Rock 'n' roll isn’t dead — it’s just hiding. Older, more popular rock 'n' roll artists such as The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys have been dormant for a while, so finding rock and roll takes some searching for those who are passionate about it.
The solution comes from a band based out of Lititz, Pa., called The Districts. The Districts bring dirty, garage rock and roll back into the public eye with force. The band has grown and matured through the years after signing to Fat Possum Records in 2013. Since its signing, the band has released two full-length albums, each one more mature than the last, while remaining in touch with its younger audience, due to the band itself being so young.
Lead singer Rob Grote is not incredible at enunciating his words, but when the listener catches the lyrics, they’re dripping with passion for what he’s singing about. Even his tone is sweet and raw, completely unique but perfect for the music.
Evoking emotion in music is entirely a skill and facet of being able to captivate an audience. The Districts master emotion, forcing the listener to feel the pain and heartache that Grote has felt. Songs such as “Long Distance,” on its first full length release, Telephone, pulls the listener into a strained long distance relationship, with sadness seeping through every note played and every line sung.
Many of my most cherished memories are soundtracked by The Districts. Whether it be a sunny autumn day, to a cold, overcast winter one, The Districts have a song that is perfect for the moment. Evoking euphoria or sadness in such an extreme level takes a songwriter who perfectly understands the art of emotion in music. The Districts’ songwriting talent is a large part of why the band is so emotional. The production value of its albums is not top notch, so the songwriting is a crucial part of how emotional the music is.
Although its music is lacking in production value, the intensity of the performances in the studio makes up for it. The Districts make rock 'n' roll powerful and intense again. The band, which formed while the members were still in high school, understand the need for rock that invokes feeling. The band’s youthfulness puts them in touch with what younger listeners are looking for. “Young Blood,” off of its 2015 release A Flourish and a Spoil, shows just how in tune with younger listeners the band is. The lines “love is patient and wise / it’s not always kind,” from “Young Blood,” exemplify the youthful energy put into The Districts’ music. Many bands do not have the ability to tune into what its audience likes as far as lyrics go, but The Districts find intensity appealing, and it sparks and emotional response from the listener.
Between songwriting ability and emotional performances and lyrics, The Districts are able to master what so many other bands, who are less in tune with younger audiences, fail to do. Lead singer Rob Grote, coupled with intense instrumentals, invoke passion to create the best rock 'n' roll in music right now.
Shelby Campbell is a freshman studying journalism and political science at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you listen to The Districts? Let Shelby know by tweeting her @bloodbuzzohioan.
