Utah synth-pop band scores Hot 100 hit and love from the Killers
Who: Provo, Utah synth-pop revivalists Neon Trees. The all-Mormon band started up in Southern California in 2004 when frontman Tyler Glenn and guitarist Chris Allen's fathers suggested the two play together. "They both thought we were deadbeats," says Glenn. The band migrated to Utah separately and made fans in the Killers, who helped them score a record deal.
Sounds Like: Their debut Habits is filled with Eighties pop meshed with bombastic alt-rock choruses — like the Killers playing backup for Duran Duran. "Your Surrender" is a U2-style singalong, "1983" is a bratty dose of keyboard-driven pop punk and Hot 100 single "Animal" is an irresistibly catchy lovesick dance tune. The band's is pretty clear about its inspiration: "New Wave is basically all I listen to," says Glenn.
Killer Instinct: After playing clubs for a few years, the band got its break in 2008 when Killers drummer Ronnie Vanucci Jr. dropped in to see a Vegas gig. The drummer was so impressed, he offered the band a few opening slots on the Killers massive Day & Age tour. "We've always played like we play in front of thousands of people anyway," says Glenn. But the band hasn't rested on its connection to Brandon Flowers and Co. "We've made a conscious effort to not always associate with the Killers," says Glenn. "Ronnie even said, "I think you guys can stand on your own.' "
Clean Team: The band doesn't preach their Mormon teachings in their songs, but none of them drink or party. "It's funny how backstage, if you say you're doing it for God or doing it for morals or for health, people say, 'That's stupid' or 'lame.' But if you say you've been sober for 10 years, they respect you because you've been through AA," Glenn says. "Half the people think I'm on drugs anyway, I've always had a drone-y southern California voice and worn sunglasses in an airport when I shouldn't."
Bad Romance: Glenn's favorite track on Habits is "Our War," a heartbreaking plea to a girl he dated for two years. He even prepared for marriage by asking his aunt for a family heirloom ring. The song traces the day things started to fall apart, when the couple were supposed to take a trip to Salt Lake City. "I was at a bus stop waiting in the rain all day," he says. "I walked all day in the rain. Looking back on it, it felt cinematic. But since then it's bottled up and made me not trust. Maybe the whole next Neon Trees album will be more angry."
An enjoyable moment with a band that has their own sound. Like the accoustic and small percussion touch.I will have to look them up and read more.
ReplyDeletethese folks bear watching. it'll be interesting to see how their music develops. heading for the big time...
ReplyDeleteIts nice to see them getting the recognition. They really are talented. Your niece sounds strong on the backing vocals. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting sound - the icy synth sound of the '80s under a passionate vocal. Good time ahead.
ReplyDeleteArtistry runs in the family.
ReplyDeleteI'll Dr. Obvious (as my son would say) on this and simply remark, HOW COOL. I wish them great success and congratulations on all they have achieved so far.
ReplyDeleteI'm not greatly into such music now - was once, in my earlier incarnation - but I like both the sound and the style of this outfit. I wish them all the b est of luck.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Kass, I can't stay on your site while the music and dialog is on. Too distracting and I really only listen to classical.
ReplyDeleteoh wow, goosebumps at 3:35. KASS, (SORRY didn't mean to be shouting it's just that i am so jacked about this). love it. you have got to be so proud of your niece! (and she looks like you, right?!!)
ReplyDeletei'm sharing this with my kidlins and such.
Oh Kass... I couldn't stop listening. Is that photo not "killer" in its own right? I am quickly transported back to the 80's as I am the original 80's child. Yet, they have their own styling... awesome. Congrats to them on the success, and hope they enjoy much more to come.
ReplyDeleteLove the music! Cute kids too!
ReplyDeleteI think they're going to do Great!
hughugs
My tinternet connection keeps cutting them up so I'm hearing them in two second snippets with two seconds silence in between - very strange - and yet I still will be discussing their sound with my uber trendy into all the newest music pal, Bev! Reminded me a little of Kings of Leon - but they have something uniquely their own. Great sound. I wish them heaps and heaps of mega luck!
ReplyDeleteAnd your neice does look like you in the first shot of her!
Crikey, this is all rather fabulous, I do wish them well. I've never thought of rock stars being nieces before, which is silly of course.
ReplyDeleteThanks for turning off the music. I wish them good luck with their careers.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check them out...I love finding new bands to listen to. I recently stumbled on a band called One Night Only. I love their sound.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see a group of young people engaged in such a creative artistic endeavour.
ReplyDeleteI was pleased to hear Neon Trees on the radio out here in Los Angeles as I was itting poolside. It's great that they are getting the airplay.
ReplyDeleteReading the Sunday Trib and in the concert section was listed Neon Trees. They are playing at the Candlelight Serenade Acoustic Festival - Thanksgiving Point, Sat. Aug 21 from 10am - 11pm. $40 - General admission includes live music, vendors, kid play zone, petting zoo. Kids five and under FREE http://www.candlelightserenade.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and enjoy your blogs...
Live Your Dreams
Diane
sweeeeet! i bet you're one proud auntie. ;) and you should be.
ReplyDeleteWow K -this is getting more fun as it hits closer to home.
ReplyDeleteI'm not into synthetic Pop but our Hollywood son is visiting and I heard him humming a stanza from "Animal.' I said "how do you know that song?" and he said "the question, Mom, is how do YOU know that song -- this band is HOT." He then played 'Animal' for me on his iPhone and told me how the band got their name Neon Trees :)
Elaine looks so much like you...this real-life fairy tale is really really fun to follow.
PP
The way I look at it someone has to be a rock star so it is really nice that it is your talented niece with a
ReplyDeletea great band...Everyone has to start somewhere.
My old neighbors niece was married to singer of a famous Southern California Band but when they came to visit it was just the cute couple with the great dog eating Barbecue.
cheers, parsnip
Sept. 17 - 19 Energy Solution Center
ReplyDeleteThe Toyota Challenge, aided in part by the Utah Sports Commission, unites extreme athletes from the adrenaline-flooded worlds of BMX, skateboarding, and freestyle motocross for a competitive spectacle of varying heights and Matrix-like hang times. Friday's schedule includes skate vert prelims, BMX vert finals, and an evening concert featuring Neon Trees. Saturday's show has skate-park finals, BMX dirt finals, and FMX; Sunday showcases skate vert finals. Two-time gold medalist Shaun White will get gnarly on the vert ramp, and attendees may see teen BMX-phenom Brett "Maddog" Banasiewicz live up to his name by revving his pedals and scaring nearby dogs into a futile rage––perhaps followed by skateboarding superstar Ryan Sheckler soothing said dogs out of sicking with the tranquil twirls of a few front-foot impossibles.
Tuesday, Nov. 2
ReplyDeleteNeon Trees "Get Out the Vote" Concert
8:00 pm
Cost: $7 w/ Alumni OneCard
LAC
Taylorsville Redwood Campus
4600 S. Redwood Road
Taylorsville, Utah 84123
Thinking of you and your Mom.. She must be a terrific lady.
Think of you every time I see a story on the Neon Trees. I like 1983 and sent it to my granddaughters on Facebook...
ReplyDeleteIf you have time, I have posted several new posts on my blog; enjoy your comments.... Went to a book festival last month at the City Library; There were several authors such as Dominque Browning - "Slow Love -How I lost my Job, Put on my Pajamas, and Found Love".She was Editor of House and Garden.
Talk to you again soon,
Diane