Cursive

Pitching Tim Kasher’s husky, emotive singing against jarring contrasts of harsh and soft, Cursive provide the perfect outlet for sloshing tales of romantic and political ruin. Formed in 1995 in Omaha, Nebraska, the band introduced newfound melodic and literate scope to the post-hardcore sound and became a foundational part of an unlikely indie-rock hotbed that included Bright Eyes and The Faint. In 2000, the band broke through at a national level with Cursive’s Domestica, a cathartic chronicle of Kasher’s divorce. More concept albums followed, including 2003’s creativity-inspired The Ugly Organ and 2012’s decidedly theatrical I Am Gemini. Cursive mellowed somewhat over time, adding more cello and horns. Along the way, Kasher has paid almost equal attention to his rootsier band The Good Life and characteristically self-examining solo albums. Whether holding himself or others to account, he continues to boast a penetrating eye for faltering integrity.