Originally in a punk rock band, the pair began playing together acoustically in summer 2000. At first, they had a more bluegrass-influenced sound in mind, but shifted toward more traditional country, Conley and Roadarmel splitting both the lead vocals and the songwriting, as well as coming together for some harmony vocals. A rhythm section and mandolinist/backing singer Jason Sligh help create a full-band sound on Welcome to Porter Hall Tennessee, with guests contributing pedal steel, fiddle, and banjo. ~ Richie Unterberger