These fall shows are so hot; everyone already has tickets! It’s not too late, though, to check out these artists, buy tickets, or enter contests to win. Here’s the hookup for the Raleigh alternative concert scene coming this fall.
*Sidenote: Feel free to click on the venue links to check out plenty of other artists headed this way or download Bandsintown to track shows in your area.
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen are a British alternative rock band from North Whales. Their lead singer, Van McCann, has one of the catchiest names ever, as well as the most poignant vocals. Modern-Day British rock and alternative/indie bands always seem to have the key to what is next in this genre. Catfish and the Bottlemen are similar to the likes of Arctic Monkeys and The Hunna. These bands are paving the way for the future of alternative rock music.
If you are new to Catfish, take a journey back to 2014 and check out their most popular tunes, “Cocoon” and “Kathleen.” For a fresh, recent sound, their tracks “Conversation” and “Longshot” are ‘get stuck in your head’ catchy. Don’t miss Catfish and the Bottlemen at The Ritz on Tuesday, September 24th.
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The Head and the Heart
The Head and the Heart are a perfect chill band with authentic, storytelling folk songwriting. They will be playing at Red Hat for the second time on Tuesday, October 1st.
Most of you will be familiar with The Head and the Heart from their radio single “All We Ever Knew” in 2016. But, man, they know how to write some heartfelt songs. Their album, Signs of Light, is a no-skip type record that you play on a sunny fall afternoon. Songs like “Rhythm and Blues” and “I Don’t Mind” show off their versatile style. Off of their new album, Living Mirage, “Glory of Music” will bring fans of any kind to tears.
If you want to listen to their earlier songs, “Coeur d’Alene” is a fan favorite, and “Lost In My Mind” is pretty much guaranteed to be on the setlist.
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The Kooks
The Ritz, Raleigh, has a killer alternative concert lineup this fall! The Kooks are a fun band that I haven’t listened to in a while. They have some songs that are a little more pop-rock than Catfish and the Bottlemen. Their earlier songs like “She Moves In Her Own Way,” “Naive,” and “Ooh La” will take you down memory lane.
Admittedly, I need to go back and relisten to their music and add their new stuff. You should do the same! “Always Where I Need to Be” will bring back the ‘early 2000s car singalong’ days. The Kooks are headed this way Wednesday, October 9th.
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The Neighbourhood
The Neighbourhood, playing at The Ritz on Wednesday, November 6th, is a unique take on today’s alternative music scene as they incorporate hip-hop influences and electronic beats into their work. Everyone is familiar with their 2012 single “Sweater Weather.” If you listen to some of their other tracks, you might get more of an upbeat emo sounding vibe. Take “R.I.P. 2 My Youth” or “Cry Baby,” for instance, which have serious lyrics contrasted by vibrant beats.
Their track “Void,” from their most recent album, is an emotionally transparent anthem. “Softcore” is a supernatural-sounding tune with relatable lyrics about a toxic relationship. “You’re like the sun, you make me young. But you drain me out if I get too much.” Whew!
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// THE 1975 //
This ‘pop-rock emo, ambient synth & guitar’ band dropped five new tour dates on us a week ago. It has been a bit of a process for long-time fans to get these tickets as they tried a new pre-presale strategy. Nevertheless, they are coming to PNC Arena on Tuesday, November 19th! I repeat, PNC. ARENA. *Deep breath.*
If you want the tea, you’ll listen to “Robbers,” “Couldn’t Be More In Love,” “I Like America & America Likes Me,” and “You.” Or all of the songs. All. Of. Them.
The good news is that you can still get face-value tickets and maybe even cheaper tickets; they are on sale now. Bring your mom, dad, husband, wife, kid, brother, sister, cousin, friend, neighbor, dog, cat? And I’ll see you there!
*I will update this post with other Raleigh alternative concert contests as they pop up.