RIYL: Kurt Vile
He’s a well known musician in the indie rock scene, and has helped revive "Slacker Rock," a denotation usually reserved for bands of the '80s and '90s. His latest album “Wakin On a Pretty Daze” has been met with critical acclaim, scoring over an 8/10 on a dozen professional music review websites.
Last August he brought his new album and his backing band “The Violators” to the Bluebird Theater in Denver for a sold out show. If you missed the show, here are a few other bands that will help tide you over before Kurt’s inevitable return to Denver:
The War on Drugs
This is an easy connection as Kurt was one the founding members of the band alongside Adam Granduciel. Kurt departed shortly after the release of their debut album "Wagonwheel Blues" in 2008 to focus on his solo career, but that didn’t stop The War on Drugs from putting out two other incredible full length albums. In March they released “Lost in the Dream” earning them an 86/100 on Metacritic.
American Culture
A Denver band led by ex-Bad Weather California frontman Chris Adolf that also features Tyler Ludwick from Princess Music on guitar. They channel a similar vibe as Kurt: vocals with lots of reverb and vague but introspective lyrics. But they rock a more upbeat tempo, and aren't afraid to break into epic guitar solos. Keep an eye out for their debut release.
Mac Demarco
Formerly “Makeout Videotape,” the 23 year old Canadian musician brings the genre of Slacker Rock new life with catchy guitar hooks and more of a surfer vibe. His live shows are known as "ranchfests" that often end with nudity of some kind. His second full length “Salad Days” was just out on April 1.
Listen to the playlist below.
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