The Faint

The Faint is an indie rock/synth pop band. Formed in Omaha, Nebraska, The Faint was originally known as Norman Bailer, a reference to Norman Mailer. The band Norman Bailer also included Conor Oberst

The Faint is an indie rock/synth pop band. Formed in Omaha, Nebraska, The Faint was originally known as Norman Bailer, a reference to Norman Mailer. The band Norman Bailer also included Conor Oberst, of Bright Eyes fame, with whom The Faint toured in 2005. He left or was kicked out shortly after joining, and therefore played no part in The Faint's current sound, though they are now signed to Saddle Creek Records, a label formed by Conor and Justin Oberst.

The band consists of Clark and Todd Baechle and Joel Peterson. They signed to Saddle Creek Records and released a few singles, but were unable to establish widespread sales, though they were extremely popular in the Omaha-area. After adding Matt Bowen, The Faint released Media, which established them within a small, national community of fans. While touring, Bowen left and was replaced by Jacob Thiele who helped move the next album, Blank-Wave Arcade, towards a more dance and techno influenced sound. The album was an underground hit. Partway through the creation of the morose Danse Macabre, The Faint added Dapose, a death metal guitarist formerly of LEAD. Danse Macabre was also a critical and commercial success and has helped to establish a wider fanbase for the band. Their latest album is called Wet from Birth.