Funeral Party

Emerging from Whittier, California, Funeral Party blends the propulsive drive of dance-punk with emo’s soaring, hook-driven intensity. The trio, which draws its name from a Cure song, consists of vocalist Chad Elliot, guitarist James Torres, and bassist Kimo Kauhola. They formed specifically to leave their hometown behind. After discovering the dance-punk resurgence unfolding in East L.A., they began booking local shows, though many were canceled before the band could appear. Demo sessions took place at the Mars Volta’s studio, and they opened for visiting acts such as the Faint and Crystal Castles. One of those recordings reached the French band Yelle, resulting in a U.S. tour together. Further support dates followed with … And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Franz Ferdinand, and Julian Casablancas. These performances preceded the recording of their debut album, Golden Age of Knowhere, issued in early 2011.