by Johnny LoftusThe Standard hail from Portland, where they began playing shows in 1999. Vocalist/guitarist Tim Putnam, keyboardist Jay Clarke, bassist Rob Oberdorfer, and drummer Rob Duncan had known each other from playing in various bands -- and in various styles -- around town, and as the Standard they incorporated all of that to develop a moody and unpredictable indie rock sound. A self-titled release appeared through Barbaric in 2001, followed by the Touch & Go release August a year later. The Standard jumped to Yep Roc for the strong 2004 effort Wire Post to Wire, and Albatross appeared in 2005.