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Real Estate: A Journey of Indie Rock's Ethereal Soundscapes

Hailing from Ridgewood, New Jersey, Real Estate emerged as a formidable force in the indie rock scene, captivating audiences with their dreamy, ethereal soundscapes. Led by the songwriting duo of Martin Courtney and Alex Bleeker, the band's journey has been marked by a blend of melodic brilliance, introspective lyrics, and a steady evolution of their musical style.

Debut and Early Success (2009-2011)

Real Estate's debut album, "Real Estate," released in 2009, introduced their signature sound characterized by shimmering guitar melodies, ambient washes, and Martin Courtney's haunting vocals. The album garnered critical acclaim, propelling the band into the spotlight. Follow-up EPs, "It's Real" (2010) and "Suburban Beverage" (2011), further cemented their reputation for creating immersive and introspective indie rock.

Sophomore Album and Lineup Changes (2011-2014)

In 2011, Real Estate released their sophomore album, "Days," which showcased a slight departure from their debut's dreaminess. The album featured more upbeat and energetic tracks while maintaining the band's core elements. However, lineup changes occurred during this period, with Matt Mondanile departing after "Days" and Julian Lynch joining on guitar.

Third Album and International Recognition (2014-2017)

Real Estate's third album, "Atlas," released in 2014, marked a return to their ethereal sound. The album garnered widespread international recognition, reaching the top 20 on multiple album charts. It featured standout tracks like "Had to Hear" and "Talking Backwards," solidifying the band's position as a leading force in indie rock.

Continued Evolution and Acclaim (2017-Present)

The band's fourth album, "In Mind," released in 2017, displayed a continued evolution in their sound. It incorporated elements of 1980s pop and synth-wave, showcasing the band's adaptability and versatility. Their fifth and most recent album, "The Main Thing," released in 2020, further refined their signature style while exploring themes of nostalgia and the passage of time.

Members:

* Martin Courtney - Vocals, Guitar
* Alex Bleeker - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
* Julian Lynch - Guitar
* Matt Kallman - Bass
* Jackson Pollis - Drums

Controversies and Challenges:

Real Estate has largely avoided major controversies throughout their career. However, in 2014, a former band member, Matt Mondanile, accused the band of unfairly firing him and withholding royalties. The situation was eventually resolved out of court.

Discography:

* Real Estate (2009)
* Days (2011)
* Atlas (2014)
* In Mind (2017)
* The Main Thing (2020)