R

ock on with alternative music’s next big thing — Neon Trees, one of America’s most acclaimed alternative rock bands that is hitting the stage in Singapore for a one-night only performance.

For the very first time, the band will be performing hits such as “Animal” from its debut album Habits. Expect tunes of adolescent angst with love themes from the band, which Entertainment Weekly has defined as the “best bets for airwave domination”. This song has also been awarded as the No. 1 Alternative Song of the Year, climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the Billboard Music Awards 2011 and was also performed by the cast of Glee in episode 15 titled “Sexy” in season two.

Neon Trees is an American alternative rock band from Provo, Utah, with origins in Murrieta, California. The band received nationwide exposure in late 2008 when it opened several North American tour dates for the rock band The Killers. Not long after, the band was signed by Mercury Records and released its first full length album, Habits, in 2010.

Formed initially by neighbors Tyler Glenn (vocals, keyboards) and Chris Allen (guitar, vocals) the band eventually added Branden Campbell (bass guitar, vocals) and Elaine Bradley (drums, percussion, vocals) to the lineup. David Charles also plays with the band as touring guitarist. They first started playing under the name Neon Trees in late 2005 with five original members.

The band’s name originates from the lighted trees on the In-N-Out Burger signs, which inspired Tyler Glenn. In a strange twist of fate, it was later learned that Branden Campbell’s father, who designed neon lights in Las Vegas, helped design the very lights that inspired Glenn. The band is well-known throughout Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah, where it was formed. All four members of Neon Trees are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They also had a former band called Neon Rose

Like its name, Neon Trees is a combination of slick pop hooks and sturdy organic rock, both melodic and hard-hitting, anthems of adolescent angst, longing, love lost and found, delivered with the kind of heart-on-the-sleeve passion that only comes from hard work and commitment.

The band released an extended play (EP) called Becoming Different People in 2006 during the time of its first tour through California. The EP featured promising songs like “Snap the Flash”, “Sister Stereo”, “Modern Romantics” and “Ashley Stevenson”. The band also recorded other unreleased tracks during the Treehouse Sessions in 2006.

This is the first time for the band to perform in Asia. After lighting up the night in Java Rockin’ Land at Simpati Stage in Ancol, North Jakarta, last Saturday, it will illuminate the stage in Singapore on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 for two hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. And there is no better place to enjoy a night of hard-hitting rock energy than at the outdoor Fort Canning Park concert venue.

Neon Trees is definitely one of the hottest new acts to emerge on the scene. So don’t miss the chance to enjoy a great night out with a band that is destined for greatness in the music world. For more details and ticket purchases, please visit www.sistic.com.sg.