Local pop-rockers Nevada Color have mostly been in full-blown writing mode this year, making only occasional stage appearances. However, the next few days will give fans two chances to see them perform, practically back-to-back. After closing out the Main Stage at Deutschtown on Saturday night, the band will be opening up for Australian standouts Atlas Genius, along with the LA/NYC-based rock group Faulkner, at the Rex Theater on Monday, July 17th.
It’s a well-assembled lineup. Each act has a different take on the pop-rock genre, but the variations are harmonious (if you will.) And impressive songwriting chops and infectious energy can be found across the board. If it’s an invigorating rock show you’re after, look no further. This will be your last chance to see any of these acts here for a while (save for Nevada Color’s Picklesburgh gig at the end of the month), so showing up will be well worth the tiredness at work on Tuesday.
I’ve written about the specificities of Nevada Color’s draw before. When I got to chat with Faulkner via email, they described their approach to alternative rock as a dichotomy of “subversive sounds and themes [with] some very pop melodies and hooks.” Pointing to influences such as The Clash, The Strokes, and even Dr. Dre, they’re bold and unapologetic, with attacking instrumental sounds and straightforward, rallying lyricism. Which makes their collaboration with RZA (Wu-Tang Clan leader and renowned hip-hop artist/producer) understandable. He produced and was featured on their track, “NY Anthem,” that now plays during home games at Yankee Stadium. He’s also a producer on their debut full-length album, due to be released in the fall. They’ve recruited producers Mark Needham (The Killers) and JP Bowersock (The Strokes) for the record as well. And their video for “Revolutionary” has racked up over 2.3 million views on YouTube.
Safe to say, this group has been making waves; impressive ones for an unsigned band. I asked if they had any insight for other acts looking to do the same. They did: “Be yourself and make the art you want to make. Block out all unnecessary noise and influences and focus on what makes you the happiest. Everything else will fall into place.” This will be their first time playing in Pittsburgh, about which they’re “very excited,” and they look forward to “connecting with fans, making new ones…[and] talking to as many people as we can.” If you’re not sure where to start to get acquainted with their sound, check out the aforementioned Anthem, “Revolutionary,” and “Waters Are a Rising,” from their EP Revanchist.
Atlas Genius, meanwhile, has come a long way (in both literal and figurative senses) from their beginnings in Adelaide, Australia in 2009. From multiple headlining tours across the U.S., to opening slots for Imagine Dragons and Silversun Pickups, to appearances at festivals like Lollapalooza and Sasquatch, their well-crafted indie rock sensibilities have struck a chord with plenty of music fans worldwide. Recalling acts such as Joywave, Maritime, and Bad Suns, the group offers an appealing mix of catchiness and contemplation. Intoxicating beats and basslines accompany sharp lyrics, groovy guitars, and earnest, versatile vocals. Their breakout single, “Trojans,” has been streamed 45 million times (and counting) on Spotify, with multiple other songs also surpassing several million plays. (“Molecules,” “Stockholm,” “Symptoms,” and “If So” are some other standout tracks to get you started if you’re unfamiliar.)
Their stop at the Rex Theater is part of an extended nationwide tour that includes performances at Lollapalooza in August. (In fact, they’ll also be spending the two nights before this show opening for Incubus in New York.) So if you have any love at all for smart, energizing pop-rock, this is definitely a show you won’t want to miss. In the encouraging closing words of Faulkner: “Tomorrow is never promised. Party up!”
This show is all ages. Doors open at 7 PM on the 17th, and Nevada Color kicks things off at 8. Tickets are $18 now, and go up to $20 the day of the show. You can find them here. Check out the Facebook event page for more information. And keep an eye out for my photos and recap of the show later this month.
We’re also giving away a pair of tickets to this show! Just email soundscenetix@gmail.com. Please use the name of the event in the subject line, and the name of the person who will be claiming the tickets at the event. Entries are due by 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 16th. Valid ID is required to claim the tickets. The winner will be notified the day of the event. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to hear about our latest ticket giveaways. By entering the contest, you will be added to our mailing list for future ticket announcements.