Mark Doughtery played solo out in his hometown of Greensboro, NC, from (2005 to 2009) with his collection of original songs and acoustic guitar until the universe conspired to create a band. In late 2009, Shawn Smith became lead guitarist and helped to develop Lake Isle’s unique sound of post-alternative “dream pop”. Andy Foster, a strong drummer with roots in punk, and Chris Micca who adds a musical heartbeat on the bass guitar and touches of harmonizing vocals filled with 60′s nostalgia. Recently, the band added Owen Burd on trumpet and backing vocals, rounding out their sonic pallette.

The sounds they make blur the acoustic styling of Mojave 3, the lyrical work of Sun Kil Moon and the vocal prowess of Morrissey. Add to that Lake Isle’s blend of lush guitars, expansive harmonies and dreamy atmospherics. Doughterty’s lyrics take inspiration from a mix of observations and experiences, classic literature and the evolution of humanity. Each Lake Isle song climbs and holds at a seemingly endless crescendo, and it’s hard to stand still when the band plays. They buckle the knees of men in their 40’s who start dancing solo in front of the stage.