Magnolia Summer is the alt country-rock brainchild of songwriter Chris Grabau, who launched the project during the early 2000s in St. Louis, MO. Having pieced together a rotating lineup of local musicians, Grabau began penning songs that embraced his varied interests, from R.E.M.'s jangled pop to Wilco's earthy croon. The band made its official debut in 2003 with Levers and Pulleys (which saw Grabau sharing leadership with producer/multi-instrumentalist Mark Ray), followed by the sophomore effort From Driveways' Lost View in 2006. Two years later, Magnolia Summer buoyed its sound with pedal steel and strings, both of which combined to make Lines from the Frame the band's most expansive work to date. ~ Andrew Leahey