Bio: Exploding onto the thriving Minneapolis scene in the fall of 2005, White Light Riot are brothers Mike (vocals, guitar) and Mark (drums) Schwandt, Joe Christenson (lead guitar), and Dan Larsen (bass). White Light Riot released their first full-length, Atomism, for 50 Entertainment, in late 2007. Produced by Brent Sigmeth, the album is a lightning-hot 50 minutes of brilliant, swaggering pop, laced with jagged hooks and shot through with anthemic choruses.

In a blurry world of faceless emo and bland prepackaged pop, White Light Riot are intent on delivering smart, complex indie rock with the passion and soul of an era that came to glory before the phrase “indie rock” was a glint in the media’s eye. Though the band’s nervy, modern sound has landed them on bills with national acts like the Features and the Von Bondies, White Light Riot aren’t afraid to look back to a rougher, more ragged age, when rockers strutted and old ladies tutted.