The Lumineers Bring “Automatic” to Xcel Energy Center 7/25

Coming to the Xcel Energy Center on July 25th, American alternative-folk band The Lumineers. Based in Denver, CO - the founding members of the band (Wesley Schultz and Jeremiad Fraites) began writing music together in 2005 following the loss of Fraites's brother. A place to find solace in the feelings associated with grief and loss, the two started writing music and performing together. As the band continued to grow together with new members and face life and all its triumphs and tribulations, they emerged as on the of the most popular folk-rock bands in 2010 during the revival time of the indie rock and folk rock genre, and have continued to climb charts and build a community for others seeking feelings of emotional freedom or adventure. Through their writing process, Schultz and Fraites described their collaborative writing style as a way of producing music that includes the same elements, but is never the same as the last. They describe their band as one of simplicity, with no real goal in re-inventing the wheel or the sound of folk rock, but instead utilizing the foundation already built and running with it. The Lumineers have noted the band's appeal with their lack of 'digital-ness' or autotune. Fans have found community in their music because of its naturalness and the idea that Lumineers music is for everyone.

Since the release of their debut self-titled album in 2012 - The Lumineers have released 4 additional albums, and one live album recorded from Wrigley Field between the years 2012-2025. Their newest album, Automatic, was released just this year on February 14th, 2025. The perfect Valentine’s Day gift for those looking for new songs to fall in love with. Their first three albums significantly highlighted their success as a band, with their self-titled album, The Lumineers (2012) peaking at No. 2 on the U.S Billboard 200, Cleopatra (2016) hitting No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and their third album, III (2019) hitting once again No. 2 on the Billboard 200. While their second album, Cleopatra, will forever rank in my top five favorite albums, I was excited to see the 'pre-save' option for Automatic as I was scrolling on Spotify before its release. The release of this album just further supports The Lumineers belief in the foundation of 'front porch folk' and the beauty in simplicity. Automatic is a combination of all the same music elements, yet each song differs from the last. Portraying themes of life struggle, big and raw emotions, and the breaking points of interpersonal relationships. While these themes are very much a sign of the times - it does what music does best and that's connect people and allows them to find that solace and escape. 

Tickets for the Lumineers show can be purchased here. Even if you're not a fan of the newest album, I believe you owe it to your 2016 self to come and hear The Lumineers classics.