The Yugos, Carriers, and Kid ESP: Making New Waves at the Woodward Theater

For fans of New Order, Josh Ritter, The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, and seeing some of the best live music Cincinnati has to offer, this is the show to show up to. Come catch the infectious energy of The Yugos, Carriers, and Kid ESP in Over-The-Rhine this March!

Almost a year on from its release, the energetic pop songs filling The Yugos’ third full-length, Weighing the Heart, still set a summery mood. On a closer listen, however, lyrics about uncertainty, fear, and a lingering worry about the future reveal a more wintry sensibility. This move towards introspection was a step up for the band members, who spent more than three years working on the 2017 album as they grew up out of their teens.

Formed in 2009 in northern Kentucky by brothers Jordin and Christian Gough (also of Moonbeau fame), the band was enlarged by the addition of Jackson Deal and later Jeremy Graham to the present four-piece. An EP and two full-lengths garnered them a fair bit of national press, as well as appearances at the Bunbury and Midpoint music festivals, among others. But it proved more difficult to maintain their interpersonal relationships than their bubbly New Wave sound. Drummer Jordin Gough said, “We had to have a band-in-crisis meeting. We're like, ’We don't communicate with each other and we internalize everything.’”

This newfound maturity is on display throughout Weighing the Heart, production decisions echoing the songs’ juxtaposition of lighthearted fun with the shadow of doubt. It’s the same band, though, and they lose none of the spirit that animated their prior releases.

In support will be fellow locals Carriers and Kid ESP. Carriers’ sound is built around Curt Kiser’s songs at the center, layered with expansive textures from a variety of contributors. With a nomination for New Artist and a performance at last year’s CEAs, they have a style reminiscent of Bon Iver or Josh Ritter. Kid ESP have been recording with the Yugos’ Jackson Deal. On their demo “Morning Ritual,” emotive vocals flail from a bed of guitar reverb in a vibe that will fit right alongside the Yugos’ retro dance party.

It's the show you didn't know you were waiting for: a Cincinnati favorite with two new bands who are sure to be as well. Come out and support local music with us, and listen for all three bands on INHAILER Radio! When: Friday, March 2, 9:00 PM; doors open at 8

Where: Woodward Theater

How much: $10, or $8 online advance

Buy Tickets

#TheYugos #Carriers #KidESP #woodwardtheater #upcoming #comeback