As one of the principal members of the band Pavement, Stephen Malkmus helped define the sound of 1990s American indie-rock. While his solo work retains Pavement's abstract literary sensibility, Malkmus indulges a broader musical palette when on his own, evoking everything from British folk and '70s prog to psychedelia and blazing guitar-rock. With the frequent assistance of his backing band, the Jicks, Malkmus has established himself as one of the most respected guitar players in underground rock.