Introduction to The Arcs
The Arcs is the psychedelic garage rock side project of singer-songwriter and guitarist Dan Auerbach, best known as the frontman of The Black Keys. Formed in 2015, The Arcs serves as an outlet for Auerbach to explore new sonic territory apart from The Black Keys’ blues-infused rock.
With The Arcs, Auerbach and his fellow bandmates craft a retro-tinged sound heavily influenced by 60s and 70s psychedelia, garage rock, soul, and R&B. Their music is distinguished by fuzzed-out guitars, swirling organ riffs, swaggering rhythms, and Auerbach’s soulful vocals.
Core members of The Arcs include Auerbach on vocals and guitar along with Leon Michels on keyboards, Richard Swift on drums, and Nick Movshon on bass. The band also frequently collaborates with acclaimed artists like Dr. John, Mark Ronson, and Tchad Blake to create their lush, psychedelic productions.
After years focused on The Black Keys, The Arcs gave Auerbach a chance to dive into new creative realms and revitalize his songwriting approach – ultimately yielding the band’s signature neo-psychedelic sound.
The Arcs Discography
The Arcs first burst onto the music scene in 2015 with the release of their wildly acclaimed debut album, Yours, Dreamily. The album showcased the band’s signature blend of garage rock, psychedelic rock, soul, and R&B, anchored by frontman Dan Auerbach’s gritty vocals and bluesy guitar licks.
Yours, Dreamily was recorded in just 20 days, but its raw, loose sound earned widespread critical praise. Highlights included the swaggering lead single "Stay in My Corner," the soulful "Outta My Mind," and the trippy, almost 8-minute psych rocker "Pistol Made of Bones." The album reached #6 on the Billboard Alternative Albums chart and #7 on the Rock Albums chart, proving the strong appeal of The Arcs’ retro-inspired yet fresh sound.
Since then, The Arcs have remained active, releasing a series of EPs and singles over the years. This includes a collaboration with singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins on the song "Music Man" in 2016. They also issued the 4-song EP Interludes for the Dead in 2021.
Now in 2023, The Arcs have announced their long-awaited sophomore album, Electrophonic Chronic. The album promises to showcase the band’s distinctive psychedelic garage rock sound, with likely nods to retro soul and fuzzed-out blues. Fans eagerly await hearing the new full-length record from Dan Auerbach and company.
The Arcs’ Distinct Musical Style
The Arcs have cultivated a unique neo-psychedelic sound that fuses together elements of garage rock, psychedelia, soul, and R&B. Their music is defined by fuzzy, distorted guitars, driving rhythms, vintage organ tones, and retro-inspired songwriting.
Dan Auerbach’s background with The Black Keys is certainly evident in The Arcs’ music, with the heavy blues-rock influence and emphasis on guitar riffs. However, The Arcs take a more experimental approach, incorporating psychedelic effects, layered vocals, and unpredictable song structures. While The Black Keys are anchored in blues traditions, The Arcs draw more heavily from 60s psych rock and funk. The organ parts, falsetto vocals, and tendency towards jam-style improvisation give The Arcs a more trippy, retro vibe.
Some of the key influences behind The Arcs’ sound include garage rock bands like The Sonics and The Seeds, as well as 60s psych groups like The 13th Floor Elevators. The fuzzed-out, reverb-drenched guitar tone of bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain can also be heard. Soul and R&B artists like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes and Marvin Gaye have also impacted their groove-oriented songwriting. By blending all of these inspirations together, The Arcs have succeeded in crafting their own unique brand of neo-psychedelic rock.
Inside the New Album Electrophonic Chronic
The Arcs’ highly anticipated 2023 comeback album ‘Electrophonic Chronic’ showcases the band’s neo-psychedelic garage rock sound at its finest. After nearly 8 years since their debut, The Arcs are returning with a vengeance on this ambitious 12-track record.
According to frontman Dan Auerbach, the overall concept for ‘Electrophonic Chronic’ revolves around creating a "sonic trip" and immersing listeners in the band’s retro yet futuristic musical world. There’s a strong cohesive thread between the songs that elevates this above just a collection of tracks.
The recording process was an experimental journey, with the band jamming for hours in the studio to nail down psychedelic guitar riffs and fuzzed-out vocal hooks. Unlike the more polished production of their debut, the songs on ‘Electrophonic Chronic’ have a raw, live energy that harkens back to 60s psych records.
Several tracks stand out as highlights on the album. The lead single "Cosmic Vibrations" is a blissed-out psych rocker overflowing with vintage organ swells and acid-tinged melodies. Meanwhile, "Neon Wasteland" shows The Arcs at their bluesy best with slick guitar licks and Auerbach’s soulful vocals. The epic 7-minute closer "Dimension Hopper" truly takes listeners on an interstellar trip, with phase-shifted instrumentation and spacey sound effects.
Overall, ‘Electrophonic Chronic’ finds The Arcs evolving their sound into bold new territory while staying true to their psychedelic roots. Fans can expect a transportive listening experience filled with colorful sonic textures. The Arcs have crafted an exciting next chapter for their retro-inspired musical story.
The Arcs’ Live Performances
The Arcs are known for their energetic and mesmerizing live shows, captivating audiences with their neo-psychedelic rock sound. They first toured extensively in 2015-2016 in support of their debut album, playing major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo. Their explosive performances left crowds enthralled.
On stage, The Arcs exhibit a raw, vintage rock energy. Frontman Dan Auerbach’s bluesy vocals and fierce guitar solos pair with the band’s tight instrumentation to create an immersive retro sound. Their setlists blend songs from their album with improvised jams and extended psychedelic interludes. The band feeds off the crowd’s energy, often stretching out songs and going off-script.
Fans can expect that same intoxicating live experience when The Arcs embark on their 2023-2024 tour in support of Electrophonic Chronic. They’ve already announced dates at festivals like Shaky Knees and Governors Ball, with more dates coming soon. The tour kicks off in March 2023 and will hit major venues across North America and Europe through late 2024. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10AM local time. Given The Arcs’ reputation for incredible concerts, these shows are sure to sell out fast. Don’t miss your chance to catch their one-of-a-kind live sound on the Electrophonic Chronic tour!
The Arcs Online Presence
The Arcs have cultivated a strong online presence and engaged fanbase through their website and social media profiles. Their official website features photos, videos, merch, and tour date announcements, giving fans an inside look into the band.
On Instagram, The Arcs share stylistic vintage-looking visuals and behind-the-scenes photos that match their retro rock sound. They frequently post Stories to give followers a glimpse at life on the road. The band engages fans by reposting user-generated content.
The Arcs’ music videos showcase their psychedelic garage rock aesthetic with trippy, distorted visual effects. The video for "Stay in My Corner" features saturated colors and kaleidoscopic mirrors. In "Velvet Ditch," the band rocks out in a dimly lit bar. The Arcs use videos to complement their transportive musical style.
Fan engagement is important to The Arcs. They respond to comments on social media and interact with fans at concerts. The Arcs’ online presence allows them to directly communicate with supporters and cultivate a tight-knit community.
The Future of The Arcs
The Arcs have firmly established themselves as a dynamic force in the neo-psychedelic rock scene. With acclaimed albums like Yours, Dreamily already under their belt, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the band.
There is speculation that The Arcs have more new music in the works that will showcase their signature blend of garage rock, psychedelia, soul, and R&B. Given frontman Dan Auerbach’s prolific nature, it seems likely that another album could arrive sooner than later. Some industry insiders predict potential collaborations with other leading artists that could bring fresh creative energy.
Beyond The Arcs, Dan Auerbach has his hands full with several other simultaneous ventures. As fans know, he remains focused on The Black Keys alongside Patrick Carney. Auerbach is also gaining acclaim for his work as a producer on albums for artists like Dr. John, Bombino, and Robert Finley.
With their growing acclaim and fanbase, The Arcs have carved out an important place in today’s rock landscape. Their unique sound pays homage to classic rock while feeling fresh and modern. As they continue to hone their craft and evolve, The Arcs have the potential for even greater artistic achievements ahead. Their devoted followers eagerly await the next chapter.
Key Members of The Arcs
Dan Auerbach is the founder and frontman of The Arcs. As the guitarist and vocalist of The Black Keys, Auerbach is already an acclaimed force in blues rock. With The Arcs, he expands into a more psychedelic sound while still showcasing his signature guitar skills.
Leon Michels plays keyboards, percussion, and saxophone for The Arcs. He has a long history in soul and R&B, performing with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Lee Fields, and more. Michels brings a funky retro flair to the band’s style.
Richard Swift was The Arcs’ drummer, contributing excellent percussion and backing vocals. Sadly, Swift passed away in 2018. His raw yet precise drumming was a core part of The Arcs’ sound.
Nick Movshon plays bass for the band, having also collaborated with acts like Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars. His steady, grooving basslines provide the backbone for The Arcs’ songs.
Homer Steinweiss took over as drummer after Swift’s passing. He’s known for playing with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. His soulful drumming keeps The Arcs’ rhythm section tight.
With these core members, The Arcs has created a signature psychedelic rock style that also draws from vintage R&B, soul, and funk. They collaborate with many gifted singers and musicians to bring the retro yet modern sound of their albums to life.
Top Songs by The Arcs
The Arcs have produced numerous catchy, neo-psychedelic rock tunes that showcase their talent for infectious melodies and gritty, soulful vocals. Here are some of their top tracks over the years:
-
"Stay In My Corner" – The lead single from their debut album, this bluesy garage rocker highlights Dan Auerbach’s signature raspy vocals. With its raw, energetic sound, "Stay In My Corner" exemplifies The Arcs’ retro-inspired style.
-
"Put A Flower In Your Pocket" – Another standout from Yours, Dreamily, this psychedelic soul tune has become a fan favorite. The sweet melody and uplifting lyrics about spreading love make it a quintessential Arcs song.
-
"Velvet Ditch" – Released as a single in 2015, this foot-stomping rocker shows off The Arcs at their most unhinged. The guitar riffs and bluesy harmonica make for a gritty, hard-hitting track.
-
"Keep On Dreamin’" – Hailing from their 2017 EP The Arcane Roots, this catchy track mixes fuzzed out guitars with smooth vocal harmonies reminiscent of 60s pop. It highlights The Arcs’ blend of vintage and modern sounds.
-
"Heaven Is A Place" – The debut single from Electrophonic Chronic, this song combines Dan Auerbach’s soulful vocals with lush strings and keyboards. It demonstrates The Arcs’ sonic growth while retaining their retro vibe.
With their mix of garage rock energy and psychedelic atmosphere, songs like these exemplify why The Arcs have cultivated a dedicated following of neo-psychedelic rock fans. Their ability to write infectious tunes with retro appeal has made them standouts in the genre.
Conclusion
The Arcs are undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented bands in the neo-psychedelic rock scene. Led by The Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach, The Arcs burst onto the scene in 2015 with their infectious debut album Yours, Dreamily. Their unique blend of garage rock, psychedelia, soul, and R&B resulted in a fresh new sound that wowed critics and fans alike.
After a few quiet years, the anticipation is palpable for The Arcs’ long-awaited comeback with their 2023 album Electrophonic Chronic. Everything we’ve heard about the new record so far indicates it will be another eclectic collection of retro-inspired tracks, trippy soundscapes, and fuzzed out jams. The Arcs have always had a knack for writing catchy hooks paired with mind-bending instrumentation.
Of course, The Arcs are also known for their legendary live performances, matching their recorded output with an equally mesmerizing on-stage energy. Between Dan Auerbach’s charismatic showmanship and the band’s undeniable musical chemistry, The Arcs concerts are an immersive experience for any lover of modern psychedelic rock.
As The Arcs prepare to return to stages across the world, one thing is certain – their unique flair and creative spirit is something worth celebrating. For both long-time fans and newcomers alike, the future looks bright for one of rock’s most fascinating projects. The new album ushers in an exciting new era for The Arcs that will undoubtedly yield more of their signature retro-futuristic sounds.