Altos
If you’re braving enough to head to Summerfest in this heat, lather on the sunscreen, bring some extra water and, most importantly, figure out where you’re going.
In that spirit: we’ve picked two shows for you to check out on the grounds tonight, one local (Altos) and one not so local (Young the Giant).
Altos. Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage. 9 p.m.
Known for their innovative, sometimes haunting, arrangements, Altos (formerly known as Group of the Altos) headlines the local stage tonight.
When asked what to expect from the Summerfest set this year, guitarist Daniel Spack says, “We only do one thing. We’re going to do that.” That one thing has been described as post-rock (which Spack doesn’t like), a high school orchestra (which Spack says is the easy comparison) and even death metal (which Spack personally likes). Even though the band sounds nothing like death metal, “that’s where all of our hearts are,” he says.
The set tonight promises to be interesting and surprising, with a performance of a new lullaby song written for the drummer’s son to be released in September. Do you want the set to be extra weird? Apparently you have the power to do so because Spack says the band reacts to the crowd. “Things get a little louder or faster or weirder when [the audience] gets into it,” he says.
Young the Giant. U.S. Cellular Connection Stage. 10 p.m.
After the local set, head over to U.S. Cellular Connection Stage to catch Young the Giant, a band living off its 2010 self-titled debut. The band played the Rave earlier this year and is “stoked” to head back to Brew City, says bassist Payam Doostzadeh.
The band set off on its first headlining tour this year, and Doostzadeh says the constant playing has made the band stronger. So much so that he says the band sounds better live than recorded. “I think our live set is better than the recorded version,” he says. “I think there’s more energy; it’s just more fun. When you listen to it on the radio it sounds thin, when you come to a live show it sounds bigger.”
The band will head off for another tour shortly and is currently writing their second album, which Doostzadeh says will be released next spring.
But there’s more
Not into Young the Giant. Check out any of these other great 10 p.m. options
Death Cab for Cutie. Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
They don’t need much explanation, but these guys are sure to pull at your alt pop-loving heart strings.
Motion City Soundtrack. Summerfest Rock Stage
In the mood for a flashback to the emo/punk heyday of the mid 2000s?
The Avett Brothers. BMO Harris Pavilion. 9:45 p.m.
An eclectic mix of bluegrass/folk/punk, the brothers are known for their great live shows.
