Who: The long-running project of vocalist/guitarist Chris Crisci, who has shuffled lineups frequently since starting the band in LA circa 1996 with sights on joining the then-bustling underground emo scene. Crisci quickly relocated to Lawrence, Kansas, hometown of a couple of original members, and began taking The Appleseed Cast into new sonic territories. Crisci’s drive and experimentation has allowed the band to outlast—and arguably outpace—its initial idols such as Sunny Day Real Estate and Texas Is the Reason.
Sound: The perfect midway point between emo and post-rock. Think Death Cab for Cutie loaded up with more atmosphere, or even Explosions in the Sky with the addition of confessional and introspective lyricism. The Apple- seed Cast predates both of those bands, along with many acts to which its now compared. Its influence outweighs its popularity.
Spin: The Fleeting Light of Impermanence, released last month after a career-long six-year break between albums, features Crisci’s best material in at least 16 years—if not ever. It’s a most seamless blend of The Appleseed Cast’s many styles that preserves its reputation for doing something new on each release. On Fleeting Light, that’s a greater reliance on synths. For those more interested in the band’s emo side, try 2003’s Two Conversations or 1998 debut The End of the Ring Wars. For post-rock, Low Level Owl: Volume 1 and Volume 2 from 2001 have stood as modern bedrocks of the genre.
Previously: With Crisci employed full time as an audio/visual engineer at a venue just outside of Kansas City, Missouri, The Appleseed Cast don’t tour as much as they once did. Still, Las Vegas remains a frequent stop when the band does hit the road. Most recently, The Appleseed Cast played Bunkhouse on Halloween 2016—a performance that drew rave reviews. And the band wasn’t nearly on its current creative high, with a solidified new lineup having released a memorable record. Now is the time to catch The Appleseed Cast.
The Appleseed Cast with Young Jesus. July 16, 9 p.m., $13-$15. Bunkhouse Saloon, 702-982-1764.
