Hospice is the critically acclaimed third studio album by American indie rock group The Antlers, and their first concept album. It was initially self-distributed by the band in March 2009, and was eventually remastered and re-released once they signed to Frenchkiss Records in August of the same year. Hospice tells the story of a relationship between a hospice worker and a female patient suffering from terminal bone cancer, their ensuing romance, and their slow downward spiral as a result of the woman's traumas, fears, and disease. Frontman Peter Silberman has been reluctant to divulge explicit details regarding the meaning of the record, and the extent to which it is autobiographical. The album was released to critical acclaim. Pitchfork Media endorsed the re-release of Hospice with their "Best New Music" stamp. At the end of the year, the same publication named it the 37th best album of 2009, praising its "power to emotionally destroy listeners." Fan review sites like Rate Your Music ...