The December Question is defined by musical tension. Core songwriters singer/guitarist Becky Alter and bassist Cameron Hays fuse contradictory musical experiences as a matter of course, creating the unholy amalgamation of folk and goth, post-modern and post-punk, classical and classic rock. Cellist Sarah Forsythe brings an ethereal quality to the band, while drummer/percussionist James "Buz" Crutchfield grounds the whole thing and reminds the listener that this is, in fact, rock and roll. Alter at times seems to be communing with Janis Joplin, veering off into Grace Slick territory, and then doffing her hat to Siouxsie Sioux. The December Question intertwines Alter's versatile vocals and solid guitarwork with Hays' spidery lead basslines, Crutchfield's tight drum and conga grooves and the sonorous tones of Forsythe's cello. Fluctuating between extremes of bittersweet joy and casually tossed-off lament, The December Question takes what was old about rock and makes it new again.