The Melismatics w/ Benjamin Cartel and Stone Arch Rivals

Fri, May 09

6PM DOORS 8PM SHOW Full food and beverage menu available for the night. $15 ADVANCE (+taxes/fees) $22 DAY OF SHOW (+taxes) Get ready for a stellar night of indie rock at Icehouse Minneapolis on Friday, May 9th! The Melismatics bring their signature high-energy performance, fusing infectious hooks with weirdness and melody. Benjamin Cartel (NYC) joins the bill, celebrating the release of his new album Write At Home—a collection of heartfelt, road-worn songs that blend folk-pop storytelling with indie rock charm. Stone Arch Rivals round out the night, bringing their soulful indie rock sound to the stage as they celebrate the release of their brand-new single, Fire. MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST: Passion. Irony. Weirdness. Melody. These are the core elements that have defined The Melismatics’ sound over the years. With a catalog spanning eight albums and a reputation for electrifying live performances, the band has carved out a unique space in the post-punk and indie-rock landscape. At the heart of The Melismatics are the dynamic duo Ryan and Pony Smith, whose dual lead vocals and relentless energy drive the band’s signature sound. Ryan Smith, also known for his work with Soul Asylum and punk supergroup Ultrabomb, is the band’s primary songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for crafting infectious hooks. Pony Smith brings a bold, theatrical presence to the stage, shaped in part by growing up with deaf parents—an experience that fueled her expressive, high-energy performance style. On bass, Mark Wade adds his post-punk signature sound, bringing angular bass lines that are both driving and melodic, anchoring The Melismatics' sound with undeniable energy. His distinctive playing style has been a defining force in the band’s evolution. The Melismatics’ music has been produced by legendary figures such as Jon Auer (The Posies, Big Star) and John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Har Mar Superstar), with Ryan Smith also taking the helm on various tracks. Their sound—a fusion of raw post-punk energy, indie-rock melodies, and a dash of new-wave urgency—has landed them placements on major TV networks, including MTV, NBC, and TeenNick, as well as festival stages like Lollapalooza, Summerfest, and CMJ. After years of relentless touring and studio evolution, The Melismatics continue to push boundaries, bringing their infectious energy to audiences worldwide. Keep an eye out—you might just hear them on a screen near you, or better yet, catch them crashing on a couch in your town. Benjamin Cartel is a lifer — a workingman's songwriter whose journey has taken him across much of the world, first as a member of Kaiser Cartel — whose critically-acclaimed albums earned the duo a spot in the folk-pop revival of the 21st century — and later as an adventurous solo artist. Write At Home, his fourth solo release, marks a new chapter in Cartel's unfolding story, rolling classic pop hooks, indie sensibilities, 1960s influences, and his own brand of American roots rock into a sound that's at once fresh and familiar Andrew Leahey Soulful Rock & Roll with grooves from both sides of the Mississippi... Formed in 2018, the Stone Arch Rivals bring a fresh, sophisticated, soulful spin to rock and roll, blending timeless grooves with heartfelt, roots-driven songwriting. Band members hail from across the Twin Cities, MN, and are constantly working to weave together their diverse musical backgrounds to create a sound that’s both earnest and electrifying. Known for their engaging performances and rich, soulful melodies, Stone Arch Rivals is more than a band for its members—it’s a return to music as a communal and creative experience. Whether playing at a variety of venues or crafting new tracks in the studio, they aim to connect deeply with their audiences and leave a lasting impression. With a new album releasing in 2025, Stone Arch Rivals continues to evolve, balancing modern influences with the classic sounds of rock and soul.