On June 11, Strange Matter will be visited by Iceage and Lower. Both of these punk bands hail from Denmark, and are touring much of the United States together.
On June 11, Strange Matter will be visited by Iceage and Lower. Both of these punk bands hail from Denmark, and are touring much of the United States together. This is Iceage’s third visit to Richmond in three years, so they must like it here–and the city seems to like them too, as they’ve drawn big crowds on previous visits. The Danish groups will be accompanied by local hardcore bands Springtime and Brief Lives.
Iceage released their second album, You’re Nothing, via Matador Records in January 2013. This new record shows Iceage as more mature, fast paced, noisy, and punky than in their previous album New Brigade. When the Danish quartet started in 2008, the average age of the members was a mere 17 years. Being an underground band has allowed their fast-growing cult following to watch them grow as a band in both sound and lyrics. New Brigade, which was released in 2011, had a fiercely restless and destructive sound, and You’re Nothing retains the previous album’s unbridled energy, but adds a new level of sophistication, power, and emotion that hadn’t previously appeared in their work. Their newest album shows the advancements that they’ve made, while remaining loyal to the fans they acquired with their early sound. To get a taste of their new album, click HERE and listen to “Morals,” the first single from You’re Nothing.
Lower has a postpunk instrumental sound that gives them a more mellow feel than that of Iceage. However, that sound is coupled with energetic vocals, reminding you that you are in fact listening to a punk band. Lower released two EPs last year, Walking On Heads and the “Someone’s Got It In For Me” single, both of which can be streamed on their bandcamp page. They are expected to release a full album later this year.
Do not miss the complimentary sounds of Iceage and Lower on Tuesday, June 11 at Strange Matter, located at 929 W. Grace St. The show will begin at 9 pm. Iceage has packed the venue on their previous visits, so it’s probably a good idea to preorder your tickets. Advance tickets are $10 and can be ordered from iceagelower.eventbrite.com, so you can be sure you don’t miss out.
