Low Roar's dreamy folk finds beauty in the somber side of life. Formerly the frontman of Oakland, California alt-rockers Audrye Sessions, Ryan Joseph Karazija began Low Roar as a response to the change and loneliness he felt in the wake of moving to Reykjavík, Iceland. He chronicled the challenges of acclimating to a foreign land, finding work, and supporting his family by writing a song each day, the results of which appeared in November 2011 on Low Roar's self-titled debut record. The release for Tonequake Records featured loops and layers of guitar, harp, pump organ, percussion, and keyboard against Karazija's clear, mellow vocals and plaintive lyrics.