Apartment Stories: allegra gellar

allegra gellar is named after the lead character in David Cronenberg’s 1999 film eXistenZ, and yes, purposefully spelled differently by one letter. Jeremy Wilkins and Denver Bon began using the name after moving to Los Angeles, leaving behind a job at local movie-ophile favorite, Videodrome, and several Atlanta based bands that coincidentally sprinkled samples from titles only the hardcore film-buff would recognize.

Inspired heavily by bands like Death Cab for Cutie, The Red House Painters, and The Notwist, allegra gellar writes songs about destructive relationships and lost love. Throughout the years the band has become more of an ever-changing cast of players in an ever-changing variety of backdrops — the most recent lineup and geographical change occuring when Wilkins and the band's drummer broke-up. Everyone moved to Portland, except for the girlfriend, and allegra gellar became original members Denver and Jeremy once again (with former member George Lewis as a sometimes-member.)

However dramatic and hectic their history sounds, the lyrics and music they create is frequently fueled by such chaotic, life changing events. Take Even The Color Green Will Leave You — an exact quote from a band member's ex — or Sore Loser, a song with no lyrics and obscure movie samples that feels like it has a backstory you want to know more about.

Next up for the now three-man band is the secret plans of men, which can be downloaded from the band's website or iTunes. A number of tracks from previous releases can also be streamed at their Bandcamp page.