Not Your Typical British "Boy Band"

...That's for sure. While they are no One Direction (praise mary!), Various Cruelties, stand on their own platform well beyond the realm of mediocre sing alongs. Hailing all the way from London, these lads have created a sound that is all their own, which they describe as a "mod, goth, pop incarnation," with a little Motown flare, or what I refer to as damn good music . Like a good majority of their American fans, there single "If It Wasn't For You" first struck a note with me during a commercial break for Zales. As I ran to the kitchen to get more Flaming Hot Cheetos, I was struck by a few perfect verses coming from my television speakers. Of course, I did what any normal, Generation Y, music junkie would do— I Shazam'd. Obviously. And that is where our story begins... 

After this mind-altering epiphany, I went straight to iTunes to download their self-titled album (as I suggest you do, right now!) and I'll tell you it's not everyday I find myself loving track after track on a single album, but Various Cruelties is the exception. No lie when I tell you, I spent my entire winter break with these guys on repeat. It only took me five nights of singing these songs in the shower, that I learned every word. They're contagious in the most magnetic way. A few more of my favorites are "Beautiful Delirium", "Dry Your Tears", "Neon Truth" and their Ian Brown cover of "F.E.A.R." Just give them a listen, and I know you'll be as hooked as I am. 

I got the chance to see them live at Webster Hall in New York just last month with my best friend, and to say they were epic would be an understatement. Every note, every verse, every second was perfect. It was as if the crowd was watching and hearing the music unfold in front of their eyes; it was electric. To share the night with such an intimate, loyal crowd of fans was the best part. Mark my words, these guys will be playing Madison Square Garden one day soon, this is only the beginning. 

Not only are the guys (from left to right Dean, Beanie, Liam, and Adam) so incredible at making music but are just as equally amazing in person! Thank you so much for making New York one of your first US shows! Oh and sorry to Adam, my drunk photographer could barely hold himself up, let alone my phone. 

See you next month in DC at Jammin Java!


Make sure to check out the Various Cruelties' facebook page, follow them on twitter @v_cruelties, and check them out on their US tour this April/May (dates/tickets here). You won't regret it.

I love you, I do.
xxx