Essential Tracks:
The Weeks

Jackson-raised, Nashville-based The Weeks is a southern rock/alternative/soul/bluegrass/blues band that doesn’t conform to categorical genres and attracts crowds from all demographics. Comprised of twins Cyle (lead vocals) and Cain (drums) Barnes, Samuel Williams (guitar, vocals), Damien Bone (bass), and Admiral Collier (keyboards, organs, vocals), The Weeks are a tightknit group of talented, passionate, balls to the wall artists who live for their live performances.

The band has been frantically touring the U.S. for the past year or so, many of their stops concentrated heavily in the Midwest. We got the chance to speak with guitarist Sam Williams last time they came through town. The band played a small preview acoustic set and a rowdy show at The Frequency, and they will be joining us in Madison for two more free shows this summer: July 10 at the Terrace and August 22 for the Live on King Street series.

Here’s a few tracks to listen for tomorrow night at Memorial Union and next month on King Street:

“Buttons”

“Buttons” is the 2014 single that gave The Weeks the media boost they deserved. It’s emotional yet tough, super catchy, and the chorus rips right through you. Also, “Smoke your cigarette, I hope you choke” is one kickass rock ‘n’ roll lyric that you can’t even try to ignore.

“The House We Grew Up In”

A standout favorite of The Weeks’ 2011 LP, Gutter Gaunt Gangster, “The House We Grew Up In” is arguably the band’s lightest and most danceable track to date. It’s got heavy drums and rhythm guitar, pumped-up lyrics and a vocal break mid-song almost too perfect for an inviting crowd clap-along. Not even the rhythmically-challenged off beats can ruin this live jam.

“Mississippi Rain”

This song is a shit-kicking southern anthem yet it also serves both city rock fans and country kids everywhere with its Skynyrd soul and crushing instrumentals. Barnes’ vocals and Williams’ shredding brought down the house (farm, whatever) when The Weeks played one of the smallest stages at Bonnaroo a few weeks back, and I can’t see them ever doing any less with this powerful tune.

“Stigmata”

A rather depressing foil to The Weeks’ high energy live performances, “Stigmata” is a gut-wrenching ballad about family, faith, and the struggles of growing up in a violence and drug-ridden South.

“Brother in the Night”

Probably the best track on 2013’s Dear Bo Jackson, “Brother in the Night” is another song about murder in the South, brotherhood, and someone’s grandmother. But guess what, they do it so well that we probably won’t complain.