Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes is the brainchild of Omaha, Nebraska, singer-songwriter Conor Oberst, around whom the band (which has at times consisted solely of Oberst) revolves. Part of an Omaha indie scene centred on the Saddle Creek label, Oberst learned at the feet of Omaha cult hero Simon Joyner, whose post-Dylan songpoetry remains a heavy influence on Bright Eyes. Oberst began recording at a prolific rate while still a teenager, but 2002's LIFTED... broke him through to the mainstream as a fresh new face.

• rock