Canadian indie pop outfit Clues was formed in Montreal in 2007 around the talents of Alden Penner (aka Alden Ginger of the Unicorns) and Brendan Reed (Arcade Fire). Bolstered by the strong songwriting of Penner and a newly minted 2008 lineup that included fellow Montreal musicians Ben Borden, Lisa Gamble, and Nick Scribner, the band began to take shape both on the stage and in the studio, employing a huge arsenal of instruments that included the traditional drums, guitar, and bass, along with horns, innovative percussion, saw, pianette, and a grab-bag of garage sale electronics to produce their twitchy, innovative brand of indie rock. The band released its debut eponymous album on the Constellation label in 2009.