When we last saw the Rapture, it was at Nocturnal, of all places, alongside the Miami Heat's DJ Irie and electro icon Felix Da Housecat.
Odd lineup? Definitely. It was one of those liquor-sponsored events that took over the 11th Street nightclub on a weekday for the sole purpose of creating "brand awareness." Free booze-powered parties aren't quite so common these days. (We saw the Bravery at Pawn Shop Lounge thanks to Jack Daniels, Mickey Avalon at the Sagamore courtesy of Heineken, and Steve Aoki at Ice Palace during Stoli Hotel.)
Nevertheless, Grand Central's string of amazing bookings continues with the New York City band's first live performance since that faithful January 2007 appearance at Nocturnal.
What have the guys been up to since 2006's breakthrough, Pieces of the People We Love? Well, following the departure of bassist Mattie Safer, the Rapture's gone from a quartet to a trio. And a new album, In the Grace of Your Love, will finally see the light of day on September 6.
We can't help but question the band's decision to wait so long to release a follow-up. Tracks like "Whoo! Alright, Yeah... Uh Huh" and "Get Myself Into It" made it seem like the boys were poised to cross over into the mainstream. But a five-year absence tends to deaden momentum in the pop music world.
Perhaps, though, it's for the best. The Rapture has found a new home at DFA, and In the Grace of Your Love was produced by Philippe Zdar of Cassius, who's worked with acts like Chromeo, Phoenix, and the Beastie Boys.
Plus, the upcoming album's first single, "How Deep Is Your Love?," is so awesome that's already being played pretty frequently at Miami's hipster hangouts. It's dance-rock at its purest and the hook's simplicity really proves that the Rapture hasn't lost its touch.
Presale tickets cost $20 via fla.vor.us, beginning at 10 a.m. this Friday. Or you can wait until the day of the show and pay $25 at the door. And, unusual for the venue, the show is all ages.
Download the Rapture's "How Deep Is Your Love?" for free, courtesy of DFA Records.
The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love by DFA Records
The Rapture's U.S. Tour Dates
8/20 - New York, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
9/22 - Boston, MA - Royale
9/23 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
9/24 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
9/25 - Washington, DC - U Street Music Hall
9/27 - Columbus, OH - TBD
9/28 - Chicago, IL - Metro
9/29 - Minneapolis, MN - The Varsity
10/1 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
10/3 - Scottsdale, AZ - Martini Ranch
10/4 - San Diego, CA - Belly Up
10/6 - Los Angeles, CA - The Music Box
10/7 - Pomona, CA - Glasshouse
10/8 - San Francisco, CA - The Sound Factory
10/10 - El Paso, TX - Club 101
10/11 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
10/12 - Austin, TX - La Zona Rosa
10/13 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
10/17 - Miami, FL - Grand Central
10/18 - Orlando, FL - The Beacham Theatre
10/19 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
10/21 - Philadelphia, PA - Making Time @ Voyeur
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