Pattern Is Movement
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Pattern Is Movement (commonly presented as Pattern is Movement) is an indie rock ensemble originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, established in 2001. Beginning as a five-member group, their musical style initially incorporated math rock elements—earning comparisons to bands like Don Caballero, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Pinback. Over time, as they condensed to a duo, their sound shifted toward a more melodic and robust approach featuring catchy choruses. This later phase drew inspiration from artists such as Dirty Projectors, Beirut, and Grizzly Bear. Chris Ward, a member of the band, characterized their music as "indie cabaret."
In 2006, their 2005 album Stowaway was reinterpreted by producer and engineer Scott Solter—recognized for collaborations with John Vanderslice and the Mountain Goats—who exclusively utilized analog techniques for the remix, credited under "machines, razors, tape."
From 2008 onward, Pattern Is Movement operated as a two-piece act. That same year, they appeared on the cover of Philadelphia Weekly in an article spotlighting "Four indie bands that can expect a big year." Their album All Together, recorded with Solter during spring 2008, signified this transition. Joe Tangari of Pitchfork commended it as "an accessible album that nonetheless sounds unlike what any other band is doing."
In April 2009, Limewire honored them by naming them one of its Featured Artists.
After releasing their self-titled fourth album in 2015, Pattern Is Movement announced a farewell tour following thirteen years of activity.
Discography
- The (im)possibility of Longing (NFI) – 2004
- Stowaway (NFI) – 2005
- Scott Solter Plays Pattern Is Movement: Canonic (Hometapes) – 2006
- All Together (Hometapes) – 2008
- Pattern Is Movement (Hometapes) – 2014