Combining
Devendra Banhart's "new weird American" eccentricity,
Flaming Lips-influenced electronic bells and whistles, and a
Wilco-esque twanginess,
These United States create a musical melting pot that blends together a wide array of influences. Born of a collaboration between
Jesse Elliott and
David Strackany (the man behind
Paleo),
These United States put together the songs that would become their debut LP in 2007. The resulting album, A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden, was released by United Interests the following year, with
Crimes arriving six months later. ~ Margaret Reges, All Music Guide