Lany, Junior Varsity, Conor Burns
The Sylvee 25 S. Livingston St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
$39.50.
media release: LANY have quietly cracked the mainstream on their own terms as one of the most ubiquitous, unpredictable, and undeniable alternative rock bands of this era. Tallying billions of streams, selling out legendary arenas, and earning widespread critical acclaim, the platinum-certified Los Angeles group consistently deliver rafter-reaching anthems anchored by airtight songcraft and the outsized personality of enigmatic frontman and songwriter Paul Jason Klein. Thus far, they’ve earned four gold singles—“Malibu Nights,” “Super Far,” “I Quit Drinking” [with Kelsea Ballerini], and “Mean It” [with Lauv]—in addition to scoring platinum status with “ILYSB.” Nominated for “Best Pop Tour” by Pollstar, their energetic, entrancing, and ever-evolving live show continues to captivate fans on multiple continents as a huge draw worldwide. LANY’s 2021/2022 World Tour touched down in 17 countries highlighted by sellouts everywhere. They’ve also collaborated with artists such as Julia Michaels in addition to inciting the applause of everyone from GQ and WWD to Rolling Stone and Interview Magazine who went as far as to cite their breakout Malibu Nights as “the quintessential 2018 heartbreak album.” At the same time, Paul has unassumingly asserted himself as a modern style icon with features from Harper’s Bazaar, Nylon, and Who What Wear. Marni creative director Francesco Risso even referred to Paul as a “muse,” and the brand has outfitted him on tour and for various events. Now, 2023 sees the band reteam with for their much-anticipated fifth album. LANY’s next chapter begins now.