The Dead Licks/The Things with Feathers/The Vital Organs

Hailing from the University of Dayton, this up-and-coming rock quartet is keen to carry the torch for unapologetic, back-to-basics guitar music. After forming in 2015 and releasing their self-titled debut EP on Bandcamp, the Dead Licks played their first shows in late 2016 and are currently working on their debut album. The band cites Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, The Strokes, Radiohead, and the Rolling Stones as influences and describes its diverse rock sound as everything from the Lumineers to Black Sabbath. Describing their unique sound and how they hope people react to their upcoming album, their bass and keys player, Johnny Mac, says, “Each song carries with it a different emotion, which shows versatility rather than one distinct sound. When people listen to our completed record in the future, I want them to be surprised that every song was written by the same band.” The band is set to play its debut Cleveland headline gig tonight, and fans can expect to hear a mix of new tunes from their album, some covers, and a song or two from their EP. (Elizabeth Manno)