Underrated Bands #1: Fruit Bats

Although profiling “Underrated Bands” is something that we do a lot here at ThisBonusTrack, i’ve decided that from this point on we’ll number them in our titles, thus distinguishing them in the process. Okay, that’s enough background info on why I put “underrated bands” in my title. Of course, if my explanation didn’t satisfy you, please feel free to email me so I can clear up for you. Additionally, if there are any underrated bands that you think we should blog about for this kind of a segment, feel free to email me at jay@thisbonustrack.com.

Formed in the early 2000s in Chicago, Fruit Bats are among my favorite American indie rock/folk bands to date, despite being widely unknown. Loved by loyal fans and from my experience pretty much anyone who hears them, the band’s lead singer Eric D. Johnson is a class act. After two studio albums and tours with the likes of Modest Mouse and The Shins, talented front man played with The Shins and Vetiver, although staying committed to the Fruit Bats.

I don’t know about you and your taste in music, but the fact that Johnson has played with both The Shins and Vetiver, I could almost have guaranteed that I would have enjoyed Fruit Bats without even listening to them. Despite consistently altering the band’s make up after each album, Eric D. Johnson’s pure vocals and song-writing abilities have yielded (underrated) must hear albums. In terms of individual songs that I think you should hear, I’ll leave you with When U Love Somebody off the band’s second album, Mouthfuls, The Ruminant Band and Primitive Man , off the band’s 2009 album The Ruminant Band.

Fruit Bands – When U Love Somebody

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Fruit Bands – The Ruminant Band

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Fruit Bands – Primitive Man

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THE BONUS TRACK:

The Fruit Bats are set to release Tripper their fifth studio album August 2. almost 10-years after after the band’s inception. Check out Tangie and Ray, the first single off the band’s new album.

Fruit Bats – Tangie And Ray

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