Augustines (band)
| Company type | Independent music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | William McCarthy, Eric Sanderson |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn , United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom, Europe |
Key people | William McCarthy, Eric Sanderson, Rob Allen |
| Products | Albums: Rise Ye Sunken Ships, Augustines, This Is Your Life |
Number of employees | 3 (band members) |
Augustines (previously known as We Are Augustines) is an American indie rock group originating from Brooklyn, New York. The lineup consists of guitarist William McCarthy, multi-instrumentalist Eric Sanderson, and drummer Rob Allen. Renowned for their passionate live performances and close interaction with audiences, the band frequently performs amidst their fans.
History
Following the dissolution of their former ensemble Pela, McCarthy and Sanderson carried on developing material initially meant for Pela’s sophomore album. Their first album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, was released digitally on June 6, 2011. In September 2016, they announced that their upcoming autumn tour would mark the conclusion of the band’s journey.
The band’s name honors August—the birth month shared by McCarthy, Sanderson, and McCarthy’s late brother James—whose life story significantly shaped their debut record. Pela disbanded abruptly in August 2009. The group initially adopted the name Augustines but switched to We Are Augustines due to a naming dispute. They returned to the original name Augustines in August 2013.
Formation and debut album
The material for their first album originated from nearly 40 tracks composed during Pela’s final period. After being dissatisfied with the initial recordings, the members re-tracked the album amid disputes with their label and management. The suicide of James McCarthy and internal tensions led to Pela’s breakup.
Determined to complete the project independently, McCarthy and Sanderson overcame industry obstacles with substantial support from the indie music community, particularly John Richards at KEXP. The album was produced by David Newfeld, notable for his work with Broken Social Scene, and had its premiere performance at KEXP’s Cutting Room Studios on October 18, 2010. It was initially self-released as a digital-only album on iTunes.
Prior to the debut launch, Rob Allen joined as the permanent drummer.
Rise Ye Sunken Ships (2011)
Rise Ye Sunken Ships saw its CD release in North America, Australia, and New Zealand on August 23, 2011, followed by a global release on March 5, 2012. To promote the album, the band embarked on a UK tour beginning in October 2011.
The album received favorable reviews; notably, The Sun and Music Fix selected the UK single "Book of James" as their single of the week.
Exploring poignant themes such as the deaths of McCarthy’s mother and brother, the record balances heavy subject matter with messages of optimism. Drummer Rob Allen highlighted this contrast by stating that despite these somber topics, the band projects hopefulness and vitality: "We are living proof that things can get better... We are jovial, energetic people who want to enjoy life and I think that's what you see when we perform." Their touring schedule included extensive dates across the British Isles and Europe, featuring appearances at festivals like Pukkelpop, Reading & Leeds, and venues such as Shepherd's Bush. In 2014, they supported Frightened Rabbit during a U.S. tour.
In June 2011, their "Chapel Song" music video earned Best Music Video honors at the Los Angeles Art-House Film Festival.
In March 2012, Augustines recorded a session at Abbey Road Studios. Subsequently, on April 11, 2012, they released the video for "Juarez," the third single from Rise Ye Sunken Ships.
Augustines (2014)
Toward the end of 2013, the group collaborated with producer Peter Katis (known for his work with Frightened Rabbit and We Were Promised Jetpacks) on their eponymous sophomore album, Augustines. This record was released in early 2014 and was followed by their inaugural headlining tour across the United States, where the majority of shows sold out well in advance. The band then returned to the UK in April and devoted much of the summer to performing at various European festivals. After additional U.S. performances in the fall, they embarked on another European tour, concluding 2014 with a sold-out concert for 3,000 attendees at London's Roundhouse. This particular show was recorded for a documentary titled Rise.
By August 2015, Augustines had wrapped up a UK and European tour and began work on their third studio album.
This Is Your Life and disbandment (2016)
The band's third album, This Is Your Life, was released on June 10, 2016.
On September 6 of the same year, Augustines announced that their remaining live dates would be their final ones due to financial difficulties. Their last performance took place on October 31, 2016, at Liverpool's O2 Academy, ending with the song 'Cruel City' from their second album. The entire concert was broadcast live via Facebook.
Activities following Augustines
In 2017, McCarthy embarked on a solo career with the release of Shelter, produced by Sanderson and featuring contributions from Allen, Pela drummer Tomislav Zovich, and longtime Augustines collaborator Yannis Panos.
That same year, Sanderson introduced his solo endeavor with the album Audio Journal Vol. 1: Bringing the Past to Light.
Potential reunion
During 2023 and into 2024, members of the band hinted at a possible reunion by reactivating their social media profiles toward the end of 2024.
On September 30, 2025, the band's Instagram account under the handle weareaugustines shared a video clip of them performing alongside the message: "HEAR YE HEAR YE! Its time my friends.... Augustines are back Stay tuned for news."
Discography
- Albums
- Rise Ye Sunken Ships (Oxcart Records, 2011) Chart positions: No. 186 US, No. 61 UK
- Augustines (2014) Chart positions: No. 141 US, No. 42 UK, No. 98 GER
- This Is Your Life (2016) Chart position: No. 67 UK
- EPs
- Rock the Vote (2012)
- iTunes Session (2012)
Significant live performances
- Supporting Counting Crows on their US Tour (July–August 2012)
- Main support for The Boxer Rebellion during UK and US Tours (March–April 2011)
- Participated in Daytrotter Barnstormer Tour (August 2011)
- Performed at Austin City Limits, Austin, Texas (September 16–18, 2011)
- Live session for KEXP Radio (October 2011)
- BrooklynVegan CMJ Day Party appearance (October 2011)
- Played at XFM Winter Wonderland event (December 2011)
- Main support for The Kaiser Chiefs on UK Tour (December 2011)
- Supported Band of Skulls during US Tour (March 2012)
- Appeared on Coachella Main Stage (April 2012)
- Performed on Yeti Stage at Sasquatch! Music Festival (May 2012)
- Supported Counting Crows during Outlaw Roadshow Tour in Brooklyn (July 2012)
- Concert at Flèche d'Or, Paris (October 20, 2012)
- Show at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (October 2012)
- Main support for Frightened Rabbit on US Tour (September–October 2013)
- Returned to Sasquatch! Music Festival Main Stage (May 2014)
- Performed at Manchester Cathedral (December 1, 2014)
Television Appearances
- Late Show with David Letterman (February 24, 2012)
- Last Call with Carson Daly (April 27, 2012)
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (June 14, 2012)
Singles and Music Videos
- "Chapel Song", Directed by Matthew Mills, Released on February 14, 2011
- "Book of James", Directed by Matt Amato, Released on October 10, 2011
- "Juarez", Directed by Matt Amato, Released on April 11, 2012
- "Cruel City", Directed by Bryan Schlam, Released on October 7, 2013
- "Nothing to Lose But Your Head", Released on January 5, 2014