The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir is an American
indie pop band from
Chicago.
History
The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir was formed in 2001 by two college graduates with degrees in music. Despite the name, none of the members are from
Scotland Yard or
London and they do not play
gospel music.[1] Matthew Kerstein and Elia Einhorn initially released the
four-track recording Do You Still Stick Out in the Crowd, then expanded to a four-piece by adding Ellen O'Hayer and Sam Koentopp, before releasing the single "Jennie That Cries".[2] The group began playing locally in Chicago, soon opening for
Arcade Fire,
Of Montreal,
the Walkmen,
the Fiery Furnaces, and
Jay Bennett. In late 2003, they released a debut album, titled I Bet you Say That to All The Boys.[3] In 2005, Kerstein and Koentopp left to form a new band, called Brighton MA.[4] Einhorn continued to front SYGC, with their second release, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, coming out on
Bloodshot Records in 2007.[5][6]
On September 24, 2009, the band was involved in a major automobile accident while on tour.[7][8][9] Their tour van's tire split and the vehicle rolled several times. All members survived.[10]