Chicago's Pixel Grip draws inspiration from the dark venues they frequently rule in their album, Arena. The group's second album, a collection of 10 tracks that explore avant pop, EBM, and minimal wave, was released in 2021. Their performances in support of their 2019 debut Heavy Handed provided the inspiration for the album's pounding dance rhythms. During the pandemic that prevented safe socializing, Lukea and bandmates Jonathan Freund and Tyler Ommen used crowded clubs as inspiration for honing ARENA. The group saw nightlife as a break from the combative circumstances of daily life, or the arena, as it was originally named. Additionally, the relentless beats, Lukea's vocals, and the purrings of guest vocalists are all indicative of the over-stimulated confidence with which Pixel Grip's songs confront issues like wealth inequality, mental illness, and gun violence.
Music, Pop
Digital, Digital Influencers, Music, Pop
Music, Rock
Music, Pop