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Thu Feb 28
7:30 pm
Owl City and Echosmith at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom
Adam Young just wasn’t made for these times. Although the danceable synth-pop he crafts under the name Owl City is sleek and modern—and not far from the EDM-leaning sound of today’s Top 40 radio—his thematic focus is a throwback to simpler, more innocent musical eras. Surrealistic imagery rooted in heart-on-sleeve romanticism dominates Owl City’s lyrics, while the peppy “Good Time,” his recent smash collaboration with pop-girl-next-door Carly Rae Jepsen, conjures chaste puppy love and G-rated summer lovin’. Young’s unabashed sincerity still permeates the fourth Owl City album, The Midsummer Station, although this time around it’s paired with a more expansive, diverse sound. The latter development is due in part to his collaborations with proven industry vets; Relient K’s Matt Thiessen (Kelly Clarkson, Jack’s Mannequin) co-wrote “Good Time,” and the production team Stargate (Katy Perry, Rihanna) adds sparkle and uplifting arrangements around the Postal Service-y beats of “Shooting Star.”
The Rave/Eagles Ballroom 2401 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Adam Young just wasn’t made for these times. Although the danceable synth-pop he crafts under the name Owl City is sleek and modern—and not far from the EDM-leaning sound of today’s Top 40 radio—his thematic focus is a throwback to simpler, more innocent musical eras. Surrealistic imagery rooted in heart-on-sleeve romanticism dominates Owl City’s lyrics, while the peppy “Good Time,” his recent smash collaboration with pop-girl-next-door Carly Rae Jepsen, conjures chaste puppy love and G-rated summer lovin’. Young’s unabashed sincerity still permeates the fourth Owl City album, The Midsummer Station, although this time around it’s paired with a more expansive, diverse sound. The latter development is due in part to his collaborations with proven industry vets; Relient K’s Matt Thiessen (Kelly Clarkson, Jack’s Mannequin) co-wrote “Good Time,” and the production team Stargate (Katy Perry, Rihanna) adds sparkle and uplifting arrangements around the Postal Service-y beats of “Shooting Star.”
Updated 02/18/2013
