The Moth & The Flame
The Moth & The Flame is an American alternative rock band formed in 2011 in Provo, Utah, by vocalist and guitarist Brandon Robbins, keyboardist and vocalist Mark Garbett, and drummer Andrew Tolman, later relocating to Los Angeles, California, where they continue to create music blending indietronica, indie rock, and experimental elements.[1][2] The band gained initial recognition with their self-titled debut album in 2011, followed by the "&" EP in 2013, produced by renowned producer Joey Waronker, which helped establish their national presence.[1] In 2014, they signed with Elektra Records and expanded their lineup with bassist Michael Goldman, enabling extensive touring alongside acts such as Imagine Dragons, Neon Trees, Big Data, Wolf Alice, Bastille, Weezer, and Placebo.[1][3] Their breakthrough came with the 2016 album Young & Unafraid, which featured a top 40 hit on the Alternative chart and earned praise from outlets like NPR for its compelling fusion of music and visuals, though the band paused activities that year when Robbins donated a kidney to friend and collaborator Corey Fox.[2] They resumed in 2018, performing at the Donate Life Transplant Games and releasing Ruthless in 2019, produced by Peter Katis and exploring themes of depression and anxiety.[2] Subsequent releases include the 2020 single "Haunt Me" (with Kaskade) and the 2023 single "Living in the Chorus" (with Can't Stop Won't Stop), reflecting their evolution toward more introspective and atmospheric sounds while maintaining a rigorous touring schedule at major festivals worldwide. In November 2025, they released "Fingers Crossed", the lead single from an upcoming album, and announced tours for 2025–2026 with The Strumbellas.[4] With over 120,000 monthly listeners on Spotify as of November 2025 and a reputation for inventive live performances, The Moth & The Flame remains a notable force in alternative music, emphasizing resilience and creative risk-taking.[4][2][5]History
Formation and early development (2011–2012)
The band The Moth & The Flame was founded in 2011 in Provo, Utah, by singer-guitarist Brandon Robbins and keyboardist-vocalist Mark Garbett, who were inspired by the thriving local indie rock scene centered around venues like Velour Live Music Gallery.[2][6] This scene had previously launched acts such as Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees, providing a fertile ground for emerging talent in the high-desert college town.[2] In late 2011, the duo recruited drummer Andrew Tolman, a former member of Imagine Dragons, to complete the core trio and solidify their sound.[7] The group quickly began independent recordings, with sessions for their self-titled debut album commencing that year under the production of local engineer Nate Pyfer, who had approached them after their first show to offer his services.[8][9] These early efforts culminated in a limited physical release of the self-titled album on November 11, 2011, available only on CD at local performances, as the band focused on building grassroots momentum.[10] Initial shows at Provo hotspots like Velour drew strong crowds, including a sold-out album release that required an additional date, helping establish a devoted regional following while the group remained unsigned.[10] By 2012, this buzz attracted early industry attention.[11]Debut album and Ampersand EP (2013)
Following the release of their self-titled debut album on November 11, 2011, The Moth & The Flame continued building momentum through regional performances in the western United States, setting the stage for their major-label entry the following year.[12] In 2013, the band signed with Hidden Records, an imprint under RED Distribution, marking their first significant industry partnership and enabling broader promotion.[13] The partnership culminated in the release of the Ampersand EP, titled &, on November 5, 2013, as a digital major-label debut produced by Joey Waronker.[14][12] This six-track collection included "Sorry," "Winsome," "Silver Tongue," "Holy War," "The New Great Depression," and "How We Woke Up," blending introspective lyrics with layered alternative rock arrangements.[15] The EP's lead single, "Sorry," was released alongside an official music video directed by the band, emphasizing themes of regret and emotional vulnerability through cinematic visuals filmed in Utah.[16] While the EP did not achieve major commercial chart placements, it garnered critical attention for its polished production and helped establish the band's reputation in the alternative rock scene.[17] To promote the release, The Moth & The Flame embarked on regional tours across the U.S., including opening slots for Imagine Dragons during their summer headline shows and Neon Trees on select dates, exposing them to larger audiences and solidifying their live presence in key markets like Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.[1] These performances highlighted the band's dynamic stage energy and contributed to early fan growth ahead of international expansion.Young & Unafraid era (2014–2016)
In September 2014, The Moth & The Flame signed with Elektra Records, marking their transition to a major label after building an independent following.[18] This deal came shortly after the release of their Ampersand EP, which had helped generate buzz through regional performances. The signing positioned the band for broader exposure, with Elektra president Jeff Nark emphasizing their commanding live presence and fervent sound.[18] The band's major-label debut album, Young & Unafraid, was released on February 26, 2016, via Elektra Records.[19] It featured singles including "Young & Unafraid," which debuted as a music video in May 2015, and a live version of "Sorry" shared during the label announcement. The album expanded on the band's art rock foundations, incorporating electronic elements and introspective lyrics about resilience and self-discovery. Production was handled by longtime collaborator Nate Pyfer, resulting in a polished mix of atmospheric synths, driving rhythms, and emotive vocals led by Brandon Robbins.[19][20] During this era, The Moth & The Flame intensified their touring schedule to promote the album and build national momentum. In fall 2014, they supported Neon Trees on a nine-date U.S. tour alongside No Devotion, performing at venues like 7 Flags Event Center in Des Moines.[18] They also opened for Placebo on their North American dates, including shows at Club Nokia in Los Angeles and Sound Academy in Toronto. In 2015, the band joined Big Data for a spring tour spanning cities from Salt Lake City to Boston, followed by appearances at festivals like San Diego Music Thing. The 2016 Alt Nation Advanced Placement Tour took them across the West Coast, while festival slots at SXSW, Firefly Music Festival, and Treefort Music Fest highlighted their rising profile and energetic live sets blending electronic-infused rock with visual flair.[21][22][23] Critically, Young & Unafraid received praise for its bold evolution and seamless fusion of electronic textures with alternative rock, earning acclaim for tracks that captured youthful defiance and emotional depth. Provo Music Magazine lauded the album's "fearlessness and originality," noting how the band's willingness to experiment distinguished them in the indie scene. User-driven platforms like Sputnikmusic and Rate Your Music reflected solid reception, with average scores around 4/5 and 3.1/5, respectively, appreciating the production's adventurous hooks and Robbins' versatile vocals reminiscent of influences like The Killers.[24][25][26]Ruthless and peak activity (2017–2019)
Following a year-long hiatus prompted by frontman Brandon Robbins' kidney donation to friend and collaborator Corey Fox, owner of Velour Live Music Gallery, in 2016, The Moth & The Flame resumed activity in late 2018 with the release of their single "The New Great Depression" on December 18, which served as the lead track from their upcoming third studio album.[27] The band announced Ruthless shortly thereafter, with recording sessions taking place throughout 2018 in a process described by Robbins as liberating and free from major-label constraints, allowing for raw emotional exploration of themes like depression and vulnerability.[28] Produced by Peter Katis and released on February 1, 2019, via Robot Farming in partnership with Thirty Tigers and Hidden Records, the album represented a creative peak, blending synth-driven alternative rock with introspective lyrics that Robbins noted pushed the band's boundaries sonically and thematically.[29] Key singles from Ruthless included "Only Just Begun," released on January 18, 2019, which highlighted the band's triumphant return and received coverage for its uplifting yet honest portrayal of perseverance.[30] The full album premiered exclusively on Billboard one day early on January 31, 2019, garnering media attention for its bold production and personal depth, with outlets praising it as a refined evolution from their prior work.[29] This period marked the band's highest streaming activity to date, driven by the album's digital rollout and playlist placements, though specific metrics underscored broader commercial momentum rather than isolated benchmarks.[28] The release fueled an extensive tour schedule across the U.S., including headlining dates at venues like the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles on April 3, 2019, and a spring run extending into May and June with stops in cities such as Santa Ana, California, and Troy, New York.[28] Support slots alongside acts like The Strumbellas further amplified their visibility, with the band maintaining a dynamic live presence characterized by intricate synth-guitar interplay.[31] International outings were limited during this window but included festival appearances that built on prior global momentum, contributing to sustained fan engagement.[32] Internally, the 2017–2019 era solidified the band's core lineup of Robbins (vocals/guitar), Mark Garbett (keyboards/vocals), and Andrew Tolman (drums), with no changes amid eight years of collaborative evolution.[28] Robbins reflected on the period as both rewarding and challenging, emphasizing emotional openness in songwriting that strengthened group bonds without external pressures disrupting their unity.[28] While no major award nominations surfaced, the album's reception in interviews and premieres, such as Robbins' March 2019 discussion with Cryptic Rock, highlighted Ruthless as a pivotal, high-impact chapter in their career.[28]Hiatus and recent revival (2020–present)
In 2020, The Moth & The Flame entered an extended hiatus influenced by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted live music and touring industries worldwide. The band, which had been actively promoting their 2019 album Ruthless, shifted focus to individual projects and personal development during this period, with limited group activity.[3] Despite the pause, the band released sporadic standalone singles to maintain a connection with fans. "Haunt Me" (with Kaskade) arrived in 2020, followed by "ICE v3" in 2021 and "Living In The Chorus" (featuring Rhyme Time) in 2023, each showcasing evolving production and thematic depth amid the break.[4] The hiatus extended to live performances, with the band absent from stages for three years until their return at Fork Fest in American Fork, Utah, on June 8, 2024. This appearance marked a significant milestone, featuring fan favorites alongside previews of unreleased material, and drew strong local support at the multi-stage event.[3][33] Building momentum, the band shared teasers from 2024 mixing sessions in a remote mountain cabin, hinting at a forthcoming album. On November 12, 2025, they released "Fingers Crossed" as the lead single and accompanying music video, signaling the start of a new recording era.[34][35] Currently based in Los Angeles, California, The Moth & The Flame have expressed intentions to resume touring in 2025, though specific dates remain unannounced as of late 2025.Artistry
Musical style
The Moth & The Flame's primary genre is alternative rock, incorporating elements of indietronica and synth-pop that create a distinctive atmospheric sound.[36][37] Their music features layered analog synths blended with live instrumentation such as piano, acoustic guitar, and bass, producing lush, cinematic textures that evoke a brooding, movie-like quality.[2] Emotive vocals from frontman Brandon Robbins anchor the tracks, often delivering introspective lyrics exploring themes of resilience, relationships, and personal introspection amid challenges like anxiety and loss.[2][29] A hallmark of their style is the dynamic structure, with songs typically building from quiet, intimate verses—sometimes featuring raw acoustic elements—to explosive, anthemic choruses driven by pulsing beats and distorted synths.[38][29] This contrast heightens emotional impact, as seen in tracks that shift from gentle strums and melodic introspection to fiercer arrangements with clashing drums and fuzzy bass lines.[38] Production techniques emphasize richness and depth, with occasional voice distortion adding unexpected intensity, particularly in later works.[39] The band's sound has evolved from the raw indie rock of their 2011 self-titled debut, which maintained consistent, unadorned guitar-and-vocal driven styles across tracks, to a more polished electronic-infused aesthetic in subsequent releases.[10] By the 2016 album Young & Unafraid, acoustic intimacy highlighted Robbins' voice with minimal instrumentation, while Ruthless (2019), produced by Peter Katis, incorporated sophisticated synth layers and darker, brooding production for a more expansive, alternative rock core.[2][24][29] Subsequent releases like the 2020 album Haunt Me and the 2025 single "Fingers Crossed" continue this progression, blending organic and synthetic elements to enhance the thematic depth of human struggle and hope.[2][4]Influences and songwriting
The Moth & The Flame's musical influences draw from a diverse range of alternative rock and indie acts, reflecting their Utah roots and broader artistic inspirations. Early on, the band was part of the local Provo music scene alongside acts like Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees, performing at venues such as Velour during their formative years.[2] Broader influences include Radiohead, Beck, Pearl Jam, and Sparklehorse, contributing to their art-rock sensibilities and emotional depth in songwriting.[6] Additionally, UK rock elements from bands like Travis and The Cranberries informed their melodic structures and vocal delivery.[28] Songwriting for the band is primarily led by frontman Brandon Robbins, who handles initial composition, often starting with acoustic guitar and piano to focus on core emotional narratives.[8] This process has evolved into a more collaborative effort, incorporating input from multi-instrumentalist Mark Garbett on arrangements and refinements, particularly since their debut album.[8][6] The emphasis remains on personal storytelling, with lyrics exploring vulnerability and real-life experiences to foster listener connection.[28] Producer and longtime collaborator Nate Pyfer plays a pivotal role in the creative process, blending organic instrumentation like guitars and piano with digital synths and programming to create a cinematic, layered sound.[2][8] This hybrid approach enhances the intimacy of Robbins' narratives, allowing for atmospheric builds that underscore thematic introspection. The band's themes have shifted over time, beginning with early works centered on optimism amid disillusionment, disappointment in growing up, and paths to redemption.[8] Later albums like Ruthless (2019) delved deeper into introspection, addressing personal battles with depression and anxiety through raw, empathetic storytelling.[2][28] Following periods of reduced activity, collaborations such as the 2022 track "Alive" with Kx5 (featuring deadmau5 and Kaskade), along with recent releases like the 2025 single "Fingers Crossed," continue this introspective focus, examining themes of faith, sin, and inner conflict while integrating electronic elements.[40][4]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of The Moth & The Flame is a stable trio consisting of co-founders Brandon Robbins and Mark Garbett, with Andrew Tolman joining in 2012.[2][41] Brandon Robbins handles lead vocals and guitar, serving as the band's primary songwriter since its inception.[2][8] Mark Garbett contributes keyboards, synthesizer, and backing vocals, helping shape the group's atmospheric electronic elements as a co-founder.[2] Andrew Tolman provides drums and backing vocals, anchoring the rhythm section and ensuring the band's tight, dynamic live performances.[2] This configuration has remained unchanged since 2012, allowing the members to build a cohesive sound over more than a decade.[2][3] The trio's ongoing collaboration has supported the band's revival, including contributions to new material performed at events like Fork Fest in 2024.[3]Former and touring members
The Moth & The Flame's core has evolved since its inception, with Nate Pyfer as a founding member handling programming and production duties in 2011 before departing early in the band's history.[6] Early in the band's history, prior to Andrew Tolman's formal addition as drummer in early 2012, session musician Aaron Anderson of the band Fictionist provided drums for their self-titled debut album released in 2011.[6] For live performances, especially during the band's more active touring phases from 2014 to 2019, the trio expanded with additional support musicians to handle larger productions. Bassist and multi-instrumentalist Michael Goldman frequently joined them on tour, contributing bass, guitar, and backing vocals to enhance the stage sound.[42][43] Goldman, described as a "hired gun" collaborator, supported tours including dates with acts like Saint Motel and Atlas Genius.[44] The band has also incorporated occasional guest vocalists on select singles, though these contributions remain non-permanent and outside the core or touring personnel.Discography
Studio albums
The band's debut studio album, titled The Moth & The Flame, was self-released on November 11, 2011.[45] The album consists of 9 tracks and was initially distributed in CD format, with digital streaming later made available on platforms like Spotify.[46] Its track listing includes:- Maker
- How We Woke Up
- Home
- Goodbye
- Lullaby II
- &
- Entitled
- Dreamer
- The Hunt[47]
- Red Flag
- Young & Unafraid
- Empire & the Sun
- Live While I Breathe
- Wishing Well
- The Roads
- Another World
- Burn
- Sorry
- Run Anyway
- Heavy Heart
- Fireflies[50]
- The New Great Depression
- Only Just Begun
- Wait Right Here
- Beautiful Couch
- What Do I Do
- Fade into You
- The Beast
- Candy
- Dead
- Reputation
- Born in the Sun[54]
Extended plays
The band's only extended play, titled & (also known as Ampersand), was released on November 5, 2013, through Hidden Records, marking their debut on a major label.[58] Produced by Joey Waronker, the five-track EP features original songs written by the band, including "Sorry," "Winsome," "Silver Tongue," "Monster," and "Holy War," blending alternative rock with emotive art rock elements.[58][17] The EP played a key promotional role in the band's early career, coinciding with their support slot on Imagine Dragons' European Night Visions tour during the fall and winter of 2013, which helped expand their international visibility.[59][60] Tracks like "Sorry" received radio play, notably topping KROQ's Locals Only playlist, further bridging their self-released 2011 debut album to their full-length major-label follow-up.[24] No additional extended plays have been released by the band since 2013, with subsequent output focusing on studio albums and singles.[1]Singles
The Moth & The Flame has issued a number of standalone singles independent of their studio albums and EPs, often serving as previews to larger projects or marking periods of activity during hiatuses. These releases highlight the band's evolution from indie rock roots to more electronic-infused alternative sounds, with several achieving modest radio airplay success. The band's debut single, "The New Great Depression", was released on April 16, 2013, as a precursor to their Ampersand EP and introduced their atmospheric, synth-driven style. It received positive reviews for its brooding intensity but did not chart significantly. "Young & Unafraid", issued on February 17, 2015, became one of their early breakthrough tracks, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart in 2016 after inclusion on the title-track album. The song's anthemic chorus and electronic production garnered airplay on alternative radio stations, solidifying their presence in the genre.[51] Following the 2016 album, the band released "Only Just Begun" on October 5, 2018, a reflective track that hinted at their upcoming Ruthless album while standing alone digitally. It explored themes of perseverance amid industry challenges. During their hiatus, "Haunt Me" (with Kaskade) emerged on October 30, 2020, as a haunting, introspective single that captured the isolation of the pandemic era, released via Arkade. A remix version, "Haunt Me V.2" (with Kaskade), followed in 2021. "ICE v3" (with Kaskade), dropped on December 17, 2021, featured icy synths and pulsating beats, marking a return to club-oriented sounds without album attachment.[61] In 2023, "Living In The Chorus" (with Can't Stop Won't Stop and Rhyme Time) was released on January 13, emphasizing euphoric, hook-driven production that reflected their live performance energy.[62] Their most recent single, "Fingers Crossed", arrived on November 12, 2025, blending optimism with electronic textures amid rumors of new material.[57]| Title | Release Date | Chart Peak (Alternative Airplay) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New Great Depression | April 16, 2013 | — | Pre-EP single |
| Young & Unafraid | February 17, 2015 | No. 35 (2016) | Pre-album lead |
| Only Just Begun | October 5, 2018 | — | Post-album standalone |
| Haunt Me | October 30, 2020 | — | Hiatus-era release (with Kaskade) |
| ICE v3 | December 17, 2021 | — | Electronic-focused (with Kaskade) |
| Living In The Chorus | January 13, 2023 | — | Performance-oriented (with Can't Stop Won't Stop and Rhyme Time) |
| Fingers Crossed | November 12, 2025 | — | Recent single |