The Music Man: ‘The Month The Buzz Stole Xmas’ has something to please most music fans

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Justin Curto, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief

Before I get into this week’s actual blog, there’s something I want to say. Yes, I know Coldplay released “Adventure of a Lifetime,” the first single off what is slated to be the band’s last album ever. Yes, I know the single is a huge point of contention in the music world because it’s different than Coldplay’s past work (but equally awesome if you ask me). No, I will not blog about “Adventure of a Lifetime” this week, because I plan on writing an amazing post about “A Head Full of Dreams” after the full album is released. Anyway …

If you talked to me last Monday, you know I was super excited because alternative radio station 96.5 The Buzz made some concert announcements. These weren’t just any concert announcements, though — The Buzz announced four shows as part of “The Month The Buzz Stole Xmas,” the most Christmas shows the station has ever done.

Each of these shows has a strong and cohesive lineup, and I’d venture to say this might be the best concert series The Buzz has done since I’ve been a listener. I’m going to break down each lineup for you.

“The Night The Buzz Stole Xmas”

Who: Silversun Pickups, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Night Riots and Radkey

When: Wednesday, Dec. 2

Where: Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Status: General onsale tickets available

This is a rock concert at its finest. Silversun Pickups has a perfect blend of synth pop and alternative rock that they haven’t brought to Kansas City since “Buzz Under The Stars Night One” in 2013, and I’ve heard fantastic things about their live energy. (Don’t believe me? Check out some live videos of YouTube.) Also, their new material off “Better Nature” is just as strong as previous releases, and songs like “Nightlight” and “Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance)” promise to be amazing live.

The supporting bands represent some different facets of rock. Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls blend the acoustic and the alternative, and Turner’s new single “The Next Storm” is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. I’ve seen both Night Riots and Radkey live before, and both should bring lots of energy to this show with their respective electronic and garage rock sounds. Night Riots recently released their first album, and Radkey just wrapped up an international headlining tour, so both bands return to Kansas City at exciting times.


“The Night The Buzz Stole XXmas”

Who: Leon Bridges, Houndmouth, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Spencer Mackenzie Brown

When: Thursday, Dec. 10

Where: Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Status: Presale sold out, general onsale tickets available

At first, a lineup of all new artists may seem kind of odd, but all of these are old souls at heart. Leon Bridges isn’t a typical Buzz artist — he’s a ‘60s-style soul singer — but it seems like he’s due for a show in Kansas City after becoming a breakout artist this year. Bridges’ new album, “Coming Home,” should provide enough of his smooth vocals and jazzy instrumentation to fill a headlining set.

Houndmouth caught my attention after The Buzz started playing “Sedona,” and the band’s entire debut, “Little Neon Limelight,” shows roots rock is alive and well. (Not to mention, the band has a fantastic cover of Dion’s “Runaround Sue.”) Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats recently gained a ton of publicity for their awesome, folk-infused single “S.O.B.,” with Rateliff’s style walking the line between energetic and erratic and The Night Sweats being flat-out awesome. Spencer Mackenzie Brown, a Kansas City artist, rounds out the lineup with a bit of local flair.


“The Night The Buzz Stole XXXmas”

Who: The 1975, Borns, Wolf Alice and Swim Deep

When: Friday, Dec. 11

Where: Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Status: Presale and general onsale sold out

It takes a lot for a show to sell out within hours, and “The Night The Buzz Stole XXXmas” did just that. The 1975 helps this show bridge the gap between the alternative and pop crowds, with significant fan bases in both genres. The band last came to Kansas City for “Buzz Beach Ball” in 2014, and its infectiously upbeat guitar riffs alongside lead vocalist/guitarist Matty Healy’s beautifully indiscernible vocals are incredibly satisfying.

Borns and Wolf Alice are two of the best artists to come out of 2015, and this will be their fifth and third respective shows in Kansas City this year. “Dopamine,” the recent debut for Borns — a project by vocalist/guitarist Garrett Borns — utilizes his beautiful falsetto and amazing mix of guitar-based and electronic instrumentation. Wolf Alice’s debut, “My Love Is Cool,” is a thoroughly impressive mix of folk and grunge (trust me, it works). Swim Deep, an underrated shoegaze band, opens the show.


“The Night The Buzz Stole XXXXmas”

Who: Bastille, The Wombats, The Greeting Committee and Hembree

When: Thursday, Dec. 17

Where: Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Status: Presale sold out, general onsale tickets available

This show guarantees itself to be a fantastic dance party. Bastille hasn’t been to Kansas City in about two years (since “The Night The Buzz Stole Xmas” in 2013), and the band’s headlining spot this time should serve it well. Its music is both energetic and artistic, and spans way more than hit single “Pompeii” would make you think.

The Wombats’ new wave-alternative-electronic-dance-pop-punk just begs to be heard live, whether it’s newer, more synth-heavy material or guitar-driven classics. (“Let’s Dance to Joy Division,” anyone?) The Greeting Committee skyrocketed from being a relatively unknown band outside Blue Valley High School to opening “Buzz Beach Ball” within less than six months, and “The Night The Buzz Stole XXXXmas” gives the band a chance to cap off an amazing year with another presumably amazing live performance. Kansas City-based band Hembree will hopefully start the party right as it opens with hits like “Walk Alone.”

As of now, I’m slated to review and photograph night three, and I can’t wait — check back for that in about a month. All of these shows should be amazing, though, and should prove to be a welcome break from all the Christmas music you’ll be hearing throughout December.

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