Tip Sheet: Corona Capital

You know, you can thank Mexico for a lot of things. Chocolate, avocados, pumpkins and let’s not forget, Tequila all originated in the country. We won’t get into the things you can’t them thank for, but have you seen the Corona Capital line-up? Thank you Mexico is an understatement. The annual music festival, which started in 2010, is held in Mexico City at the massive Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. It’s a two-day music extravaganza that should be on any festival-goer's hit list. Why, you ask? The star-studded 2017 lineup includes Foo Fighters and Green Day as the top billed, but right next to them are The XX, PJ Harvey, Phoenix, and Alt-J. I haven’t even touched on the emerging acts that have had solid years either. Let’s get into which bands you should see if you’re in Mexico this weekend.

Daughter

Daughter is an indie neo-folk band from England fronted by Elena Tonra with guitarist Igor Haefeli and drummer Remi Aguilella. Their sophomore album was 2016’s Not To Disappear, however in September, they teamed up with Square Enix, a video game publisher, to provide the original soundtrack for the video game, Life is Strange: Before the Storm. The album, titled Music From Before The Storm, is darkly written with brooding elements that will send chills up your spine. Daughter skillfully unveils a cavernous soundscape that pulls the listener into an eerie atmosphere through sparse lyrics and aesthetic emotions. Looking for something a bit less ominous? Check out their number one played song, “Youth,” from 2013's debut LP, If You Leave. The standout track produces a graceful melody and a surge of passion that’s undeniable, especially coming from the heartbreaking lyric, And if you're in love, then you are the lucky one. Daughter will play Saturday at 4:50pm on the Corona Light stage.

Daughter - "Youth"

Japandroids

2017’s Near to the Wild Heart of Life was hailed as "emo-rock" for adults. The Vancouver post-punk duo’s latest album and follow up to 2012’s Celebration Rock, shifts from noise-rock to a more polished rock resonance. Without losing grasp of their identity in the five-year absence, the band's third LP within eight years is a deep display of rejuvenation that’s one for the ages. From the elated eponymous track (their most played in 2017) to the sprawling “North East South West,” Near to the Wild Heart of Life warrants repeated listens. Last month, the two buds performed their poignant single, “No Known Drink or Drug” on Late Night with Seth Meyers. This is a band whose past work also merits your attention, starting with their debut, 2009’s Post-Nothing, that features their number one played song, “Young Hearts Spark Fire.” Japandroids will play Saturday at 7:10pm on the Corona stage.

Japandroids - "North East South West"

Circa Waves

In October, we had the privilege of chatting with English rock foursome Circa Waves about their sophomore album, Different Creatures, and their enthusiastic live performances on our Tour Update video series. The fervent Different Creatures is a follow-up to 2015’s Young Chasers. Circa Waves exhibited noticeable development in both their sonic palette and lyrical abilities. Not to say it wasn’t palpable before, but the tenacity and vivacity is on clear display, especially on the lead single, “Wake Up.” Ingrained with renewed spirit and spark, Circa Waves found their true calling with Different Creatures. And you should attend to the call when Circa Waves hits the stage on Saturday. Circa Waves will play Saturday at 4:10pm on the Corona stage.

Circa Waves - "Wake Up"

Cold War Kids

Cold War Kids paid tribute to the city of Angels on its eccentric sixth studio album, LA Divine, the follow-up to 2014's Hold My Home. The album, featuring the certified Gold single, “First,” has the band’s universal sonic tone veering into the terrain of loaded hooks and groovy rhythmic sections. Their post-punk tenacity is far from removed, but Cold War Kids had set out to craft an album of unquestionable uniting with LA Divine. The compelling opener, “Love is Mystical,” includes hard-hitting piano keys and a chirpy bassline. With commanding vocals, Nathan Willett convinces you that, Love is mystical, love will break the chains…give you the power to believe again. Let’s not forget the Long Beach locals treasured gems like “Miracle Mile,” the shout-out loud anthem with Willett pleading with you to, Come up for air. How about that decade-old single, “Hang Me Up to Dry”? The soulful and spirited track from 2007’s Robbers & Cowards is their number one most played song. With fiery vocals, sprightly guitars, and unconventional compositions, Cold War Kids set the bar higher than contemporary rock band out there these days. Cold War Kids will play Sunday at 6:30pm on the Corona Light stage.

Cold War Kids - "Love Is Mystical"

The Drums

On the New York City group's fourth album, Abysmal Thoughts, The Drums regenerated their idyllic 80s-motivated indie pop formula, while tossing in some dark wit to the mix. The subsequent record to 2014’s Encyclopedia finds frontman and songwriter Jonny Pierce flying solo with a live touring band backing him up these days. This change of pace, however, has allowed Pierce to take complete control in creating essentially the album he’s always wanted to do since the band's 2010 self-titled debut. Abysmal Thoughts is Pierce revealing himself in the most cathartic way he’s ever done. While surf-rock and indie-pop elements still embody the work, there’s much more of a dark synth-wave vibe found here. The Drums haven’t abandoning their previous work with, “Best Friend,” “Book of Stories,” and “Let’s Go Surfing” rounding up their three most frequently performed tracks of all time and of 2017. The Drums will play Sunday at 5:40pm on the Corona stage.

The Drums - "Blood Under My Belt"

To view the full lineup + schedule for Corona Capital, visit their official site.

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Last updated: 29 Mar 2024, 02:01 Etc/UTC