The Gerbils were an American indie rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia, United States, in 1998.
The band consisted of Scott Spillane, John D'Azzo and Will Westbrook, who were college roommates in Ruston, LA, along with cellist Penny Burbank.
Spillane's Neutral Milk Hotel bandmate Jeremy Barnes eventually joined as drummer.
While D'Azzo pursued interests in California, Spillane and Westbrook (with the help of members of Of Montreal and Elf Power) finished mixing the album that was completed with Chris Bishop prior to their separation.
After the album, The Battle of Electricity, was completed, the Gerbils did a national tour with Elf Power before again separating.