The stage was already set up for the opener, Everything Everything. Red and magenta stage lights were embellished by billowing smoke pouring off the stage. I could already tell this was going to be a much different concert experience than last night at The Mill.

Of the people who showed up early, there was no single “type.” Most people chose to sit near the front; all ages and all styles. For example, on one side of me was a polished young girl reading a novel, while the man on the other side had dreads, ruffled tie-die clothes, and a mysterious large bag in his lap.

When the mysterious bag man noticed me writing notes, he said, “oh, I hope you didn’t catch me talking baby talk!” Um, no? I was confused. Turns out, there was a cat sitting in the bag on his lap. A CAT. I’m all for therapy pets, but I never expected to enjoy an alternative rock concert in the company of a feline friend. Luckily he never let the cat out of the bag (ba-dum-tsss). Oh, Iowa City–never change.

The lights dimmed, and Everything Everything made their dramatic entrance to the stage. My first reaction to their matching tan outfits was basically this: so this is what would happen if Kanye West’s fashion line and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band had a baby. Their music had similarly unique flair.

The British rock band kept high energy despite the small, mostly sitting crowd. At one point between songs, the lead man remarked, “Silence? This show is much different from the rest of the tour. PLEASE clap.” I was already clapping, but other people seemed to take the hint to loosen up. A small crowd rushed to the front and starting dancing in the pit. I couldn’t help but wonder how the cat was doing with all the loud, flashy stimuli.

So far everything (everything, ha) about the show had me feeling kind of, well, weird. I can definitely respect Everything Everything’s performance, but they are not a band I would enjoy listening to regularly. It was fun to dance along to the synth and feel the thundering bass in my chest, but I wasn’t overly fascinated. And it drove me crazy that the drummer couldn’t keep a steady beat.

The Englert was an awesome venue for this show! I really loved all the different light effects. The colors changed seamlessly during or between songs, and the lights really helped the bands create bad-ass stage presence.

While waiting for the headliner to take the stage, I found a spot in the front row next to krui.fm‘s lovely editor-in-chief, Alex Restrepo! She’s a busy lady, so I felt honored to experience a concert with her before she graduates from the University this spring. Several other KRUI directors and staff members were at the show, so I could tell it was going to be a good one. And boy, was it!

The Joy Formidable took the stage; the rocking trio Ritzy Bryan, Rhydian Dafydd, and Matt Thomas united in Wales in 2007. I was amazed at the power and volume the three of them made. After one especially extreme guitar riff by Ritzy, an audience member exclaimed, “Face melting!!” She thanked him by blowing a kiss; that with her elegant accent made her adorably hardcore!

The band had fun with a varied set list, playing Ostrich from their first EP as well as Passerby, a song from their newly released album. Passerby’s message is to make your own way in life, no matter if it’s not what others expect of you. I usually couldn’t make out the lyrics over the deafening cymbals and electric guitar, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Matt, the drummer, liked to interact with the audience with widened eyes and a waggling tongue. Other than the drumset, he played a huge gong and delicate wind chimes throughout the show. I lost track of the number of drumsticks he went through; chips of drumstick were flying all around. Rhydian would occasionally “assist” Matt by flicking or even kicking the little splash cymbal. Little playful moments like that made me smile and get even more into the music.

When the band first left the stage, the entire crowd screamed for an encore. They came back with beers and played a fairly long encore set. Even the “balcony party for two” that Ritzy giggled about continued to dance until the very end. I loved seeing The Joy Formidable, and I’m excited to see what else Mission Creek 2016 has in store!

The post Mission Creek: The Joy Formidable @ Englert Theatre 4/7/16 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Have you recently had the urge to dance basement with your friends and forget your problems? He you suddenly had a desire to reflect upon societal flaws, and think on a deeper level? If you answered yes to either of these questions, The Thermals seventh studio album We Disappear will be what you’ve been searching for.

On We Disappear, founding members Kathy Foster and Hutch Harris (formerly Hutch & Kathy pre-2002) have written lyrics far less politically charged than some albums of the past, like their infamous responses to the Bush Administration in, Fuckin’ A in 2004, and The Body, the Blood, the Machine, in 2006.

Foster and Harris, have been making music together for nearly two decades now, having toured and created music together prior to The Thermals creation in 2002, as Hutch & Kathy. (They’ve recently announced a new tour reviving Hutch & Kathy for the first time in 13 years). Through the years Foster and Harris have stuck to themes in their music, and We Disappear is no different. They grapple with death, the world’s obsession with immortality, and the desire to document and preserve their lives through technology, so that they will live on after death.

On the band’s site, Hutch Harris explains that The Thermals were concerned with technology, love, and death when writing the latest album. Harris also discusses in more detail the newest theme in their music, technology and the inevitability of death, and mankind’s resistance of it. “We’re trying to preserve our life digitally so when we’re gone people won’t forget us. We’re using technology to become immortal. You can even set up Facebook and Twitter accounts to continue updating after you die! We Disappear is about how humans fight the inevitable,” He writes.

This message of over preservation is less than hidden with album’s’ opening track, “Into to the Code”. With verse lyrics like “If we go we’ll not be missed, in the code we will always exist” there’s no question about The Thermals intentions with this new album.

The Thermals and their music has always explored themes of love and the heartbreak that can result from it. “My Heart Went Cold” is one of those regretful love songs that fans have grown to love over the years. It’s a solid punk rock track, with the simple repeating lyrics, “My heart went cold, this I know”. Not only this song, but much of this album, feels as though it should’ve have been released in the 90s pop punk scene. This is nothing but a stellar compliment to The Thermals and their sound, which actually began when Hutch and Kathy started playing in basements after they moved to Seattle in 1998.

The third track on the album was the first single off the LP, and rightfully so. “Hey You,” is definitely a sing-a-long anthem that will get even the most uptight listeners at least tapping their foot, if not allowing for full-on head nodding to the beat. With solid guitar riffs throughout, and its punk simplicity, lyrically (there’s only 133 words, including repeated ones), The Thermals are getting back to their Portland roots with this light-hearted, punky track.

“The Walls” comes midway, and is another track that clocks out at just over 2 minutes. Though brief, it makes an impact, “The walls I build for you, are the walls we will share. They will tear, they will tear us in two.” Though choppy, the guitar riff also propels the energy of the song.

“Thinking of You” is quick-paced 2 minute pop-punk track that has familiar sound, whether you’ve listened to The Thermals back catalog before or not. It’s familiar in a good way, with the catchy “woah-oh” repeated refrain reminding you of a song you’ve randomly heard before driving in your car on a summer afternoon with the windows down.

The LP contains 10 new tracks, which all have Hutch Harris’ unique as ever vocals with all of their nasally charm. Of course that’s not the only thing that’s remained the same with Hutch. The front man’s vocals are still accompanied with his catchy lead guitar riffs.

Drummer Westin Glass’s precise and energetic percussion also plays a major role in the indie punk rock tracks that make up We Disappear. But what really anchors these stellar tunes are Kathy’s solid basslines that are so seamless that they perfectly merge with Hutch’s guitar.

The final track of the LP, “Years in a Day,” is a slow, melancholy ballad which is almost 5 minutes long, about emotional and mental exhaustion. It’s possibly the result of Harris reflecting on his own mindset following thinking about the heavy themes he’s dealing with in We Disappear, “I was awake for only the darkest days, barely alive with the angriest eyes. . . . No words left to say, years in a day.” The track is a different, yet soothing end to a strong and varied body of work from The Thermals.

It’s clear that Foster and Harris, alongside drummer Westin Glass who joined the group back in 2008, have really hit their musical prime.

The Thermals have created a harmonious and solid set of songs that are consistently well-written both on a fundamental level, as well as a lyrical level. The stellar production from Chris Walla, formerly of Death Cab for Cutie, is also worth mentioning.

The album is something meant to be consumed as an entire whole. Unlike most mainstream music of today where the single reigns supreme, the Thermals have opted to slowdown, and return to an era of music when albums were serial experiences with well thought out cadences. The themes of the album are intertwined throughout the album, and never fall flat, allowing The Thermals to create a musical commentary on the state of society today.

While some may say the lyrics in We Disappear are not complex, they are more importantly relatable and truthful. Complexity does not equate to quality or skill of artists. In addition, every album does not need to be a massive commentary on the political state of the world. The Thermals didn’t delve in the political world in this album like they have in the past, and that’s ok.

The themes of death, and mankind’s more recent desire for immortality through technology, are ones of great importance and ring true within society today, and hold within them their own complexity and originality.

With We Disappear, The Thermals want to remind you that death is inevitable, and no amount of submersion into technology will change that.

After listening to We Disappear, you’ll be grateful that while we all will without a doubt disappear one day, this album will live on.

To stream the full album, click here.

The post Album Review: “We Disappear” by The Thermals appeared first on KRUI Radio.

If you haven’t heard of the English indie rocker yet, you must be living under a proverbial rock. Being what some are calling the next Bob Dylan, Bugg has gained substantial momentum in the music world. At the ripe age of 19 years-old, the Nottingham singer-songwriter has managed to release 2 full length studio albums, and begin writing his third.

While his voice sounds eerily similar to that of a young Bob Dylan sans the American accent, Bugg claims that Dylan isn’t a influential artist for him. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Bugg said “Bob Dylan’s cool, you know, he’s great, but he’s not a major influence”. Which leaves the question, who is he influenced by? The English singerhas accredited The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Oasis, Donovan, The Everly Brothers and Jimi Hendrix. as some of his most influential artists in the same interview.

“Messed Up Kids” was released with the rest of the songs on the Shangri La album on November 18th, 2013. The song tells the stories of “messed up kids” like Johnny the drug dealer, and Jenny the prostitute, whom live in poverty and society has given up on. It is refreshing to find such a young artist writing real songs with lyrical depth and thought behind them. The entire is composed of great music accompanied by great lyrics.

Watch Jake Bugg perform our Track of the Week, “Messed Up Kids” below:

You can buy the entire album on iTunes, If you’re left wanting even more, check out his website, and follow Bugg on Spotify:

The post Track of the Week: “Messed Up Kids” by Jake Bugg appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Friday night 37 year-old actor, screenwriter, producer, and more importantly, stand-up comedian Nick Swardson came to Iowa City for his sold out show.

The CAB comedy show was originally scheduled to take place on Friday December 13th, 2013, but due to unspecified conflicts, the show took place Friday January 24th in the Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge at 10 pm.

Swardson is best known for his writing and roles in films and TV shows like: Grandma’s Boy, Malibu’s Most Wanted, Benchwarmers, Reno 911!, Just Go With It, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Nick started out doing stand up comedy at the very early age of 18 and began making a name for himself in the Minnesota comedy scene.

But before Mr. Swardson graced the stage with his new material, comedian and opener Josh Mann took the stage. While Mann truly did make me laugh on multiple occasions, his material overall lacked originality. It seemed as though the less rehearsed the jokes were, the better the reaction from the audience, (Such as his jokes involving the Ped Mall). His stage presence was awkward at best, mainly due to his incessant sipping of an unidentified Starbucks beverage. His demeanor was somewhat off-putting and definitely did not help the delivery of his material at all. All in all I have to say I wasn’t impressed with Josh Mann.

As disappointed as many may have been with the opener, that quickly changed for the better when Minnesota native Nick Swardson took the stage. Greeted by a roar rather than applause, Swardson took the stage with his classic funny man swagger. Dressed in a Young & Reckless t-shirt and snap back, along with neon Nikes and blue jeans, he greeted the audience by shouting, “What the fuck is up Iowa City?!”.  If such language is bothersome to you, then Swardson’s act was definitely not for you. Like many stand up comedians, most of his jokes were somewhat vulgar and profanity saturated. I say that in the most complementary way possible, because literally he had me in tears. His material covered a wide range of topics. Anything from cats, to the first man to experience a brain freeze, to ice skaters with diarrhea, were all fair game. The material was relatable and original in every way possible, and the crowd loved it.

Check out a pic a UI student snapped at the show by clicking on the Tweet below. Nick then retweeted it to his 500,000+ followers:

“@nellym2011: First row in Iowa City! @nickswardson Throw me a retweet. #IOWA pic.twitter.com/O1axpZyGmd” am I albino? Wtf? Haha

— Nick Swardson (@NickSwardson) January 25, 2014

Like any comedy venue, the IMU Main Lounge had it’s share of hecklers, which Swardson handled like a real pro. One young woman, got irrationally upset when Swardson was a telling a joke involving a woman performing oral sex. She yelled from the back of the room in a moment of silence, “Women are not objects!”. To this Nick responded jokingly with “No, you’re just alcoholics.” and then proceeded to tell more jokes aimed at women to make a hilarious point. Again, those sensitive to such topics are advised to avoid Swardson’s shows, because he is crude and fully proud of it. I completely enjoyed his set, along with the hundreds of others in the IMU Main Lounge. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand, and delivered much more than our money’s worth.

Swardson seemed to return the pleasant sentiment with the Tweet following the show you can read below:

Iowa U was dope. Such a fun crowd w/ great energy and some hammered folks. Love ya! Driving out to Des Moines tonight. Rain check the party

— Nick Swardson (@NickSwardson) January 25, 2014

To keep tabs on Nick, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

The post Nick Swardson Brings Colossal Laughs to IMU appeared first on KRUI Radio.

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“St. Clarity” is off their debut album States, out September 30th.Oddly enough, just like last week’s TOTW artist Emma-Louise, the 5-piece group hails from Australia, (Melbourne, in their case). The track starts with an intro played by a banjo, but then soothes you with it’s melodies throughout. Frontman Sam Bentley, is quoted describing the song, “At its heart, the song is about the beauty of finding clarity in a situation, . . .Seeing things from a perspective that’s clear – from an angle you haven’t seen before.”

Check out the stunning music video directed by Natasha Pincus below, and pre-order States on iTunes here.

The post Track of the Week: “St Clarity” By The Paper Kites appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Beat Magazine describes her, “There’s a certain kind of female that occupies a space in which she’s perpetually young and girlish but also wise and worldly. . .This ethereal mix of capability/vulnerability resides in Emma Louise…”. 

“Pontoon” is the 4th single from the Brisbane beauty’s debut album, ‘vs Head vs Heart’ . The track is 4 minutes and 45 seconds of transcendent, airy polyphonic beats. The overlapping words and melodies make way for a tranquil, and meditative song. “Pontoon” is definitely a track worthy of your time.

Check out the music video below:

Her new album ‘vs Head vs Heart’ is out now . Buy it on iTunes here.

The post Track of the Week: “Pontoon” by Emma-Louise appeared first on KRUI Radio.

If you like what you hear, their new EP, “IV” is out now. Buy it in CD or vinyl form here.

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Disclaimer: This review contains content unsuitable for minors, work situations, and the well mannered. Read at the risk of being offended.

Bo Burnham is no stranger to Iowa City. In 2010 he had a show at The Englert Theatre, and in 2012 he had another show at Englert Theatre. Last night Bo returned once again to the IMU Main Lounge, with brand new material in his fourth comedic tour, the “what.” Tour.

For those unaware, Bo Burnham is a musical comedic sensation who gained a fan-base via YouTube in 2006. His popularity grew over the years, and in August 2008 he became the youngest comedian to record a Comedy Central comedy special, just four days shy of his 18th birthday. His first CD was released in 2009, and has since released a second, and in the process of recording his third, What. Recently he filmed the first season of his MTV show, “Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous”, in which he stars, writes and produces. The first episode premiered last Thursday night, (watch the first full episode here), and 11 more episodes of season 1 are set to air Thursday nights at 9:30 central.

People, (mainly UI students), lined the street outside the IMU waiting to see Bo. Some people had been waiting for so long that they were working on homework while waiting for the 7pm doors. Loyal Bo Burnham fans.

Opening comedian Drew Lynch had me laughing through the entirety of his set. Not one of his jokes flopped and I was highly impressed with his bravery. Lynch has a verbal stutter due to a sports accident involving his vocal chords, yet still is an amazing comedian and stand-up performer. Check out his stand-up here.

After Lynch’s act, Bo Burnham hit the stage. He opened the show with a funny, but bizarre five-minute-long narrated introduction. It included dancing, singing, magic tricks, 40 seconds of “prolonged eye contact” with an audience member in front of him, and shouting “Fuck you!” to the front row.

The first song he played was called #Deep,  a new song from his upcoming album, and followed it with the most hilarious and vulgar “love poem” you’ve ever heard titled “I Fuck Sluts”.

One thing that must be said about Bo Burnham is that he is undoubtedly unique with both his verbal and physical comedy. A short list of the outrageous things Burnham did on stage would include throwing bouncy balls at the crowd (unexpectedly), simulating masturbation, pulling a cloud of rainbow glitter out of his pocket, and telling a joke in slow motion.

No one can argue that Bo Burnham is not talented in any aspect, and I was pleasantly surprised by his ability to play the keyboard. I also was surprised that some of his comedic songs and material had some serious underlying commentary on actual issues like religion, gay rights, and shallowness of the music industry.

Bo closed the show with a hilarious new song he recently wrote, which he described as “a song from the perspective of God.”

But after he exited the stage, Bo came back on stage and performed two of his classic and highly popular songs, “Love Is . . .” and “OH BO”. During “Love Is . . .” he changed the Anne Frank lyric to “. ..like Anne Frank wanted to be a Belieber.” Which the crowd went crazy for, and even earned a laugh from Bo himself as he delivered it. He also spent some time talking to the crowd, and thanking them for coming out on a Tuesday night. He exited the stage saying “If you liked what I did, my name’s Bo Burnham  If you didn’t like what I did, my name’s Kendrick Lamar.” To which the crowd responded with applause and a standing ovation.

After the show both Drew and Bo waited to meet and take pictures with every single fan that lined up, (which was a couple hundred roughly). When I met Bo I asked him, “What did you think of Iowa City and the crowd?” and he responded with, “Iowa City is amazing.  Been here three times in three years, always fun. They’re great. Very patient, they listen, they’re loud and excited. It’s great. So in conclusion, I hate it.” He kept his humorous answers going when I asked him about his plans to return to Iowa City, “Uh when I have new material  It might take me ten years but. . ” Lastly I asked him how I should end my article about his show, so here you go Bo. What ever you want.

To stay updated with Bo’s stand-up and his new show on MTV, follow him on Twitter.

To read reporter Eric Moore’s one-on-one interview with Bo after the show, click here.

The post Bo Burnham Returns to Iowa City With New Material appeared first on KRUI Radio.

As I walked out of Van Allen Hall after class at 2 pm on April 11th, I passed by the Blue Moose, to see girls camped out, in the rain, waiting in line for the doors to open at 5:30. This did not shock me at all however. It didn’t shock me because I knew who was playing there that night. The Take It Or Leave It Tour was coming to the Blue Moose Thursday night, and the fans were ready.

The sold out show began with the six member, Boston native band, Lions Lions. The Rock/Post Hardcore group shared with the crowd that they had missed the last two shows on the tour, due to a car accident they were in. According to lead singer Joshua Herzer, that made them determined to make this the best show of the tour, and they did not disappoint.

They opened with an original song called Killing Your Grace. The set took a more serious turn when Herzer shared with the crowd the story of his father’s passing, which occurred eight months earlier. Herzer said his father was also a musician, telling the crowd that he was his inspiration and that, “He didn’t die a wealthy man, but he died a happy man.” Following his story the band played, The Undertow. Herzer ended the set by jumping off stage, and singing the final lines of the song on the railing of the raised seats on the sides of Blue Moose, towering over the cheering crowd.

Newly signed to Rise Records, Dangerkids from Dayton, Ohio followed Lions Lions. This five member group, have a female drummer, Katie Cole, which I found very refreshing. Although their Facebook page classify their genre as simply, “Rock”, I would have to say their sound is much more complex than that. They are an amazing mix of Electronic, Rock, and Screamo. The group has two lead singers, Tyler Smyth being one, and Jake Bonham being the other. Smyth delivers spoken rap lyrics, while Bonham delivers the Screamo aspect of the songs. It was a fascinating mixture to watch. I would absolutely encourage going back to the Blue Moose on May 5th to see them open for Attack Attack in the Back In Action Tour.

During their set at Blue Moose, they had the entire crowd off their feet. So much so, that halfway through their second song, We’re All In Danger, the show had to be stopped for an injured woman in the heart of the crowd. Blue Moose security was quick to remove the woman from the crowd to safety. Dangerkids continued their six song set, ending with overwhelming applause.

Conditions,  from Richmond, Virginia  preceded the headliners, Sleeping With Sirens. The four member Rock band seemed to draw older fans, (mid-late twenties), to the show more than the other bands, opening with The End Of Progression. Lead singer Brandon Roundtree was very funny, charismatic,  and engaged the crowd throughout their performance. The group’s set ended on a high note with Better Life. However, I would suggest checking out, Walking Separate Ways, from their newly released album, Full Of War.

Finally, a little after nine o’clock, (and a tease appearance on stage of lead singer Kellin Quinn during sound check), Orlando Florida natives, Sleeping With Sirens  took the stage with an overwhelming response from the crowd. Kellin Quinn’s stage presence and passion on stage lived up to the hype.

The set took on a heavier vibe when they played,  A Trophy Father’s Trophy Son. The emotionally fueled song is an anthem for those who had parents who weren’t there for them, like singer Kellin Quinn’s own father. The song ended with the audience singing along acapella with Quinn, “Is this what you call a family?”. They followed with a song they’ve never sung on tour before, because they “need to get rid of old songs, to make room for new ones.”, according to Kellin, called Fire.

The show continued on a lighter note, with  Quinn telling some slightly inappropriate, (for the boy I saw no more than 11 years old in the crowd), but hilarious anecdotal stories. Sleeping With Sirens closed the show with a two song encore; playing their two most popular songs off their 2011 album, Let’s Cheers To This, Do It Now Remember It Later, and If You Can’t Hang.

Overall, the Take It Leave It Tour definitely brought high energy, musical talent, and a great experience overall.

If you wanted to catch Sleeping with Sirens, but couldn’t make it to the show, they will be on tour all summer with the Vans Warped Tour.

The post Take It Or Leave It Tour Rolls Through Iowa City appeared first on KRUI Radio.