augustines (band)
Augustines (band)
Augustines (band)
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Augustines (formerly: We Are Augustines) is an American indie rock band based in Brooklyn, New York consisting of guitarist William McCarthy, multi-instrumentalist Eric Sanderson and drummer Rob Allen. Augustines are known for their intense shows and heavy interaction with the audience. Numerous shows saw the band leave the stage to perform on the floor with the fans.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Following the break-up of their former band Pela, McCarthy and Sanderson decided to continue producing the songs that were originally supposed to comprise Pela's second studio album.[1] The album, titled Rise Ye Sunken Ships, was released digitally on June 6, 2011. In September 2016, they announced that their fall tour was to be their last, following the break up of the band.

The band derived its name from the month of August. Both McCarthy and Sanderson were born in August, as was McCarthy's brother, James. James' story is one of the major influences behind their first album.[2] Pela also dissolved very quickly ("In the span of two weeks"[3]) in August 2009. Originally, the new band was named Augustines.[4] Since there were other bands with the same name,[5] they changed the name to We Are Augustines.

In August 2013, the band announced via YouTube that they would return to using the name Augustines.[6]

Formation and debut album

[edit]

Material for Augustines' debut album originated when, with Pela, McCarthy wrote dozens of songs[7] and Sanderson contributed many demos of his own. The band had close to 40 songs to pick from.[7] Even though the album was nearly complete, they were unhappy with the results and wanted to re-record the material. "We had to do it twice because it just wasn’t strong," Sanderson said. Throughout the recording (and re-recording) process, the band fought with its record label, its manager and amongst themselves.[1] Soon after, McCarthy learned his brother James had committed suicide. With all the issues surrounding the band, "Pela was unable to survive the storm," Sanderson said.[8]

After deciding to part ways with the other two members of Pela, McCarthy and Sanderson eventually decided to finish the album. Having been through a terrible experience with the music labels and industry, "We knew that we wanted to proceed independently, but actually taking that on was a whole other challenge."[8] With support from the indie music community, specifically John Richards of KEXP,[1] they were able to finish the record. The album was produced by David Newfeld, who is best known for his work with Broken Social Scene.[9] Their first performance of the new material, still under the original name Augustines, was for Richards and KEXP at the Cutting Room Studios on October 18, 2010.[4] They released Rise Ye Sunken Ships independently on June 6, 2011 as a digital-only copy on iTunes.

Prior to the release of their first album, the band announced that Rob Allen had joined the band as the full-time drummer.[10]

Augustines at the Bowery Ballroom

Rise Ye Sunken Ships (2011)

[edit]

Rise Ye Sunken Ships was released in CD format in North America, Australia, and New Zealand on August 23, 2011. The album was released worldwide on March 5, 2012. The band then began a UK tour in support of the album in October 2011.

The album has been received positively by critics with The Sun and Music Fix naming the first single released in the UK, "Book of James", their single of the week.[11]

The album covers a lot of very difficult subjects, the most prominent of these subjects are the untimely deaths of McCarthy's mother and brother. Rob Allen, the band's drummer, states that while there is a heavy focus on the painful subjects throughout the album the band also has a deep sense of positivity and hope. "The songs are about topics that happened over a period of time. They have a lot of meaning to us, especially Bill and that won't change, but, if anything, we are living proof that things can get better, opportunities can come your way and that is worth celebrating! We are jovial, energetic people who want to enjoy life and I think that's what you see when we perform."[12] The band traveled extensively in the British Isles and Europe in support of the album, performing at festivals such as Pukkelpop, Reading & Leeds and large venues such as Shepherd's Bush. In 2014, the band toured the U.S. supporting Frightened Rabbit.

In June 2011, the music video for "Chapel Song" won the title of best music video at the Los Angeles Art-House film festival.[13]

In March 2012 the band recorded a session at Abbey Road Studios[14]

The band released the video for the third single to be taken from Rise Ye Sunken Ships, "Juarez", on April 11, 2012.

Augustines (2014)

[edit]

In late 2013, the band spent several weeks in the studio of producer Peter Katis (Frightened Rabbit, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Jónsi Birgisson) working on their self-titled second album, Augustines. Upon completion of the album (released in early 2014) the band embarked on their first headlining U.S. tour, selling out most shows well in advance. Augustines returned to the UK in early April, and spent a great deal of the summer doing European festivals. After further US dates in the autumn, they returned to Europe. The band finished the year with a triumphant gig in front of 3000 at the London Roundhouse. This was filmed for use in a documentary about the band called Rise.

In August 2015, the band completed a UK/Europe tour and began work on their third album.

This Is Your Life and break up (2016)

[edit]

Augustines released their third album, This Is Your Life on June 10.

It was announced on September 6 that their upcoming shows later in the year would be their last due to financial constraints.

Augustines played their final show on October 31, 2016 at the O2 Academy in Liverpool. They ended with 'Cruel City', from their second album. The entire show was broadcast via Facebook Live.

Post-Augustines

[edit]

In 2017, McCarthy released his first solo album, Shelter. Produced by Sanderson, the album featured input from Allen, Pela drummer Tomislav Zovich, and Augustines regular Yannis Panos.

Sanderson also released his own solo project in 2017, Audio Journal Vol. 1: Bringing the Past to Light.

Possible reunion

[edit]

In 2023 and 2024, the members started to tease their reunion, with the band's social media accounts returning to action in late 2024.

On Tuesday September 30 2025, the weareaugustines Instagram account posted a short video of the band playing accompanied by the message "HEAR YE HEAR YE! Its time my friends.... Augustines are back Stay tuned for news."[15]

Discography

[edit]
Albums
EPs
  • Rock the Vote (2012)
  • iTunes Session (2012)

Notable live appearances

[edit]

TV appearances

[edit]

Singles and music videos

[edit]
  • "Chapel Song", Director: Matthew Mills, Released: 14 February 2011[16]
  • "Book of James", Director: Matt Amato, Released: 10 October 2011[17]
  • "Juarez", Director: Matt Amato, Released: 11 April 2012[18]
  • "Cruel City", Director: Bryan Schlam, Released: 7 October 2013[19]
  • "Nothing to Lose But Your Head", Released: 5 January 2014

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Augustines (band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Augustines is an American indie rock band formed in 2010 in , New York, by Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson in the wake of their previous group Pela's dissolution. Initially operating under the name We Are Augustines due to a dispute with an existing act, the band—completed by drummer Rob Allen and later expanded with trumpeter Yannis Panos and additional member Tom Zovich—gained recognition for their raw, emotionally intense sound blending with elements of folk and , often drawing comparisons to acts like the National. The band's debut album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, released in 2011 and produced by Broken Social Scene's Dave Newfeld, marked a breakthrough, earning acclaim as ' Best Alternative Album of the year and propelling them into extensive international touring with over 200 shows worldwide. Their self-titled follow-up, Augustines, arrived in 2014 under the production of and shifted toward themes of optimism and communal resilience, incorporating influences from West African music amid continued global performances. The third and final album during their initial run, This Is Your Life in 2016, capped a prolific period but highlighted growing industry challenges, leading to the band's announcement of a hiatus later that year due to unsustainable financial pressures from declining label support and touring costs. In the years following their breakup, members pursued solo endeavors, including McCarthy's acoustic projects and a 2019 Rise: The Story of Augustines chronicling their journey. By 2025, the band reactivated their presence, announcing a return with new video content like Nothing To Lose But Your Head and preparations for fresh and tours, signaling a revival amid renewed interest in their catalog.

Band members

Core members

The Augustines, originally known as We Are Augustines, were formed in 2010 in , New York, by singer-songwriter Billy McCarthy and multi-instrumentalist Sanderson following the dissolution of their previous band, Pela. Initially operating as a duo, they focused on developing material rooted in personal hardship, with McCarthy handling primary songwriting and Sanderson contributing instrumentation and production elements. By 2011, the group solidified as a core trio with the addition of Rob Allen, marking a transition to a more structured lineup that emphasized live energy and rhythmic drive. Billy McCarthy (also known as William McCarthy) serves as the band's and , while acting as the primary songwriter whose introspective lyrics draw heavily from his personal experiences, including the suicides of his mother in his teenage years and his brother James in 2009 due to and drug addiction. His background in Pela, where he fronted the group from to 2009, informed his raw, narrative-driven approach, blending emotional vulnerability with anthemic rock structures that became central to the band's identity.) McCarthy's contributions extended beyond writing to shaping the band's thematic core, often channeling into themes of resilience and human connection. Eric Sanderson, a co-founder alongside McCarthy, plays roles including bass, keyboards, and backing vocals, while occasionally handling drums during recordings and live sets. Having collaborated with McCarthy since 2002 in various projects leading to Pela, Sanderson's steady presence fosters the band's dynamic balance, providing harmonic support and co-producing elements that ground McCarthy's intensity in layered, textural arrangements. His role extends to maintaining group cohesion, drawing from their shared history to navigate creative tensions and emphasize collaborative song refinement. Rob Allen joined as the permanent drummer after the initial duo phase, bringing conservatory-trained precision from his British background to solidify the rhythm section and enable the band's high-energy performances. His integration in 2010 transformed the project from a loose collaboration into a tight-knit trio, with Allen's versatile style—rooted in classical training—allowing for dynamic shifts between driving beats and subtle builds that complemented the core duo's vision. Allen's addition was pivotal in evolving the band's sound toward a more robust, live-oriented format by 2011. Following the band's 2016 breakup, the core members pursued individual endeavors, including McCarthy's solo work and Sanderson's production collaborations with artists like .

Additional and touring members

Throughout their career, Augustines expanded their core trio with additional and touring musicians to enrich their live performances and recordings, particularly emphasizing brass and string elements for their anthemic style. player Yannis Panos served as a key additional and touring member, contributing to the band's expanded live lineup during tours supporting their 2011 debut Rise Ye Sunken Ships and the 2014 self-titled album, where his contributions helped solidify their energetic, orchestral sound. Panos also participated in select recordings and delivered a speech at the band's 2016 farewell concert in , highlighting his longstanding collaboration. Former Pela drummer Tom Zovich provided input on recordings for the 2014 album and early projects, aiding the transition from the core members' previous band while occasionally supporting live expansions. Guest contributors on the 2014 self-titled album included (Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel) on backing vocals for tracks such as "Cruel City," "Now ," "Headlong into ," "Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself," and "So Long, I'm Yours." Additional session players like on and viola for string arrangements further augmented specific tracks, under the direction of core members who selected these collaborators to enhance production depth.

History

Formation and early career

The indie rock band Augustines traces its origins to the dissolution of Pela, a Brooklyn-based group fronted by Billy McCarthy and featuring bassist Eric Sanderson, which announced its on September 18, 2009. Pela had encountered significant professional hurdles over the preceding two years, including recording an album twice, a legal battle with their former label, the collapse of a major record deal, the dismissal of two managers, and personal injuries to McCarthy that affected his hand and foot. In the aftermath of Pela's end, McCarthy and Sanderson relocated their creative efforts within and began developing new material in 2010, enlisting British drummer Rob Allen to form the core of the band initially known as Augustines—later rebranded We Are Augustines due to conflicts. The group's early songwriting was deeply influenced by McCarthy's personal losses, particularly of his brother James and the overdose death of his mother, who struggled with ; these events informed the raw, cathartic themes that would define their sound. By late 2010, the trio had recorded initial demos of this material, much of which originated as unfinished songs from Pela's sessions, and started performing in New York's underground scene to generate momentum without a major U.S. label backing. Their intimate live shows, often in small venues, quickly built a devoted local following through energetic performances that channeled emotional intensity, setting the stage for broader recognition.

Rise Ye Sunken Ships (2011)

The debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships was recorded primarily in 2010 and 2011 at producer Dave Newfeld's church studio in , , where the band—then known as We Are Augustines—aimed to capture a raw, unpolished emotional intensity reflective of their personal hardships. Newfeld, known for his work with acts like , co-produced the record alongside the band, fostering an organic sound built around urgent piano riffs, driving percussion, and layered vocals that conveyed vulnerability without excess polish. This approach stemmed from the formation struggles of core members Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson, whose previous band Pela had disbanded amid McCarthy's grief over family losses, serving as direct lyrical inspiration for the album's core. Thematically, the album explores , loss, and resilience, drawing from McCarthy's experiences with the deaths of his brother and mother, transforming personal tragedy into anthemic calls for perseverance. Key tracks like "Headlong Into the Abyss" exemplify this, with its soaring choruses and introspective lyrics about plunging into despair yet emerging stronger, while "Chapel Song" and "Book of James" blend confessional storytelling with uplifting melodies. These elements create a narrative arc of , positioning the record as a musical diary of recovery rather than mere lamentation. Released digitally in the United States on June 6, 2011, via the band's Oxcart Records label, with a physical CD edition following on August 23, 2011, Rise Ye Sunken Ships gained initial traction through independent channels. The UK physical release came later on March 5, 2012, where it peaked at number 61 on the UK Albums Chart. Critically, the album earned widespread acclaim for its emotionally raw lyrics and dynamic indie rock arrangements, often drawing comparisons to The National for its blend of melancholy introspection and expansive post-rock builds; outlets praised its "triumphant" resilience amid sorrow, hailing it as a standout debut that resonated with themes of human endurance. To support the release, We Are Augustines embarked on initial tours across the and , including performances at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York and a headline run in 2012 supporting , which helped build a following through high-energy live shows that mirrored the album's visceral energy. These early outings solidified the band's reputation for delivering cathartic, audience-engaging performances, paving the way for broader recognition.

Self-titled album and name change (2014)

In August 2013, the band, previously known as We Are Augustines, reverted to their original name, Augustines, following a successful legal resolution that allowed them to drop the "We Are" prefix they had adopted due to a naming conflict with another act. This rebranding was intended to reflect the group's evolution and simplify their identity ahead of their sophomore effort, aligning with a sense of closure and forward momentum. The self-titled album was recorded throughout 2013 at Tarquin Studios in , with co-producer , known for his work with acts like The National and . Building on the emotional rawness of their debut Rise Ye Sunken Ships, the sessions yielded a more refined sound, characterized by expansive anthemic builds, accessible melodies, and layered instrumentation that emphasized resilience and catharsis. Key tracks like "Nothing to Lose But Your Head" exemplified this shift, blending urgent guitars with soaring vocals to create moments of triumphant release. The album was released on February 3, 2014, via Caroline International in the UK and in North America. Upon release, Augustines debuted at number 42 on the , marking a commercial step forward and solidifying their European fanbase. Critics praised its emotional depth and polished production, noting how it transformed personal struggles into broadly relatable rock anthems without losing the band's heartfelt intensity. The album's reception helped bridge their prior European success with increased U.S. visibility, as it highlighted a matured songwriting approach rooted in the debut's themes of loss and perseverance. To promote the record, Augustines embarked on an extensive world tour in 2014, including headline dates across and , as well as support slots opening for on their U.S. run. The campaign culminated in their largest headline show to date at London's Roundhouse, where they performed for 3,000 fans, capturing the album's live energy in a filmed set that underscored their rising momentum. This touring push amplified U.S. recognition, transitioning the band from cult favorites to a more established presence following their breakthrough overseas.

This Is Your Life and breakup (2016)

In early 2015, Augustines began recording their third studio album, This Is Your Life, across studios in New York, , and , collaborating with producers Joe Chiccarelli and . The album was released on June 10, 2016, through Caroline International, marking the band's final full-length effort. Drawing from the modest successes of their prior releases, which had not provided a sustainable foundation, This Is Your Life continued to blend with folk elements but faced similar commercial limitations. The record delves into themes of perseverance and personal redemption amid adversity, with standout tracks like the anthemic title song "This Is Your Life" and "When " capturing a sense of resilient hope. It achieved modest chart performance, peaking at number 67 on the during its single week in the Top 100. Despite critical nods to its emotional depth, the underscored the band's ongoing financial strains, exacerbated by high touring expenses and declining revenues from album sales and streams in the evolving . On September 6, 2016, Augustines announced their , stating that the rigors of the road and inability to financially sustain operations had become insurmountable. The trio cited the modern challenges for independent artists, including insufficient label support and the economic pressures of constant touring without proportional returns. To mark the end, they launched a farewell tour across and , featuring over 40 dates that highlighted their catalog and fostered intimate fan connections. The tour concluded on October 31, 2016, with a sold-out performance at Academy in , where the band delivered an emotional set ending with "Cruel City" from their second album.

Post-breakup activities

Following the band's 2016 breakup announcement and farewell tour, Augustines remained officially inactive from 2017 to 2022, with no new , tours, or significant archival releases or remasters during this period. In , the documentary Rise: The Story of Augustines was released, chronicling the band's journey from formation to . Vocalist and guitarist William McCarthy maintained a relatively low profile, focusing primarily on personal recovery and non-music pursuits while occasionally engaging in session work; in , he self-released his debut solo Shelter on , a collection of 13 cover songs drawn from folk and Americana influences that he had turned to during the hiatus. Bassist and multi-instrumentalist Eric Sanderson shifted toward production and engineering, founding Harbor Studios in , where he worked on records for various artists, and continued as a member of the group The Philistines Jr., though the band was not actively touring in the post-breakup years. Drummer Rob Allen pursued session and touring opportunities as a freelance , contributing to recordings and live performances for other acts while based in the UK; he also began offering remote drum tracking services from his home studio during this time.

Reunion teases (2023–present)

Following the band's 2016 breakup, signals of a potential reunion began to surface in 2023, with media outlets reporting that Augustines were teasing a live and studio return after their farewell UK tour. The band's official website confirmed their reemergence with an announcement in October 2025 for a performance at the fourth annual Sing Us Home Festival in Philadelphia, scheduled for May 1–3, 2026, marking their first confirmed show since disbanding. As of November 2025, no full tour or new album had been announced, though the festival appearance fueled discussions among fans and industry observers about the financial challenges of indie rock reunions in a post-streaming era, echoing the economic pressures that contributed to the original split.

Musical style and influences

Musical style

Augustines' core sound is rooted in , characterized by emotionally charged anthems that blend sweeping guitar lines, piano-driven melodies, and dynamic shifts from intimate verses to explosive choruses. The band's music often features layered instrumentation, including snappy drums, arpeggiated keyboards, and occasional brass or string elements like violins and trumpets, creating a sense of grandeur and suitable for large venues. This stadium-ready quality is evident in tracks that build to rousing breakdowns, emphasizing raw energy and melodic accessibility. Over their career, Augustines evolved from the lo-fi, raw intensity of their 2011 debut Rise Ye Sunken Ships, which showcased a heartbroken yet triumphant with reverb-drenched guitars and simple, heartfelt arrangements, to a more polished and confident production in subsequent releases. Their 2014 self-titled album refined this into upbeat, multi-instrumental rock incorporating West African rhythms, with concise melodies and accents for soaring moments, while 2016's This Is Your Life incorporated broader electronic tinges and folk-inflected rhythms alongside post-rock-inspired swells, achieving a more expansive, chorus-driven sound. Production techniques play a key role in the band's emotional depth, relying on live recordings, multi-tracked vocals for a communal feel, and strategic layering of acoustic and electric elements to heighten dynamics. Early works favored a stripped-back, reverb-heavy aesthetic to capture , evolving to cleaner mixes that amplify anthemic builds without losing intensity. The band's style has been likened to for its orchestral energy and communal uplift, as well as due to violin-driven crescendos and folk-rock vigor, though Augustines maintain a distinct raw edge. Comparisons to The National and also highlight their brooding yet barroom-ready .

Influences and themes

The lyrics of Augustines, primarily penned by frontman Billy McCarthy, center on themes of , redemption, and , deeply rooted in McCarthy's personal struggles with familial loss and . McCarthy's mother died by during his teenage years, an event that profoundly shaped his in in , where he first turned to music as a coping mechanism. His brother, who battled , later died by while in in , further fueling McCarthy's exploration of anguish and recovery in his songwriting. These experiences inform the band's autobiographical narratives, transforming individual trauma into songs that emphasize resilience and hope, such as those on their debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships, which serves as a to his brother James and a broader on overcoming despair. The band's name derives from the month of , as McCarthy, Sanderson, and McCarthy's late brother James were all born in that month, adding a personal layer to their lyrical style. Musically, Augustines draw inspiration from Springsteen's approach, evident in McCarthy's vivid, character-driven that chronicle personal and communal struggles with emotional directness and narrative depth. The band's anthemic scope also echoes U2's expansive sound, infusing their work with a sense of uplift and universality that amplifies themes of redemption amid hardship. This blend of influences crafts a lyrical style that is raw and , turning private pain into shared through hopeful, resilient anthems. In the scene, Augustines' emphasis on vulnerability has resonated widely, positioning them as advocates for open discussions of and loss, with fans often citing the music's role in processing their own heartbreak and fostering a . McCarthy's openness about his battles with , , and in the family has inspired listeners, contributing to the band's reputation for emotional authenticity in a that values raw introspection over polished detachment.

Discography

Studio albums

Augustines have released three studio albums, marking their evolution from origins to more expansive, electronically influenced sounds. Their debut album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, was originally released digitally on June 6, 2011, under the band's initial name We Are Augustines, with physical editions following in 2012 via Oxcart Records and associated imprints such as Turnout Records in the UK. The album, running approximately 45 minutes, peaked at number 61 on the . Its track listing is as follows:
  1. Chapel Song
  2. Augustine
  3. Headlong Into The Abyss
  4. Book Of James
  6. Juarez
  8. New Drink For The Old Drunk
  10. Strange Days
  11. Barrel Of Leaves
  12. The Instrumental
The self-titled second album, Augustines, arrived on February 4, 2014, through Votiv and Oxcart Records, with a runtime of about 45 minutes. It achieved a peak position of number 42 on the and received no certifications. The tracks are:
  1. Intro (I Touch Imaginary Hands) – 1:37
  2. Cruel City – 3:44
  3. Nothing to Lose but Your Head – 3:53
  4. Weary Eyes – 4:09
  5. Don't You Look Back – 4:25
  6. – 5:01
  7. Kid You're on Your Own – 4:00
  8. This Ain't Me – 4:37
  9. – 4:09
  10. The Avenue – 3:32
  11. Highway 1 Interlude – 2:13
  12. Hold Onto Anything – 3:35
The band's final studio to date, This Is Your Life, was issued on June 10, 2016, by Caroline International, lasting roughly 43 minutes, and entered the at number 67. No reissues or certifications were recorded for this release. Its track listing includes:
  1. Are We Alive?
  3. The Forgotten Way
  4. Running in Place (featuring Pape & Cheikh)
  5. May You Keep Well (featuring Pape & Cheikh)
  6. Landmine
  7. Hold Me Loneliness
  8. No Need to Explain
  9. This Is Your Life
  10. Days Roll By

Live albums

Live on 2 Meter Sessions, a live album recorded on April 2, 2014, at the Zonnehuis Theatre in for the Dutch TV show 2 Meter Sessions, was released on August 22, 2025, by Coast to Coast. The CD runs approximately 40 minutes and did not chart. Its track listing is:
  1. Augustine – 4:17
  2. Juarez – 4:34
  3. Trouble With River Cities – 2:45
  4. Chapel Song – 3:31
  5. Headlong Into The Abyss – 4:36
  6. Nothing To Lose But Your Head – 3:52
  7. Book Of James – 5:28
  8. The Avenue – 3:34
  9. Cruel City – 3:41
  10. Now You Are Free – 3:44

Singles and EPs

The Augustines released several singles throughout their career, primarily as promotional vehicles for their studio albums, with a focus on building anticipation through radio play and . Their debut single, "Chapel Song," issued in 2011 under the name We Are Augustines, marked their breakthrough, featuring anthemic elements that captured widespread attention. This track, directed by Matthew C. Mills, depicted a romantic pursuit in a chapel setting, visually echoing the song's themes of longing and redemption through sweeping, emotional cinematography. Follow-up singles like "Book of James" (2011) and "Juarez" (2012) continued this momentum, drawing from personal narratives of loss and resilience central to their early sound. In 2013–2014, coinciding with their self-titled album, the band issued "Cruel City" as a , emphasizing urban alienation in its lyrics, paired with a stark, narrative-driven video showcasing the band's raw energy. "Weary Eyes" (2014) followed, highlighting exhaustion and hope, and served as a key radio promoter without notable chart success but strong streaming presence. Other 2014 releases included "Nothing to Lose But Your Head" and "Now ," both promo singles that underscored the album's themes of transformation, with the latter's video featuring live performance clips to connect with fans. The band's final album era in 2016 brought singles such as "Are We Alive," "When Things Fall Apart," and "This Is Your Life," released as promotional CDs that reflected on mortality and closure ahead of their breakup. "This Is Your Life" in particular tied visually to the album's introspective tone through a minimalist video emphasizing personal reflection. No post-breakup singles emerged from the group, though individual members pursued solo work. Regarding EPs, the band issued limited promotional releases early on, including the "Rock the Vote EP" in , a non-commercial effort tied to initiatives, featuring acoustic versions of tracks like "Chapel Song" to broaden their audience. "Chapel Song" also appeared as a 2011 EP promo, bundling the single with B-sides for industry outreach. These EPs played a crucial role in establishing the band's grassroots following before major label involvement.
SingleRelease YearAlbum AssociationMusic Video Notes
Chapel Song2011Rise Ye Sunken ShipsDirected by Matthew C. Mills; romantic chapel pursuit theme.
Book of James2011Rise Ye Sunken ShipsNo official video; focused on radio promotion.
Juarez2012Rise Ye Sunken ShipsNo video; emphasized live performances.
Cruel City2013AugustinesVideo highlights urban grit and band dynamics.
Weary Eyes2014AugustinesNo video; strong streaming impact.
Nothing to Lose But Your Head2014AugustinesLive-clip video tying to tour energy.
Now You Are Free2014AugustinesPerformance-based visuals.
Are We Alive2016This Is Your LifeVideo explores existential themes.
This Is Your Life2016This Is Your LifeMinimalist, reflective direction.

Performances and media

Notable live appearances and tours

Augustines embarked on their debut European tour in late 2011, supporting the release of their album Rise Ye Sunken Ships, with headline shows across the including dates in and . The tour marked the band's initial in the region, building a dedicated following through intimate venues and energetic performances alongside acts like . In 2014, following the release of their self-titled second album, Augustines undertook an extensive world tour that encompassed over 100 shows across , , and beyond, including the U.S. Tour and multiple legs in and the . Key highlights included sold-out headline dates and support slots, such as opening for in the U.S., solidifying their reputation as a prolific live act. The band's farewell tour in fall 2016 served as their final run of performances before the breakup, consisting of 27 dates across Europe from September 27 in , , to October 31 in , , covering countries including , , , , , and . Notable stops included headline shows at venues like Berlin's Heimathafen and London's O2 Academy Brixton, where the trio delivered emotionally charged sets to packed crowds, culminating in a sense of closure for fans. Augustines appeared at major festivals such as SXSW in 2012, where they performed acoustic sets that highlighted their raw emotional delivery, and Reading Festival in 2014 on the Festival Republic Stage, delivering a high-octane show amid a diverse lineup. Their festival slots often featured abbreviated but intense performances that captured the communal spirit of their music. The band's live shows were renowned for their high-energy intensity and strong audience interaction, with frontman Billy McCarthy frequently leading crowd sing-alongs on anthemic tracks like "Chapel Song" and fostering a cathartic atmosphere that felt like a rebirth. Occasional acoustic interludes added intimacy, stripping back the bombast to emphasize lyrical vulnerability and emotional connection. Following their 2016 , there were no full band live appearances through 2025, though social media teases beginning in 2023, including video content on in late 2024 and 2025, hinted at potential reunions. These culminated in the announcement on September 30, 2025, of a 2026 festival slot at Sing Us Home in . Frontman Billy McCarthy continued solo performances, maintaining the band's spirit through guest spots and personal shows.

Television and media appearances

The Augustines, then performing as We Are Augustines, made their network television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman on February 24, 2012, where they performed their single "Chapel Song" from the album Rise Ye Sunken Ships. Later that year, the band appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on June 14, 2012, and Last Call with Carson Daly on April 27, 2012, further exposing their energetic indie rock sound to a broader American audience following successful UK tours. In 2014, they performed a session on the Dutch television program 2 Meter Sessies, delivering stripped-down renditions of tracks including "Now You Are Free" from their self-titled album, which highlighted their raw emotional delivery in an intimate setting. On radio platforms, the band recorded notable sessions with KEXP in , beginning with an acoustic performance of "Chapel Song" during CMJ 2011 at the . They returned for a full studio session on February 6, 2014, playing songs like "Nothing to Lose But Your Head" and "," and again in 2016 at The Triple Door for tracks including "Headlong into the Abyss" and "Cruel City," showcasing their evolution from raw urgency to more polished introspection. These sessions, broadcast widely, contributed to building a dedicated following in the and beyond. In other media, the band's songs appeared in several television shows, with five documented sync placements across three tracks, though specific episodes emphasized their anthemic qualities in dramatic contexts. Regarding their 2016 breakup, frontman William McCarthy discussed the financial strains leading to the split in an interview with Louder, noting the challenges of sustaining independent operations amid touring demands. NME covered the announcement, highlighting the farewell tour as a poignant close to their career. These broadcast and media exposures significantly boosted the band's visibility, particularly in the UK and Europe, where they cultivated a reputation for captivating live energy that preceded their limited U.S. breakthrough.

References

  1. https://www.augustinesband.com/about
  2. https://dinealonerecords.com/artists/augustines/
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/augustines-mn0003202548
  4. https://www.loudersound.com/features/augustines-we-knew-we-couldnt-afford-to-keep-doing-this
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8986906/
  6. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/we-are-augustines-rise-ye-sunken-ships
  7. https://relix.com/on_the_verge/detail/we-are-augustines/
  8. https://thephoenix.com/boston/music/127134-improbable-rise-of-we-are-augustines/
  9. https://www.npr.org/2011/11/19/142544879/we-are-augustines-old-wounds-inspire-recovery-songs
  10. https://artsfuse.org/102078/fuse-music-interview-billy-mccarthy-of-augustines-doing-strong-work/
  11. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/features/we-are-augustines-not-out-of-the-woods-yet-9112936.html
  12. https://wfuv.org/content/augustines-five-essential-radiohead-songs
  13. https://www.redandblack.com/variety/augustines-emotionally-driven-songs-hit-home-with-heartbroken-fans/article_f0262990-3060-11e3-aaf3-001a4bcf6878.html
  14. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/augustines-band_n_4832882
  15. https://lostinconcert.com/interview-we-are-augustines/
  16. https://www.owlandbear.com/2014/02/26/interview-rob-allen-augustines/
  17. https://www.ericesanderson.com/about
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN2QRwLmLsM
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/6043627-Augustines-Augustines
  20. http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/09/pela_breaks_up.html
  21. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/we-are-augustines-david-letterman_b_1415196
  22. https://www.rslblog.com/2011/08/we-are-augustines-rise-ye-sunken-ships.html
  23. https://www.live4ever.uk.com/review-we-are-augustines-rise-ye-sunken-ships/
  24. https://glidemagazine.com/19210/we-are-augustines/
  25. https://consequence.net/2011/07/album-review-we-are-augustines-rise-ye-sunken-ships/
  26. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/2jvh/
  27. https://echoesanddust.com/2012/03/we-are-augustines-rise-ye-sunken-ships/
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7308/we-are-augustines/
  29. https://www.piccadillyrecords.com/81914/We-Are-Augustines-Rise-Ye-Sunken-Ships-Oxcart-Records
  30. https://diymag.com/review/album/we-are-augustines-rise-ye-sunken-ships
  31. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/50795/Augustines-Rise-Ye-Sunken-Ships/
  32. https://www.recordoftheday.com/record-of-the-day/2011-10-26/book-of-james
  33. https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2012/06/19/we-are-augustines-announce-uk-tour/
  34. https://www.indieisnotagenre.com/artist/william-mccarthy/
  35. https://www.wnyc.org/story/317892-augustines-new-song-cruel-city/
  36. https://www.discogs.com/release/5403448-Augustines-Augustines
  37. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/18061/reviews/4147377
  38. http://www.bestnewbands.com/album-reviews/album-review-augustines-self-titled-lp/
  39. https://www.digitaltourbus.com/news/augustines-announce-fall-north-american-tour/
  40. https://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Life-Augustines/dp/B01E8FE3PU
  41. https://www.discogs.com/master/1018981-Augustines-This-is-Your-Life
  42. https://www.nme.com/news/music/we-are-augustines-1202826
  43. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/19467/reviews/4150118
  44. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31555/augustines/
  45. https://vanyaland.com/2016/09/06/weary-eyes-new-yorks-augustines-announce-break-following-european-tour/
  46. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/augustines-5bd34b78.html
  47. https://williammccarthy1.bandcamp.com/album/shelter-2
  48. https://www.discogs.com/artist/582296-Eric-Sanderson
  49. https://www.ericesanderson.com/
  50. https://www.roballendrums.com/about
  51. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-allen-483048b
  52. https://www.live4ever.uk.com/augustines-teasing-comeback/
  53. https://www.augustinesband.com/tour
  54. https://diymag.com/review/album/augustines-augustines
  55. https://www.allmusic.com/album/rise-ye-sunken-ships-mw0002179645
  56. https://thefirenote.com/reviews/augustines-augustines-album-review/
  57. https://northerntransmissions.com/augustines-life/
  58. https://www.northernnoise.co.uk/featured/interview-augustines/6583
  59. https://thepopbreak.com/2011/12/07/interview-we-are-augustines/
  60. https://propermentalpodcast.podbean.com/e/william-mccarthy/
  61. https://www.discogs.com/master/478369-We-Are-Augustines-Rise-Ye-Sunken-Ships
  62. https://www.allmusic.com/album/augustines-mw0002610603
  63. https://www.allmusic.com/album/this-is-your-life-mw0002946767
  64. https://www.discogs.com/release/34954790-Augustines-Live-On-2-Meter-Sessions
  65. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2608971-We-Are-Augustines
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raGMs9FALiU
  67. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/augustines?page=1&year=2011
  68. https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/record/we-are-augustines/book-of-james
  69. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/augustines
  70. https://northerntransmissions.com/augustines-announce-farewell-tour/
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Nca_ME5YM
  72. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/reading-festival-augustines
  73. https://beatsthatsetmypulse.com/2014/08/13/augustines-to-rise-up-from-some-dirty-ashes/
  74. https://everyrecordtellsastory.com/2014/12/09/augustines-live-in-the-round-at-camden-roundhouse/
  75. https://www.facebook.com/weareaugustines/
  76. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEP9pWHtj_D/
  77. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/2026-sing-us-home-festival-lineup-1235438215/
  78. https://x.com/WeAreAugustines
  79. https://epguides.com/LateShowwithDavidLetterman/
  80. https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/55462/We-Are-Augustines-to-release-double-A-side-single
  81. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meWkXGa58G8
  82. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_fv7TDOj-E
  83. https://www.kexp.org/read/2014/3/7/live-video-augustines/
  84. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSw9nJBb4C0
  85. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/augustines
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