Punching your senses with electro dance pop, the current Los Angeles-based group Cardiknox has possessed dancefloors and left hearts in awe with their amazing charisma, carefree tracks and inspiring lyrics.
Beginning in 2013, Lonnie Angle and Thomas Dutton joined forces to create a band that aims to inject neon and wanderlust into your veins. As soon as I saw the one-shot music video for their single “On My Way,” I admired their restless spirits and 80’s vibes–complete with a double-bun hairstyle, high-waisted Spandex pants and fuchsia sneakers. Just watching the duo strut through the street and not care about the stares passersby gave them made me realize they are ready to conquer.
Their debut album, Portrait, premiered in March of this year. The cover, designed by Tristan Eaton, is a polished vivid hurricane and 80’s nostalgia–Angle’s beehive hair accentuated by the collage of fire, adorable neon signs and highways. They also teamed up with producer John Shanks, six-time Grammy award nominee who has worked with artists like Santana and Fleetwood Mac. The album received good reviews, gaining a modest following.
The album is a magnetic introduction to what Cardiknox has in store. Hailing from opposite musical backgrounds–Dutton was in punk bands while Angle was traditionally trained–the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist showcase their talents through narratives and buzzing choruses.
The motivational track “On My Way” and the repetitive and clap-inducing “Doors” should be added immediately to your summer playlist. The lyrics for the first song, “I‘m learning that I’m not where I want to be / But trust me, I’m on my way,” resonates with the theme of identity and finally being on the journey to one’s dreams.
The group has already played at famous music festivals like Bonnaroo and Sasquatch. It’s no surprise that the duo has toured with Carly Rae Jepsen, The Knocks and are getting ready to go back on the road with indie pop artist Phoebe Ryan, who you might know from the song “We Won’t” featuring Jaymes Young or her cover/mash-up of “Ignition/Do You…”
Called the “BoyzNpoizn” tour, their poster says “Make America Dance Again” with Angle and Ryan fiercely staring at your soul, complete with the filter used for President Obama’s election back in 2008. The tour starts on July 5 in D.C. and ends in Seattle, the stomping ground of Cardiknox.
Their golden hearts have entranced many, their social media accounts proving this and more. They helped a fan get to their concert in Oakland after the fan mistakenly bought tickets for a show in another city. I also liked that they voiced their opinion on Great Britain voting out of the European Union because many artists are afraid to express their views on controversial topics.
Who do they sound like? A dash Charli XCX with the style and sass of Karmin.
Favorite song off the album? A tie between “Shadowsinger” and “Perfect Storm.”
What’s up next for them? They just finished filming their music video for “Wild Child,” and it will premiere next week!
Cardiknox will be in Washington, D.C. this Tuesday at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Tickets can be found here.
Featured Photo Credit: Feature photo courtesy of Jiro Schneider.
Karla Casique is a sophomore journalism major and can be reached at karlacasique@hotmail.com.
