Line-up

Headliner
Emarosa Last time in Des Moines: 6 years ago

Venue

xBk live

1159 24th St, 50311, Des Moines, IA, US

www.xbklive.com

Capacity: 250

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Additional details

Doors open: 19:00

Concert in your area for Metal, Rock, and Indie & Alt.

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Emarosa biography

Emarosa (formed in 2006) is an American post-hardcore band that combines the vocal sensibilities of R&B with alternative rock, hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.

In 2006 keyboardist Jordan Stewart, drummer Lukas Koszewski, and guitarist E.R. White had a decision to make: would they attend college or start a new band – they chose the latter. Initially named Corsets Are Cages as a five piece, which included vocalist Chris Roetter, bassist Will Sowers and rhythm guitarist Madison Stolzer, following the departure of Roetter and Stolzer the band changed its name to Emarosa. The group subsequently signed with StandBy Records who issued Emarosa’s debut seven-track EP “This Is Your Way Out” in May 2007.

Former Dance Gavin Dance lead singer Jonny Craig joined Emarosa in November 2007 enabling the band to fulfil its screaming intentions. Showcasing their new singer, Emarosa issued the track “New Demo” (“Set It Off Like Napalm”) in January 2008, ahead of their sophomore record. Released in July 2008, “Relativity” earned a host of rave reviews and peaked at No. 33 on the Top Independent Albums Chart. With Kris Crummett at the production reigns, the album massively increased the band’s international exposure and was supported by extensive touring alongside Before Their Eyes, A Skylit Drive, You Me at Six, and A Day to Remember. From June to August 2009 Emarosa headlined The Artery Foundation Across the Nation Tour, before returning to the studio to work on new material.

Having signed with Rise Records, the group’s self-titled, sophomore album far surpassed the success of its predecessor. Released in June 2010, the record earned critical acclaim, later peaking at No. 69 on the Billboard 200. Proving the last album with vocalist Jonny Craig, former Tides of Man frontman Tilian Pearson filled in for the band's 2011 international supporting tour. In September 2014, following years of being without a permanent vocalist, Emarosa released their third full-length album “Versus”. Featuring new frontman Bradley Walden, once again the record earned popular reviews and charted at No. 61 on the Billboard 200.

Live reviews

Not many bands have the knack to balance R&B/Gospel inspired vocals infused with post-hardcore rhythm and melody successfully. Emarosa, however achieve this effortlessly through the addition of lead vocalist Jonny Craig in 2007. Starting as a five piece metalcore band in 2006 and before settling on the name Emarosa, the band released their debut EP “This Is Your Way Out”. After departing from his previous project (Dance Gavin Dance), Craig became a permanent member and it wasn’t long before his incredible soulful vocals assisted in the directional musical transition retaining the metalcore rhythm and riffs whilst being complimented by his smooth 90’s inspired R&B vocals, gave Emarosa their defined sound. Releasing their debut album “Relativity” in 2008 and their critically acclaimed self-titled album in 2010 whilst embarking on the tour circuit led them to touring with bands such as: A Day To Remember, Pierce The Veil, Chiodos, A Skylit Drive and Breathe Carolina and saw them win over crowds. In 2010 Craig announced his departure from the band and after numerous open auditions was replaced in 2013 with Bradley Walden.
With big boots to fill in regards to vocal style, Walden steps up to the challenge and retains that magical quality which Emarosa possess in a live capacity. Having a similar tone to his predecessor, Walden’s voice melts like butter and oozes an abundance of heart and soul while perfectly intertwining with the post-hardcore sounds. Warmly received by audiences as the new frontman, the same level of excitement still exists as the crowds roar even before the band grace the stage. That intimate connection which the fans feel radiates through the room as they play favourites such as: “A Toast to the Future Kids!”, “Live IT. Love IT. Lust IT.” and “The Past Should Stay Dead”. The energy which the band possess is infectious and permeates through the room and you can’t help but be moved. Who doesn’t want to be feel every word being sung? Emarosa have the ability to capture the hearts and souls of all who witness this musical delight.

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