Bleachers is an American indie pop-rock band based in New York City that was formed by Jack Antonoff, lead guitarist of Fun. Antonoff kept the existence of his side project a secret for a year, during which he recorded his first album, due in the spring. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Antonoff explains that his vision for Bleachers is to “bridge the gap between Disclosure and Arcade Fire – something both streamlined and organic. The production and songwriting is extremely over-the-top, extremely epic and unapologetic. The record is all about finding a world where you can be kind to yourself in.”
Bleachers released their first single, “I Wanna Get Better”, on February 18, 2014, and it has already taken the music world by storm. Antonoff’s orotund vocals, combined with heavy percussion, give way to an edgier, coarser sound than what has been seen in Fun. Antonoff sees “I Wanna Get Better” as the story of his existence thus far. Although the song is a personal expression of struggle and desperation, there is a sense of joyous hope in the sound. With an upbeat, optimistic chorus, this song is the perfect anthem for 2014.
Bleachers has announced a few tour dates across the U.S. and Europe beginning in mid-April. You can catch a live performance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on March 26th.
– Mary Margaret Boswell
