Dissidents

Although the Washington, D.C.-based Dissidents originally began as a three-piece with Mark Kantner (drums), Mark Buckberg (bass), and Thomas Kercheval, the latter of the three would be responsible for the songwriting majority and instrumentation -- which additionally includes the mandolin, acoustic guitar, accordion, and harmonica. With an inspiration of Celtic folk and anthem-fueled guitar rock that looks up to Big Country, the Clash, and U2, the Dissidents' 1995 debut album entitled Valiant also captured a lyrical energy of finding hope through the everyday struggles. Five years later, with Kercheval being the only remaining member, the band's second album, Gunnysack, eventually followed in 2000.