If you watch TV or play video games, you’ve probably heard Cage the Elephant’s catchy, blues-tinted single “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.”
The Bowling, Ky. natives released their self-titled debut album in late 2008, but are finally feeling the love. With their song playing in commercials all the time and their videos getting streamed, Cage the Elephant is finally going on a headlining tour this winter all over the United States. With their blend of blues, alt-rock and post-punk influences, Cage the Elephant has a little bit of everything without losing their own identity. If you dig retro, fuzzy garage rock, clever guitar solos and lyrics that tell a story, you will no doubt love Cage the Elephant. You can catch them at 9:30 club on Feb. 25. But if music with a cause is something you’re searching for, you might want to check out the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel on Jan. 31.
Like many music venues around the world, the Hotel is hosting a benefit concert with all of the proceeds going directly to help Haiti. Featuring Honor by August, Todd Wright and Michaela Thurlow, the concert only costs $12. All three artists are D.C. natives making waves in the music industry. Honor by August got their big break after winning a battle of the bands contest that enabled them to open for Bon Jovi. With their blend of feel-good rock, sensitive lyrics and soulful lead vocals, Honor by August is the quintessential modern rock band.
Todd Wright is the artist you should focus on for more of a pop feel. He’s blended Jack Johnson-esque melodies with power-pop synths; if anything, the techno sound simply adds to the mellow quality of his music. All in all, the combination of heart-felt rock and acoustic ballads make for a wonderful way to spend the evening and help give to a good cause.
Some people tend to enjoy something more on the hardcore side. Those people should look no further than The Used. Since breaking onto the alt-rock scene back in 2002, The Used has come out with four albums, two of which have been certified gold. With their hard-hitting slam rock and the screaming vocals of Bert McCracken, it’s easy to see why The Used has become a staple for alternative rock fans. With their recently released album, “Artwork”, the band are out on tour for the next few months. And chances are, if you’re a fan of The Used, you’re also familiar with their opening band, metalcore group, Atreyu. The night is almost guaranteed to be full of head-banging, moshing and ear-splitting rock and roll, so hurry up and get your ticket. They’ll be performing at 9:30 club on Feb. 17.
Some may see The Used as too mainstream. To tap into the indie sensibilities of bands, check out We Were Promised Jetpacks and Bad Veins. WWPJ, a Glasgow, Scotland-based band came out with their first album just last summer, the mournful and catchy, “These Four Walls.” Their songs are thick with heavy Scottish accents, electric guitar riffs and thoughtful lyrics. Although the band has crafted their own sound, for those looking for any kind of comparison, they can be likened to The Verve or the Sunshine Underground. Comprised of Adam Thompson on vocals, Michael Palmer on guitar, Darren Lackie on drums and Sean Smith on bass, WWPJ is a fun band with serious tunes.
Rounding out the night, Bad Veins is a techno indie duo made up of Benjamin Davis and Sebastien Schultz. With their warm lyrics and infectious rhythms, Bad Veins — who will perform at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Feb. 13 — are reminiscent of the Killers blended with soft-but-moody 80s techno. Already gathering accolades from the likes of Rolling Stone and Spin magazine, Bad Veins is the new indie-pop duo with music that actually lives up to the hype.
You can reach this staff writer at ydesta@theeagleonline.com.