The Half-Ass show is coming up quick! On Thursday, September 24th.
X96 will be hosting New York’s Alt-rock up-and-comers, X Ambassadors, the neo-classic Brit-rock group, The Struts, and locals RKDN, and Queenadilla. This show is all ages, doors open @ 7. You can still purchase tickets here.
However, maybe you would like some more info on the bands before purchasing tickets? Maybe, all you know is that song “Renegades,” but would like to hear more from X Ambassadors and the artist that will be at the show. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
1. “Jungle” – X Ambassadors (Feat. Jamie N Commons)
You may remember this song from all those Beats Headphones commercials that played last year during the World Cup. With the release of this track, initially of their 2014 EP The Reason, it gave New York’s Alternative Quartet, X Ambassadors, their initial mainstream success. Jay Z even picked it up for a remix. This is a very good example of X Ambassador’s overall sound – percussion-driven, hip-hop influenced alt-rock. The song features British singer Jamie N Commons in supporting vocals. “Jungle” also doubles as the perfect workout jam.
2. “Could Have Been Me” – The Struts
Opening for X Ambassadors is glam/Brit-rock quartet The Struts. Hailing form Derby, England this four-piece boasts a powerful arena-ready rock sound that is reminiscent of earlier 90s rock acts such as New Radicals, Oasis, and Blur. This mid-tempo jam also deserves a spot on your workout playlist.
3. “Gorgeous” – X Ambassadors
This song comes from X Ambassador’s debut album, VHS. This LP follows with more hip-hop influenced alternative rock that was featured in their last two EPs. Interesting note, the album also contains a lot of interludes and little skits of the band talking among each other about their career and growing. The idea behind it is to make you feel like you’re watching a movie or a old school VHS tape while listing to the album. This track is nothing but fun and will have you nodding your head or grooving along the whole time.
4. “Unsteady” – X Ambassadors
Originally from 2014’s The Reason EP, Unsteady is a slower and more brooding number. The song is heavily carried by percussion and their keyboardist, who has been blind since birth. The live session above will give you an idea of what kind of performance you can expect.
5. “Silver” – RKDN
One of the winners from our Battle of the Bands series, RKDN has an electrifying, bombastic sound that will be sure to catch the ear of fans of Neon Trees, Walk The Moon, and Two Door Cinema Club. They hail from Provo and have been in the local scene since 2011. If you dig “Silver,” check out more them here.
6. “Fear” – X Ambassadors (Feat. Imagine Dragons)
Imagine Dragons and X Ambassadors have had a history of songwriting together, Dan Reynolds helped shape a few songs off X Ambassadors’ first few EPs and their current LP, VHS. You can hear a lot more of the Imagine Dragons influence in this short, but powerful track.
7. “Litost” – X Ambassadors
Despite their huge success with “Jungle” and “Renegades,” their initial breakthrough came from this song being featured on a 2012 episode of One Tree Hill. Soon after it got picked by a local radio station in Virginia and quickly became the station’s #1 most requested song. While touring through Virginia, Dan of Imagine Dragons heard “Litost” and an acoustic performance of another song “Unconsolable,” and had the band signed to Interscope records shortly after.
8. “Hollow Man” – Queenadilla
You may remember Queenadilla from Big Ass Show earlier this year. They were our local opener for the BASH and they’re coming back for the Half Ass Show! Hailing from Orem, these guys bring their own brand of heavy/blues-rock to the Utah scene. Recommended if you like The Black Keys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or The Fratellis. If you want to hear more, check them out here.
9. “Free & Lonely” – X Ambassadors
Opening track from their 2014 EP, The Reason, which first featured “Jungle” and “Unsteady.” Much like “Unsteady” this gives another look into the more emotional and brooding side of X Ambassadors. In similar fashion, this track is lead by strong percussion, supported mostly by the keys.
