In the age of repetitive lyrics that just scrape the edge of shallow subjects, Car Seat Headrest presents a refreshingly truthful approach to music. The off-kilter concepts presented by this band are reinforced by its small beginning: Will Toledo recording songs in his family car. While sounding Strokes-esque at some points, Car Seat Headrest gives a unique perspective to the dark underbelly of depression, drugs, love, and death. While presenting these hard-to-tackle ideas, there is still a sense of unity to the music, one that makes you want to sing along the entire time.

The build-ups are dynamic without going too far, the songwriting breaches through the drone of most modern rock bands, and the musicality is completely intoxicating. Car Seat Headrest fosters a new vision for alternative rock, especially in their live shows. They’ve got heart, but not without a little edge.

Following a long stretch of dates, including a stop at Pitchfork Festival, Car Seat Headrest will be making their way back to Chicago on September 23rd. The venue, Thalia Hall, was designed to be an opera house initially, but a wide range of acts now grace the stages. This is a band and a venue you don’t want to miss. Tickets are only $20-26 and the show is all ages. Tickets go on sale on 7/22 at 10:00 AM CDT. Be sure to check out Car Seat Headrest’s first studio album, Teens of Denial, on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify.

Car Seat Headrest @ Thalia Hall

Friday, September 23

Show @ 8:00 PM

Tickets