I can’t get enough of Car Seat Headrest. Specifically, his 2016 release Teens of Denial. I’ve been calling this “emo for people that don’t like emo.” It’s frank and earnest without being cliche. When it’s sad, it’s not for sadness’ sake, it’s about how sadness can transform. At times it makes me think of Japandroid’s Celebration Rock. Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales is a standout and an easy intro to Car Seat Headrest. You will sing along.  My favorite is prob the 12-minute-ish The Ballad of the Consta Concordia where he deals with his mistakes and builds to a chorus of “I give up!”

Here’s some samples:

The wonderful Future Islands have appeared at Hopscotch a few times. Their shows are the stuff of legend. Samuel T. Herring is their amazing gruff-voiced front-man. If you’re not familiar, check them out on Letterman:

Future Islands formed at ECU and have played a lot of local shows, including an all-day party last year when they celebrated their 1,000th show.

Sam also fronts The Snails. A punk/ska/art rock kind of thing. The Snails will be making their Hopscotch debut this year. It looks like they put on a crazy live show:

Sam also raps under the name Hemlock Ernst. He’s collaborated with several hip hop acts, including *another* Hopscotch 2016 act, Milo (check out Souvenir by Milo, feat. Hemlock Ernst). So look for Sam this year – he may make some extra appearances.

The Snails’ Latest, Songs from the Shoebox: