The Districts take the stage
With a unique style often described as “folky garage rock,” The Districts more than make up for the recent drought of true rock bands. Despite their humble beginnings in rural Pennsylvania, the band captures an original spirit and energy that has broad appeal and belies any previous misconceptions about their talent. Their music brimming with passion and soul, The Districts stand out as a band you have to hear.
Hailing from Lititz, Pennsylvania, a small town known for chocolate and snack food, lead singer Robbie Grote paints a picture of depression as well as resistance in a small town. Their song Suburban Smell includes the lyrics: “There’s 16 homes on every street/ They all of course lie in the neatest rows/ Cradling broken homes and dinner prayers/ Rocking us all to sleep in bones,” which creates a haunting image of a bleak, colorless town, and uses their personal stories of classic small town frustration to their advantage. Lyrics like these paired with killer melodies propel The Districts forward to a larger, appreciative audience.
While listening to these lyrics and melodies is fantastic, their live performances are what make them really amazing. From the moment The Districts walked on stage to a sold-out show at Union Transfer last month, the crowd was hooked. When they started the set with their song “Rocking Chair,” it was clear that it would be a night to remember. Lead singer Grote took the audience on a roller-coaster journey through upbeat dance songs to melancholy ballads and everywhere in between without missing a beat. He slashed around on stage flopping his curly hair through hits like “Peaches” and “Lyla,” showing his youthfulness and tender side while singing “Chlorine” and “Suburban Smell.” The main set managed to find the perfect balance between edgy fun and chaos. The band really let their hair down, however, during the encore. Starting with a stunning solo performance, Grote then transitioned to “Young Blood” and surprised the audience with a crowd “jump.” Yes, jump, not surf. Plunging straight into the pit, guitar and all, the singer was attacked from all directions by a flurry of fans. Basking in the glory, the song continued while he climbed (with assistance) back on stage. Despite endless hoots, hilarious commentary, and the awesome crowd plunge, the four 19-year-olds never hit a wrong note. They are that good.
These are the qualities that set The Districts apart. Their passion, vigor, and youth breathe fresh energy into the old idea of Garage Rock, a genre created by bands like The Strokes and The Walkmen. While they won’t be returning to Philadelphia for some time due to a world tour, The Districts are sure to return with a new bag of tricks. Their new album, A Flourish and A Spoil, is a must-listen, filled with instant hits like “Peaches” and “Fourth and Roebling,” both of which were performed perfectly when they appeared recently on “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” It is clear from just one listen that, with this kind of talent, The Districts have a bright future.