The Giraffes are an indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York who first emerged in the late '90s. Originally formed as a trio in 1996, the band released one album, 1998's Franksquilt, before becoming a quartet. With 2002's Helping You Help Yourself, the Giraffes found their stride, delivering the explosive, riffy, punk-edged sound that would become their hallmark. A 2005 self-titled release on Razor & Tie helped them gain wider exposure. Prime Motivator dropped in 2008, and by the decade's end, the Giraffes had earned a reputation as an exciting and unpredictable live band. Subsequent LPs include Ruled, Farewell Fat Astronaut, Tales of the Black Whistle, and Usury. ~ Timothy Monger