Some rainy days are nothing but cozy – full of baking, movie marathons, sipping tea and snuggling with your dog. Others can be miserable – walking to class in a downpour, getting splashed by a bus driving through a massive puddle, wind spraying sheets of rain in your face – you get the point.

But whether you love them or hate them, rainy days always tend to make people more contemplative. Nothing sparks forgotten feelings or makes you reminisce about old memories like a soft drizzle outside of your window.

A fitting playlist enhances those feelings. And for those of us who love to ride the angsty train for as long as we can, rainy days are our jam – as long as we have something appropriate to jam along to during them.

Here are my favorite songs to listen to when the forecast reads, “heavy showers”.

“Talking in Code” – Margot and the Nuclear So So’s: This is one of my favorite songs of all time, regardless of the weather. The swooping violins, utter pain in the vocals and heartbreaking lyrics are absolutely killer.

“High Hopes” – Kodaline: Steve Garrington’s voice will stun you in this gorgeous ballad.

“Vincent” – Don Mclean: This sweet and tender song makes you feel as if you’re drifting through the clouds while Mclean sings to you from his own cloud, guitar in hand.

“Elise” – The Greeting Committee: This raw confession focuses on the simple moments of pure bliss that comes with falling in love.

“Big Black Car” – Gregory Alan Isakov: I’ve listened to this song an absurd amount of times, and it never gets old. The instrumentals are effortlessly beautiful and Isakov’s voice is the perfect accompaniment.

“Sunday Morning” – Maroon 5: Obviously, this is sort of a rainy day anthem, with the first lyric being, “Sunday morning, rain is falling/Steal some covers, share some skin”. Can’t go wrong here.

“Dynamite (Acoustic)” – Sigrid: If the rainy day you choose to listen to this song during is a particularly somber one, then this is the perfect backdrop. A rumbling piano plays below Sigrid’s icy voice, allowing us to hear every gorgeous intricacy.

“Carry You” – Novo Amor: This is definitely one of those songs that instantly has you visualizing yourself in a movie, but once the vocals kick in, things are more lighthearted, while still soothing.

“Girlie” – Alexandra Savior: With a sultry chorus and subtle swear words, this song reminds me of a young Lana Del Rey.

“Some Day Soon” – Alexi Murdoch: Not only is this song effortlessly beautiful, it’s featured in the first season of the NBC drama, “This is Us”, so it’s sure to give you major feels.

“Drink You Gone” – Ingrid Michaelson: It’s no secret that Michaelson has a stunning voice. It is showcased here while telling a heartbreaking story.

“Numb” – Max Jury: Max Jury is from Des Moines, Iowa, and has opened for Lana Del Rey. He coaxes listeners into a trance with his smooth voice and sultry music.

“Champagne Supernova” – Oasis: This is a no-brainer rainy day song – it begins with a flood of rain, and anyone who has seen “The OC” knows why this song is so special.

“Boston” – Augustana: Another one of my all-time favorite songs, “Boston” is tender while still building up to a dramatic ending that will have you belting out the lyrics.

“No One’s Gonna Love You” – Band of Horses: This is a classic breakup song if I’ve ever heard one. The aching lyrics will have a flood of memories with ex-lovers washing into your mind with the rain.

“Big Jet Plane” – Angus & Julia Stone: The Stones’ unique voices and whimsical lyrics create a dreamy vibe in this track.

“Fools (Acoustic)” – The Temper Trap: Every facet of Dougy Mandagi’s voice is heard in this incredible song.

“Cherry Wine” – Hozier: This is one of Hozier’s most tender-sounding songs, but the lyrics contrast the sweet vibe with the harsh reality of selfish lovers.

“Brooklyn Baby” – Lana Del Rey: As my favorite Rey song, “Brooklyn Baby” contains every trait that makes me love the singer so much – clever lyrics, insane vocal tricks, and a seductive vibe.

“10,000 Emerald Pools” – Borns: This song will add a little more grooviness to your rainy day with a catchy beat and chill vibe.

“If” – Bread: This seventies soft rock ballad will tug on all of your heartstrings and transport you back to another era.

“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac: Another obvious rainy day song, beginning with the lyrics, “Thunder only happens when it’s raining”. Electricity flows through this entire seductive song.

“Let’s be Still” – The Head and the Heart: This is one of my favorite The Head and the Heart songs and definitely one of their most relaxing and contemplative, reminding us to live in the moment.

“Hold You in my Arms” – Ray LaMontagne: Another groovy, yet chill vibe oozes from this song, accompanied by LaMontagne’s raspy voice.

“Fly Away” – My Brothers and I: This is one of those songs that you’ll know every word to quickly as a result of listening to it on repeat.

“Blood” – The Middle East: I’ve admired this song for years because of its instrumental that sets me in a trance every single time I listen to it.

“The Girl” – City and Colour: You can never go wrong with this song, but it’s especially beautiful when the sky is grey and crying.

I could go on forever with sad, soothing, eerie, and thoughtful songs that are perfect for rainy days, but I’ll let you get started on this list first. Light a candle, step into your slippers and bask in the feeling that only rainy days can create.

The post The Alt Rock Chick: Rainy Day Tunes appeared first on KRUI Radio.

But Bridgers could care less about the fame creeping up on her – she is focused on her music and her music only. If her debut EP wasn’t enough of an indicator that this singer isn’t amused by bubbly pop albums, Stranger in the Alps will convince you. She takes an unexpected turn into the pop world – she talks about real, serious, scary issues.

Let me warn you: you have to be in a certain mood to appreciate Bridgers’ music. Her voice, sure – that will always sound like soft ripples in a pond on a spring afternoon, but her music in its entirety -that is something different. For such a small person, Bridgers can be insanely heavy.

All three tracks on her EP, Killer, mention death in some way, shape or form. The title itself clearly points to an intense album. Each song includes lyrics with the words “dying” or “death” or phrases like “pull the plug”. I’m not saying that you need to be fascinated by death to enjoy Bridgers’ music.

You simply need to be tired or in the mood to shed a few tears. So, don’t listen to this while you’re getting ready for a night out. Save it for when you’re walking home alone or lying in bed pining over someone. This is music for those who like to enhance their sadness – the sensation seekers.

Stranger in the Alps begins with a soaring ballad, “Smoke Signals”, that may just be the star of the album. The chorus is full of swooping violins and a deep guitar that enhances the eerie sensation created in this track while Bridgers watches TV in a Holiday Inn “Where somebody else makes the bed”. The closest Bridgers comes to mainstream pop is during “Motion Sickness”.

Her falsetto swings through this track above a pleasant instrumental, a necessary break from the dark strings that fill most of the album. This airy sing-along reminds me of a young Ingrid Michelson whispering lovely lullabies into our ears.

Next is maybe the most memorable song off of the album, due to its sheer sadness. “Funeral” details Bridgers’ struggle with singing at a funeral of a “kid a year older than me”. She confesses her own thoughts about death, and more specifically, suicide. It’s tough to listen to, but brutally honest and beautifully sung. A tinge of country is present in the guitar and slight twang of Bridgers’ voice as she cries, “Jesus Christ I’m so blue all the time”.

Other gems on the album include “Demi Moore”, a simple tune full of melancholy “ooo”s and a constant whistling above soft banjos and Bridgers’ voice. “Killer” and “Georgia” make appearances again, but this time “Georgia” is revamped – in a bad way.

This busier version takes away from the simplicity that made the original such a powerful statement. But overall, Stranger in the Alps showcases a young artist with a lot of potential. Bridgers is a dark, tender soul whose bedroom tunes are consistently emotional and beautiful mostly because of her endearing voice.

I had the chance to see Bridgers in Nashville, TN las fall in a dimly lit, intimate venue. My friend and were two of maybe forty people scattered around the place, most gathering near the bar or chatting in booths lining the room. But my friend and I, we hung onto every word Bridgers sang into the microphone, standing there in her black dress and combat boots, blonde bob falling in front of her eyes.

After her set, she pranced around the room with a big smile on her face, mingling with everyone, seemingly a social, confident young woman. Her intense music contrasts this image, but maybe that’s what makes her even more relatable – we’re all putting on a show.

The Alt Rock Chick highlights the best Alternative Rock music out there.

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As the third annual Witching Hour festival nears us, we must prepare for all of the talented acts that are coming our way this weekend. All the events will be taking place on Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st.

So many events, so little time? Don’t worry. We’re listing the top ten events we think you should see here!

1. Public Art: The Creative Confessional [Workshop]: (Friday 3-5p.m. & 7-10p.m., Saturday 10am-1pm) Do you have an idea you’ve been too afraid to voice? A poem you’ve never shared with anyone? A secret love you’d like to confess? Well, now’s the time to lift these things off of your shoulders. On Friday in the Ped Mall, Jami Milne is hosting a free public portrait booth where you can confess anything your heart desires, and have a beautiful portrait taken of you. Speak your ideas into existence or set your secrets free.

   

2. DJ Spooky [Performance]: (Friday, 7p.m. – Englert Theater) DJ Spooky is one of the most unique performances at Witching Hour this year. As a composer, multimedia artist and writer, his work blends genres, social issues and cultures together to create an experience unlike any other, surprising and exciting audiences. His name, of course, also fits the vibe of the festival and month of October.
3. New Voices in Comedy [Performance]: (Friday, 7:30p.m. – The Mill) Come see an intimate performance from six of the best and brightest comedians from the Midwest while eating some of Iowa City’s best pizza.
4. Beach Fossils [Performance]: (Friday, 11p.m. – Gabe’s) As the headliner for Friday’s lineup, Beach Fossils is a show that you do not want to miss. The Brooklyn-based Indie Rock band recently released their third studio album and introduced a more focused, refreshing sound that will sweep you away into airy summer nights. Read a more detailed preview here. 
5. Doorway to Intuition: Gong Bath and Sound Healing Meditation with Doug Mills [Workshop]: (Saturday, 10a.m. – Englert Theatre) In the fast-paced world of college where we hardly have time to eat lunch, let alone meditate with zen bowl tehniques, take advantage of this opportunity to destress and reconnect with your mind and body after a tough week of midterms. Doug Mills will immerse you in the beauty and power of the gong, while you lay on the Englert Theatre stage and allow yourself to get lost in the sound surrounding you. 
6. Finding Honey in the Rock: A Workshop of Obsession [Workshop]: (Saturday, 12p.m. – RADinc.) For experimenting and experienced writers alike, this workshop will ask you to consider your favorite topics of writing that you cannot seem to step away from. Here, you’ll learn how to overcome writers block and to find fresh ideas in areas of writing that you’ve always had an infatuation with.
7. Variations [Performance]: (Saturday, 5:30p.m. – Englert Theater) Enjoy a discussion and performance by Tricia Park, esteemed Korean violinist. Park has performed in many renowned venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and was named one of “Korea’s World Leaders of Tomorrow”. Come listen to her “achingly pure sound” (The Toronto Star) and learn about her creative process.
8. Jak Knight [Performance]: (Satruday, 7:30p.m. – The Mill) Come laugh with Jak Knight, a comic on the

   

   rise, who has received high praise already in his young career. Knight was named a 2014 Comedy Central Comic to Watch and a 2015 New Face at the Montreal JFL Festival. Enjoy his hilarious bits and again, eat some great pizza.

9. Kweku Collins [Performance]: (Saturday, 11p.m. – The Mill) Armed with poetic lyrics and Afro-Latin instrumentals, Kweku Collins is a rising rap star. He has received acclaim from Pitchfork and Billboard and is just getting started. Read a more detailed preview here.
10. Yves Tumor [Performance]: (Saturday 12a.m. – Gabe’s) As the last performance of the entire festival, Yves Tumor is prepared to knock you off of your feet. Tumor’s whimsical dance music is entrancing and multi-layered, and he is known for his elaborate live performances. Get ready to dance during the whole thrilling performance.

This list of ten events is just to get you started – enjoy the endless exciting performances, workshops and interactive events that Witching Hour is the proud home of. Check out the schedule and if you still haven’t bought your pass! It’s not too late!

Happy Witching Hour week!

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Following a widely successful EP in 2016, Collins’ second album “grey” is taking off, earning a 7.6 on Pitchfork and gaining respect in the music industry. Kweku Collins is a force to be reckoned with. You don’t want to miss your chance to see him live Saturday, October 21st at The Mill at 11pm.

Just three years ago, Collins was beginning his senior year of high school in Evanston Illinois, one of those Chicago suburbs that natives choose to disregard by simply saying “I’m from Chicago”. During

high school, Collins applied to colleges, but that was always his “plan B”. He’s been around music his entire life, learning from his musical family and joining his father onstage to play African drums at age four.

He decided to make his own mixtape his sophomore year of high school, when becoming a full-time musician turned into his dream. He went out on a whim and emailed the mixtape to the independent hip-hop label, Closed Sessions, and they quickly signed him. Now, instead of taking exams, Collins is writing, producing and performing for huge crowds.

But he’s still that Midwestern teenager at heart, staying grounded through his success – “It’s very humbling, because you can’t look at these opportunities as automatic” (Pitchfork).

Collins’ poetic lyrics stem from his experience in high school on Evanston High’s poetry team, which participated in impressive competitions. His extensive experience with poetry is what fuels his writing process, making lyrics the utmost important element. Many songs are introspective, posing

questions that many teenagers can relate to. Lyrics within songs can be chopped up to stand on their own as poems: “You had hair like the sun/A thousand souls set aflame/You had a name sound like fire/Feels like your eyes burn the same” (“Aya“), and “I was born/In a city of arms/A velvet teen sign/Doing the running man/From there, I evolved/As anyone does, who knows the other hand/And we’re one of the lucky ones” (“Lucky Ones”).

These clever and striking lyrics are what make Collins beautiful to listen to, because we are hearing him sing from his soul.

Songs you should know before the show:

“Youaintshit (Shine On) [feat. Sylvie Grace]” – this track is much softer than its title suggests. It is full of aching violin strings and trickling guitar melodies that’ll sweep you up in the story of the song. “When the rain don’t say much, yeah/And the sun don’t fall on you/It just ain’t no way around/Only love can restore you”.

“Lonely Lullabies” – as the single off of his 2015 EP, “Lonely Lullabies” is the song that Collins chose to break into the hip-hop world. With a melancholy piano melody and catchy chorus, this track is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to be able to sing along to.

Collins has landed gigs at several big festivals recently such as All Things Go in DC earlier this month, and Lollapalooza this past summer in Chicago, garnering a big homecoming. He had a streak of five shows with rock band, Whitney, expanding his reach over multiple genres.

His next stop is the Witching Hour Festival right here in Iowa City on October 21st. Take advantage of the opportunity to see this rising artist – get your ticket here.

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The Brooklyn-based band formed in 2009, but only one original member remains – lead singer, Dustin Payseur. This is ironic because the band began as a means to expand the solo project of Payseur, but quickly turned into an ensemble act. The three current band members are Payseur,

bassist Jack Doyle Smith, and guitarist Tommy Davidson. The band name itself doesn’t hold much meaning, as Payseur explained to Flavorwire – “Whenever I’m reading I make a list of words I like. Usually they’re words that aren’t as clear as Beach Fossils, but when you’re choosing a band name it needs to be something that people can remember. It’s kind of unfortunate because at the same time there was a lo-fi beach theme going on so we ended up getting lumped in with that. Now that’s phased out some maybe people will stop associating us with that genre.”

The genre that Beach Fossils wishes to reside in is experimental pop. Some consider them to be an Indie Rock band, and “Be Nothing” gives us a glimpse of this with a lengthy hand-banging instrumental. But other than a few songs, most of Beach Fossils music evokes a sway rather than a head bang. The band toys with many different instruments such as piano, flute, saxophone and harpsichord, and writes intimate, striking lyrics.

Their sound reminds me of the time between when I wake up and when I actually begin my day – the moments where I pull myself out from under the covers, sip a mug of coffee, tip-toe around in slippers, imagining what the day will hold. I think Beach Fossils is the perfect backdrop for this time of day – calming, comforting and contemplative.

Now’s the time to start listening to Beach Fossils, because every one of their warm, soothing songs is worth knowing. They released their third studio album, “Somersault”, in June of this year, and knocked it out of the park. “Somersault” is the first album that the band has released on Payseur and his wife Katie Garcia’s record label, Bayonet.

Unlike previous albums where Payseur took the reins in terms of songwriting, the band truly collaborated for this record, creating a cohesive sound. “Third times the charm” definitely applies here, as this third album surpasses the prior two. Beach Fossils just keep getting better.

Here are a few songs that you’ll want to hear before you attend the show:

“Saint Ivy” – this light-hearted track conjures up the image of someone prancing along a sidewalk with a dog leash in hand, meandering about a park in the sun. The entire second half of the song is purely instrumental, beginning with a lovely flute solo, followed by a merging of piano, guitar and strings that keep carrying you through that park.

“Rise” is a short 1:42 song featuring Cities Aviv giving a point-blank confession. The instrumentals behind his voice sound bluesy, placing us in a foggy basement bar – saxophones slink through the air like smoke clouds as Cities Aviv speaks from the heart.

“Tangerine” has a peculiar title and vibe. From the moment it begins, we are set in a dreamy state as Payseur extends lyrics into lullaby-like notes singing, “Our time together’s always blurry/After a while it’s all a story”. Rachel Goswell sings the chorus in a whispery alto that wraps us up in seductive blanket of tangerines.

Beach Fossils’ show at Gabe’s at 11pm is one that you don’t want to miss. Come check them out  on Friday, October 20th and envision yourself in that road-trip montage.

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“My Head is an Animal” may have been my first love affair with the Icelandic band, but “Beneath the Skin” made just as lovely of an impression on me. Although both albums are home to beautiful collections of songs, my top ten favorite tracks by Of Monsters and Men (OMAM) are mostly from their first studio album. Here they are in ascending order:

10. “ Sloom”: The first song I discovered by OMAM is still one of my favorites, but there are nine that I like even better. From the moment I heard this soothing track, I fell in love with the singers’ voices and the whimsical vibe of the band; they’ve only gotten better from here.

9. “ Your Bones” emits a gloomy, doomed vibe that most OMAM trakcs do not possess, whispering, “All that’s left are your bones/That will soon sink like stones”.

8. “ From Finner” blends quiet vocals with loud, intense instrumentals, giving each their own shining moments before merging them together during the chorus. This song evokes several emotions simultaneously – melancholy, joy and desperation. The band captures the feeling of living on your own for the first time in your life perfectly.

7. “Dirty Paws” is a classic OMAM song that every fan knows by heart. Their first album title is rooted in this song, and many animals are referenced, like many OMAM songs. Some references are strange, but they all fit together in their weird beauty. An extended instrumental graces the ending of this song as well, proving the band’s immense talent once again.

6. “Yellow Light” is the ideal song to fall asleep to, wrapped in blankets while Ragnar Þórhallsson sings into your ear, “Just grab ahold of my hand/I will lead you through this wonderland”. The final three minutes of the song are nothing but a lullaby of instruments, making you drift through the sky among the clouds.

5. “We Sink” is majestic from the moment it begins, speckled with “ooo”s and a soft piano and guitars. The lyric video adds to the stunning pain that is present in this song, with six people of different nationalities lip-synching the lyrics.

   

4. “Six Weeks” is a song you want to stand up and dance to, but not in a conventional way. It is dark, deep and cold like the forest in its music video. The music, however, never pauses from its energized, quick pace that excites every listener. This track makes me want to jump around and scream my head off, letting everything escape me at once, shouting “Alone/I fight these animals”.

3. “Organs” is an intense ballad that shows its power through simple instrumentals and a stunning vocal. Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir’s voice is shown off in this solo, emphasizing her subtleties and cracks like we’ve never heard before. During their concert, this performance stole the show; Nanna stood at a tall microphone with a single spotlight coating her in yellow. All eyes were on her and all ears were caressed by her enchanting voice. It is a performance I will always remember.

2. “Lakehouse” consists of everything that makes OMAM the amazing band that they are – intimacy, roaring instrumentals, peculiar lyrics, and gorgeous vocals. The chorus is catchy and haunting simultaneously – a rare combination. The lyric video adds to the sense of wonder that this song emits.

1. Assuming that I can predict the future, “Slow and Steady” will always be my favorite OMAM song. It is too rare of a gem to outshine, in my opinion. The best way that I can describe how this song makes me feel is by quoting its title lyric, “I move slow and steady/But I feel like a waterfall”. Something about the combination of instruments, the dreamy vocals and the sad lyrics – “I spend my nights dancing with my own shadow/And it holds me/And it never lets me go” – make this song achingly beautiful. I’ll always be drawn in by its lonely seduction. “Slow and Steady” plays on like the mesmerizing flow of a waterfall, but unlike a waterfall, sadly, the flow ends.

   

   After years of searching for a tour stop nearby and being discouraged as I saw lists of coastal towns and cities abroad, I finally saw Of Monsters of Men in 2015. Inside the church pews of the Ryman Auditorium as a freshman in college, I saw all of my favorite songs from my freshman year of high school performed live. It’s fitting that the Ryman is made up of pews, because this performance was almost a spiritual experience for me. I was in the very last row, but I didn’t care. Every note sung was more stunning than I had imagined, and my admiration for this group of dreamers grew immensely. I vividly remember turning to my friend during “Dirty Paws” and shouting above the music, “this makes me want to skip through fields with my eyes closed and wind blowing through my hair.” I felt this desire when I heard them for the first time in that twin bed in Colorado, I felt it when I saw them live in Nashville, and I’m still overcome with this desire each time I listen to Of Monsters and Men, no matter where I am.

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1.”No. 1 Party Anthem” seems like a fitting first song to note, for obvious reasons. This sultry ballad jumps right into the thick of things with lustful lyrics that describe a sort of stare-off between lead singer Alex Turner and a “certified mindblower”, surrounded by smoke in what we can assume to be a strip club. Turner croons “come on” relentlessly during the chorus, pleading with this untouchable woman. The instrumentals are simple, placing all of the cards in Turner’s voice, subtle guitar riffs entering only during the chorus. The song ends with us unsure of who wins the stare-off, but I feel that it’s most likely a draw, both parties going home lonely. I love the title of this song, because it alludes to the idea that not every “party song” has to be upbeat and happy.

2. “Mad Sounds” begins with a faraway sounding guitar that puts you in somewhat of a trance for the next three and a half minutes. This is my favorite song to listen to on vinyl because of its dreamy vibe that makes me sway back and forth with my eyes closed, transported to another world for just a little while. It reminds me of a song that could play through a high school gym in an 80’s movie during a prom slow-dance. If only I could have gone to that prom. Towards the end Turner sings, “then out of nowhere somebody comes and hits you with an ‘ooh la la la’” that will actually hit you straight in the heart, you’ll love it so much.

3. “Fireside” treads along the line of sultry and sad that we all love. Turner’s dilemma could either end in luxury or lustful loneliness. This track deals with the downward spiral of reminiscing on a past relationship, which we can all easily relate to. The song is just long enough to get us invested in the story, but ends sooner than we’d hoped, leaving us wondering if he’ll ever make up his mind.

4. “Snap Out of It” adds a theme of sensual danger to Arctic Monkey’s fifth studio album, AM. Turner pleads with a girl saying, “Under a spell you’re hypnotized/Darling how could you be so blind?/Snap out of it”. The music video especially toys with creepy yet sexy energy.

5. “Arabella” doesn’t stray far from “Snap Out of It”s dangerous vibe, but does possess a stronger rock feeling than the previous song. Turner describes a seductive woman named Arabella, saying “Arabella’s got some interstellar-gator skin boots/And a helter-skelter ’round her little finger and I ride it endlessly”. Every lyric in this song oozes sex and desire, and the music mirrors this aggressive intensity. Although the lyrics remain similar in theme, the song has many layers musically, with multiple instrumentals that take the track in a whole new direction. The black and white music video plays images of old-fashioned seduction, with Turner stationed at a vintage microphone looking like he’s fresh out of the 60’s, but tainted with a frightening edge.

6. “I Wanna Be Yours” has the qualities of a typical yearning love song, but with an edge. Lyrics teeter on mad, as Turner declares “If you like your coffee hot/Let me be your coffee pot/You call the shots babe/I just wanna be yours”. This song will set you in a daze, reversing the roles so that you will be the one begging Turner to be yours.

7. “Florescent Adolescent”: Not only is this song hard to spell, it is hard to keep up with, because it kicks at such a quick, energized pace. But it sure isn’t hard to love. Lyrics are cutely sexual, never coming off vulgar, but placing the listener in a flirty mood with lines like “You used to get it in your fishnets/Now you only get it in your night dress/Discarded all the naughty nights for niceness”, and “Likes her gentlemen to not be gentle”. Even though it may be tricky to sing along to all of the lyrics, you’ll never stop jamming out to the addicting beat. This one’s Arctic Monkeys gold.

8. “Riot Van” sounds like it’s recorded above radio static long ago, yet we can hear Turner’s voice clearly as he annunciates lyrics with drawn out s’s and growly words as if he’s just woken up. The track begins with a casual “so up rolls a riot van”, making you feel as if you’re hanging out on a couch with a friend who is about to tell you a hilarious thing that happened the other day. This casual feeling lasts throughout the song, with a steady guitar rolling through the entire 2 minutes and fifteen seconds, mirroring the rolling wheels on the riot van, but skids to an abrupt end with a dark image.

9. “Mardy Bum” begins with a trilling guitar solo that sets us up for a contemplative tune, but quickly pulls us into a more upbeat, exciting tempo complete with drums and multiple guitars. Turner’s voice shows its English accent in little snippets throughout this song with lyrics like “there’s a very pleasant side to you/a side I much prefer”, and my personal favorite, “Can’t we laugh and joke around?/remember cuddles in the kitchen/yeah, to get things off the ground”. “Mardy Bum” is a song that you’ll quickly learn the words to and want to play on repeat as you dance around your own kitchen.

10. “A Certain Romance” starts with an extended drum roll, preparing the audience for something intense. It merges into an aggressive jam of instruments, then falls into a softer guitar solo that will make you want to bop your head back and forth and smile. The intro lasts until 1:14, setting the stage for an epic song. In every track, but distinctly heard in this one, Turner’s voice is a mix of endearing familiarity and edgy wisdom, pulling off the band’s lyrics perfectly. Every word seems to flow into each other so well as if it is a speech read in a masterfully poetic way. Finally, just as it begun, the song ends with a killer instrumental that makes you sit back and revel magic of this band.

Arctic Monkeys’ music transports listeners to another world – one that can be dangerous and sexy, yet tender and beautiful. They are an uber-talented group of guys who went from messing around on instruments in each other’s garages to playing incredible songs for thousands of fans in sold-out stadiums. Their music won’t leave us for a long time, but let’s hope they surprise us all and make more of it to obsess over soon.

The Alt-Rock Chick highlights the best Alternative Rock music out there.

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First on stage was the eclectic group, Greg Wheeler & The Polygamist Mall Cops. Self identified as “manic garage punk slime”, this band lived up to the impression of their name: strange and incomprehensible. From the first glance, I knew this would be a unique performance. The guitarist sported an oversized Milwaukee Bucks jersey while the drummer wore a traditional mall cop uniform, complete with badge, and finally, the bassist and only female in the group danced around in a sexier version of a cop uniform. It was perplexing but not particularly fascinating. Instead, it created a sense of confusion and ultimately, annoyance at whether or not they truly had a method to their madness. They began songs with the cliche “1, 2, 3, 4!”, making them sound even more like an angsty group of teenagers in a garage. Despite their shortcomings, I’ve gotta give it up to them for their originality, even though I still don’t quite understand the meaning behind their name, Greg Wheeler & The Polygamist Mall Cops.

Next onstage was Chicago-based trio, Gosh!. This intriguing band plays minimalistic psychedelic dream pop, gracing the stage with an eerie sound. With matching curly locks down to their shoulders, the two men and one woman were in cohesion with each other throughout the entire performance, creating a vibe that was easy to get on board with. Their vocals were in sync, floating together with “ooo”s that transported the audience into a dreamlike state, holding true to their title. They stuck to their minimalist roots, their whispering voices crooning above a stripped down guitar. As their set went on, the music became more complicated, subtle songs growing into a fast-paced scream of instruments that lifted the audience off of the ground and sent vibrations into each chest.
Gosh! finished their set with my favorite song of the night: “Not That I’d Care” from their album Cities of the Plain. This track had a more carefree vibe than their other songs, making me feel as if I were prancing along a colorful brick street in the whimsical world of a Wes Andersen film. Gosh! has a distinct style that I was pleasantly surprised by, stealing the show.

Finally, the headliner of the night was punk rock band, Lifestyles. The three-person band took the stage nonchalantly, the male drummer wearing a Metallica t-shirt with the sleeves cut off, male bassist dressed in a plain white t-shirt and leather jacket, and the female lead singer and guitarist sporting knee-high leather lace-up boots, tattooed arms exposed through her ripped grey t-shirt. They all looked badass and ready to put on a show. The lead singer gave a smile to the crowd just before beginning to play, and this was the last glimpse of any joy we caught for the rest of the night.

From the moment they began playing, the room was filled with brutally rough, loud and angry music. The band members are definitely talented instrumentalists, their fingers moving rapidly over the strings of the guitar and the drummer’s sticks never ceasing from moving, but their music itself was extremely unpolished. The lead singer’s voice was scarily screechy, incomprehensible and just plain unpleasant to listen to. Her screams were so sporadic that it made me wonder if she was even singing a song or simply making up everything as she went. The bassist’s voice was a bit more appealing, bringing some levelheadedness to her chaos through his background vocals. There were several instrumental breaks that were interesting and enjoyable, but would always be interrupted too soon by the lead singer’s harsh voice, jolting me back into discomfort.

It was difficult to distinguish one song from another, because all included the same aspects: grating instrumentals, screaming vocals and lots of anger. Anger is an immensely interesting emotion and music involving anger can be powerful. However, there is no way for the audience to connect with angry music if they have no idea what the musicians are angry about. I could not understand the meaning behind any song that Lifestyles performed, so I had nothing to grab onto emotionally – all I heard was noise. Maybe this is the purpose of Lifestyles’ music – to be noise. If they simply want to create a specific sound, not audible words or stories, then they accomplished their goal. If they want to entertain, then they have not achieved their goal.

Lifestyles’ performance was full of energy, with each band member visibly giving it their all. The bassist eventually ripped off his jacket, white t-shirt underneath soaked against his skin, throwing his head back and screaming the lyrics with his eyes closed, mouth wide open, teeth exposed. The drummer shook his head spastically, eyes wide and intense like a maniac. The lead singer had a constant dangerous look in her eye, just visible through the strawberry blonde hair that she let fall over her face. She was clearly in her own world for the entirety of the performance. I cannot say that Lifestyles did not have a purpose with their performance, because they are clearly performers. But what I can say is that I haven’t the slightest clue what that purpose was.

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Their songs are well-rounded, but with unexpected twists and turns – anything but one-note tracks. They have evolved from an angsty group of guys harshly shouting out bold proclamations to a polished, innovative band who holds true to their rock roots while collaborating with a fresh new sound that will soon be one for the ages.

Cage the Elephant (2009)

“Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked”

This was the first song I ever heard by Cage the Elephant, and I was instantly struck by the dynamic guitar track and clever lyrics. The song follows Shultz as he walks along the street on a normal day, eventually telling a fascinating story about the interactions he has with strangers, including a prostitute and a mugger.

Shultz sings these lyrics in a wise, knowing way, contrasted with his tone of voice that almost sounds like an everyday speaking voice rather than an impressive vocal. This gives the song all the more honesty and punch. The chorus describes the struggles of living in a world where you have to fend for your self, ending the song with its title lyric “there ain’t no rest for the wicked/until we close our eyes for good”.

“Back Against the Wall”

Smack in the middle of their debut album, “Back Against the Wall” is a perfect representation of everything the then-new band has to offer. With a harder rock influence than “Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked”, this song delves deeper into the edgy corner of Cage the Elephant’s repertoire with jarring lyrics and screechy notes that showcase Shultz’s pipes.

There is a killer instrumental break beginning at the three minute mark that will transport you into a sweaty crowd of shoulder-to-shoulder people, hair smacking your neck as exhilaration moves your body to the music.

Thank You Happy Birthday (2011)

“Shake Me Down”

This is my all-time favorite Cage the Elephant song, and for good reason. It combines every characteristic that makes Cage the Elephant the spectacular band that they are – stimulating lyrics, head-banging good instrumentals and contemplative moments. The song begins softly with nothing but a stripped down guitar solo and Shultz’s piercing voice, subtly fading off into yearning “oooo”s. But the mood remains tender for only a few moments before a thundering drum beat enters the track.

The rest of the song plays off of this stop-and-go energy, shifting from delicate sentiment to forceful vigor. At 2:07, Shultz erupts into a full-on frenzy, shouting at the top of his lungs but remaining in control of the story the lyrics tell. This explosion of sound is broken abruptly with a musing moment, repeating the lyrics “even on a cloudy day”. Ending the way it began, “Shake Me Down” leaves us with a few crooning “oooo”s, placing us in a state of pensive awe.

Melophobia (2013)

“Come a Little Closer”

As the lead single on their third album, “Come a Little Closer” topped the Billboard Alternative Chart in 2013, marking the band’s fourth number-one hit. The song begins with a groovy beat that makes me want to tip my head back, eyes closed, swaying along to the music. Shultz’s voice takes on a more mysterious persona in this track, seducing us powerless listeners, drawing us in with his sultry tone.

Once we are cast under his spell, Shultz hits us with a gutsy chorus, pulsing with palpable energy and trippy guitar riffs. Adding to the unpredictability of the song, the music cuts to an eerie trance at the 2:40 mark, setting us in an abstract state, then morphing into a chant of the title lyric “come a little closer then you’ll see” with intense instrumentals blasting in the background.

“Take It or Leave It”

My foot taps uncontrollably the moment I press play on this rhythmic tune. It’s vibe reflects the striking album cover of Melophobia: mesmerizing and bewildering in the best way. Trippy beats trill through the entire song, but are most prevalent in the verses where Shultz tries to make sense of the mind of the person he wishes to be with.

He wrestles with leaving them while being afraid of losing what he loves. Around the three minute mark, Shultz begs in an imploring whisper, “baby please/oh baby please” before growing stronger in his demand, shrieking “stay with me/or cut me free/it’s killing me”. He concludes the song confidently deciding “take it or leave it”, ending with the title lyric again, in classic Cage the Elephant fashion.

“Cigarette Daydreams”

Playing through my speakers as I drive down an endless, no-turns road, rain pelting my windshield, staring out of the foggy windows placidly, “Cigarette Daydreams” hits every heartstring with each note played. It sings a much more emotional, nostalgic tune than most Cage the Elephant songs, reminiscing on days as seventeen-year-olds, desperately stumbling to figure out this messy life.

Beautiful piano accompaniment chirps throughout the verses along with a stripped down acoustic guitar, creating a raw mood that strikes a chord deep inside any listener. The best way I can describe this song is that it is beautifully melancholy and hopeful simultaneously.

Tell Me I’m Pretty (2015)

“Too Late to Say Goodbye”

Beginning with a dark and dramatic growl, “Too Late to Say Goodbye” captures the listener instantly, drawing them into this deliciously mysterious dance. Sultry energy floats throughout the entire song while Shultz confesses that he is completely in love with someone who he knows to be dangerous.

This tug-of-war with one’s self, fighting the urge to be with somebody obviously wrong for you, yet allowing your head to spin in mesmerization and attraction towards them is easy to imagine. We feel his pain as he takes up arms against this battle, yet we secretly hope that he gives in, because where there are sparks, there is fire.

“Trouble”

This track begins sweetly, twinkling with notes that sound almost like a nursery rhyme. Soon after, we are hit with many “oooo”s, adding to the relaxing, lighthearted vibe. This continues throughout the song, only interrupted by quick, harsh beats on the drum in-between lyrics.

Despite the song’s soft tone, the lyrics themselves are a bit heavier than a nursery rhyme. Shultz declares his life a chaotic mess – anything but pleasant and easy. He pleads with an invisible love to pull him through the depths of trouble that surround him, ending with an even heftier final plea, “God don’t let me lose my mind”.

“Cold Cold Cold”

This song is simple and superb. It begins with a rolling instrumental that reminds me of music from an older time, somewhat Beatles-esque. A shaking maraca sounds throughout the entirety of the song, adding to the carefree vibe. The chorus has a steady pulse to it that drives the audience forward, making us eager to hear more with a grin growing across our face as time goes on. Only Shultz’s voice adds a level of urgency, his raspy yells and charismatic tone echoing throughout the song, stealing the show once again.

Cage the Elephant’s music possesses the indescribable ability to move people. It has a unique quality that I cannot quite put my finger on, but it fills my chest every time I hear one of their songs. I surrender to its power, knowing that the instant I turn on Cage the Elephant, I am lost in a completely different world, even if it’s just for three minutes.

The Alt-Rock Chick highlights Alternative Rock music by selecting a band/artist and listing their best songs from any number of their albums, and features playlists that reflect certain themes.

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