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Bands Under U2's Influence
By Brian McCollum
During U2's 25 years on the global music scene, from the 1980 release of "Boy" to the ongoing Vertigo tour, the Irish foursome has carved out a place as one of history's most influential rock bands. Although the group's specialized sound has proved difficult for others to fully duplicate, U2's defining traits continue to inspire legions of artists. Here are five places where the U2 influence reverberates in 2005.
Arcade Fire: The edgy, soaring music of this Montreal collective has made it the reigning favorite among rock's tastemakers _ including U2 itself, which has enlisted the band to open a string of upcoming Canadian dates.
The Walkmen: This indie quintet is made up of New York rock veterans who summon the wide, anthemic vibe of mid-era U2.
Contemporary Christian music: Christian rockers have long gravitated to U2, in part because of Bono's frequent public professions of faith. With Christan pop now one of the decade's fastest-growing genres, popular acts such as Delirious and Third Day vocally tout their stylistic similarities to the Irish superstars.
Coldplay: Like the alt-rock band Live before them, Chris Martin and crew had already earned ample U2 comparisons thanks to their yearning, optimistic songs. But this year's "X&Y" album opened the floodgates. Martin has since acknowledged the dominant influence of U2 on the new work.
Idlewild: Like so many of its UK peers to emerge from the `90s _ bands like Travis, Suede and Manic Street Preachers _ Idlewild's debt to U2 is apparent less in the sonic details than in the liberated emotional approach to its arty rock. The band's new "Warnings/Promises" is one of 2005's best rock albums.
-- KRT News Service
By Brian McCollum
During U2's 25 years on the global music scene, from the 1980 release of "Boy" to the ongoing Vertigo tour, the Irish foursome has carved out a place as one of history's most influential rock bands. Although the group's specialized sound has proved difficult for others to fully duplicate, U2's defining traits continue to inspire legions of artists. Here are five places where the U2 influence reverberates in 2005.
Arcade Fire: The edgy, soaring music of this Montreal collective has made it the reigning favorite among rock's tastemakers _ including U2 itself, which has enlisted the band to open a string of upcoming Canadian dates.
The Walkmen: This indie quintet is made up of New York rock veterans who summon the wide, anthemic vibe of mid-era U2.
Contemporary Christian music: Christian rockers have long gravitated to U2, in part because of Bono's frequent public professions of faith. With Christan pop now one of the decade's fastest-growing genres, popular acts such as Delirious and Third Day vocally tout their stylistic similarities to the Irish superstars.
Coldplay: Like the alt-rock band Live before them, Chris Martin and crew had already earned ample U2 comparisons thanks to their yearning, optimistic songs. But this year's "X&Y" album opened the floodgates. Martin has since acknowledged the dominant influence of U2 on the new work.
Idlewild: Like so many of its UK peers to emerge from the `90s _ bands like Travis, Suede and Manic Street Preachers _ Idlewild's debt to U2 is apparent less in the sonic details than in the liberated emotional approach to its arty rock. The band's new "Warnings/Promises" is one of 2005's best rock albums.
-- KRT News Service
