Titus Andronicus

Angst-punk band Titus Andronicus is blowing up everywhere, thanks to critical acclaims for their Civil War-concept album, The Monitor. The band, hailing from Glen Rock, N.J., formed in 2005, and they derive their name from a minor Shakespearean tragedy. They released their first album, The Airing of Grievances, in 2008. It is rife with pop culture references, most obviously the album's title, which refers to the fictional holiday "Festivus" from Seinfeld. Just like many bands from the Garden State, Titus Andronicus' lyrics detail a few choice words about their hometown — mostly about getting out of there, which they did.

Although Glen Rock is only a short distance away from The Big Apple, Titus Andronicus created their own New Jersey indie scene in their early years with various basement shows. Frontman Patrick Stickles hosted the "Patstock" shows in his own house, with notable performances from the Vivian Girls and Real Estate, who went to high school in neighboring towns.

But Stickles won't ever forget where he comes from, which is abundantly clear right off the bat with the first track "A More Perfect Union." It starts out by referencing the Garden State Parkway and goes on to mention the Newark Bears and a "new New Jersey." Stickles' voice is particularly vulnerable and scarily reminiscent of Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst.

Titus Andronicus' music is raw and punkish, undoubtedly influenced by peers like No Age and Yo La Tengo. Titus Andronicus could honestly make any Jersey kid fist-pump and dance, as sentiments like these are heard throughout The Monitor. Most of the band's songs are packed with high energy and have fast tempos, but they do have a few slower and softer songs.

Titus Andronicus' future looks bright with their rising fame taking them out of New Jersey and around the country. The band currently resides in Brooklyn, an environment that allows them to creatively thrive outside of suburban New Jersey's confines.

Must Downloads: "A More Perfect Union," "Titus Andronicus Forever," "Theme From ‘Cheers,'" "No Future Part Three: Escape from No Future"