Dolly Varden (band)

Dolly Varden is an American indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1995. The band is named after the Dolly Varden trout. Their music is characterized by its blend of folk, rock, and pop influences, with strong vocal harmonies and lyrical storytelling.

The core members of Dolly Varden are husband and wife Steve Dawson (guitar, vocals) and Diane Christiansen (vocals, guitar), along with John San Juan (bass), and Mark Balletto (drums). Kelly Hogan was a founding member and contributed significantly to the band's early sound, leaving in 2000 to pursue her solo career.

Dolly Varden has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Paw Marks (1995), The Dumbest Magnets (1999), Forgiven Forget (2002), The Panic Bell (2007), and For a While (2013). Their music has been praised for its thoughtful lyrics, engaging melodies, and the interplay between Christiansen and Dawson's vocals. They are known for their strong live performances and dedicated fanbase.

The band's songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, family, and the complexities of human relationships. They have toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, building a reputation as a consistently compelling and authentic musical act.