Mike Mains and The Branches w/ Arms Akimbo

From the venue:

Mike Mains and The Branches is a pop-rock band based in Michigan. Since their conception in 2012, the group has built a reputation for their fantastical instrumentation and unforgettable live performances. Mains began writing songs early in his career between shifts at a casino, which is an apt illustration of Mains perspective on life: it’s a comedy, a tragedy, and a fairytale. It’s that perspective that laces itself throughout the band’s catalogue, where the songs make you dance while lyrics make you cry. And while the juxtaposition of glitter and gloom should feel confusing, it renders itself joyfully therapeutic. And that’s their goal—particularly in their live shows—to strap you into a rollercoaster you never want to get off of. Their boisterousness began when founding members Mike and Shannon fell in love, got married, and in doing so, minted the focal experience of the band’s music and lyrics; not just love, but the swirling highs and the bruising lows of choosing to live life together. After releasing an EP and two full-length albums, they chose to partner with Tooth & Nail Records on their latest release. The record, When We Were In Love, is their most honest yet. Although their agenda remains the same—to combat numbness with joy, pain, and wings to fly—this latest pursuit is more of an honest reflection in the struggle to love. The result is an infectious and colorful album full of tragedy, comedy, and the freedom to forget fairytales.

Arms Akimbo is a 4-piece rock outfit comprised of Peter Schrupp, Christopher Kalil, Matthew Sutton and Colin Boppell. After meeting in college, they formed a band inspired by artists like Portugal. The Man, Local Natives, and Hippo Campus. They self-produced their EP, “Vignettes” and found immediate success, soon opening for WALK THE MOON, Said The Whale and Colleen Green. Selling out venues such as The Troubadour, The Roxy, and The Bootleg Theatre they are about to hit the dirt for a SXSW & West Coast tour. Last year Arms Akimbo released an EP, entitled ‘The Wrong Kind Of Dance Party’ as well as a couple of singles - ‘Devil’ and ‘Virtual’. New music coming in April 2019 “Indie Rock Band Arms Akimbo Release Infectious Party-Inspired Single” - Billboard “Feel-good indie rock magic” - Ones To Watch “We’re not sure how these four guys found each other, but we are so glad that they did” - Impose Magazine “Emotional, full-throttle indie-rock propelled by galloping rhythms and sharp guitar riffs” - BuzzbandsLA