Cults

Cults is the kind of band that can immediately entrance you with a lush atmospheric sound drenched in reverb, and then hit you in the face with hard rock guitar riffs and fast paced, rhythmic drumming.
Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion are the two masterminds behind the band’s sound and each member gives the band its unique edge. Brian usually acts as the musical genius of the band creating the dwelling, sonic soundscapes of the music and playing large, orchestral sounds as well as fast, poppy rhythms on the guitar. He often has a subdued presence on stage letting his long hair swoop over his face, which hides his face from the audience. Madeline is the one that wins the hearts of the audience with her rich, delicate voice and delightful stage presence. She is always at the forefront of the stage soulfully singing into the microphone in a way that captivates the audience like a siren captures the souls of sailors.
Cults brings a fairly large backing band with them whenever they go on tour, which is able to help them create a more full and atmospheric sound. They often incorporate keyboards and synths into their sound, which allows them to build captivating, psychedelic sounds that act as a base layer to the general sound of the songs. Heavy reverb is also often added to the drums to form a glazed over sound to the performance. With Cults being a fairly new band, you are mostly likely going to hear the majority of their songs as they only have two albums out right now.
Cults have been making a good reputation for themselves, already having one of their albums receive “best new music” by Pitchfork, and seeing their performance live is sure to convey why Cults is already making a big name for themselves in the realm of indie music.

Formed in New York City in 2010 by guitarist Brian Oblivion and singer Madeline Follin, Cults know how to write a massive pop song. They burst onto the scene with the twinkling 1960s vibes of ‘Go Outside’, complete with gigantic sing-along chorus and the duo hasn’t looked back since. A combination of great riffs, girl-group inspired harmonies and samples culled from various point in history, Cults’ self titled debut album was a heck of a lot of fun and follow-up record Static proved to be a more muscular synth-heavy version of their musical formula. The mix of talent is wonderful: multi-instrumentalist Oblivion knows his way around a studio, and Follin’s sweet as anything voice always charms. When it comes to performing live, it’s hard to decide where to look. Oblivion looks like a member of the Muppets’ house band, hidden behind a curtain of hair and bouncing along to the rhythms, while Follin is a captivating sight, her pure vocals demanding attention. Of course, they’ll play ‘Go Outside’ and the xylophone will sound wonderful, while the sweet garage rock of ‘Abducted’ picks up the pace a touch and ‘Oh My God’ is almost like a trip-hop track due to the booming beat.
Cults play pop music with a big heart and big choruses, and that’s a winning combination in anyone’s book.

The Cults came out on stage to open for Vampire Weekend and recieved a small applause at the end however they had made fans of everybody and everybody went crazy at the end of their show. Their performance was incredible she was hitting those high notes perfectly and the band played perfectly together. I strongly suggest that you go see them if they are coming to a town near you.

Intimate and Energetic throughout. Only downsides were a small technical issue during "I Took a Picture", which I had been looking forward to hearing live the most and that the setlist was a little short. That, or it just felt short because time flew by due to how much fun everyone was having. Come back soon. Copenhagen definitely loves you!

Amazing show! Saw them in Boston and a crowd suggestion spurred them to add an older song they hadn't played in a while. The energy and excitement was high throughout, but that really turned it up a notch and made it a memorable show. Seriously considered driving 4 hours to see them again the next night :)

A singer miming not at all convincingly, with a mess of a melodic mix in the sound booth keeping vocals less than crisp (presumably to hide the miming?) made this a poor show and the first gig I've ever left early. Will not be planning to ever see them again.

Great band to see tons of song variety and great entertaining performers and musicians. I would recommend anyone to go see them live! I hope to see them again next time they are in NY.