Tiger Bike’s mission is to make music toward an “emo revival revival.” Though, they say the emo revival of the 2010s never died, they’re simultaneously making it cool again.

The band is one of SLC’s favorite underground, hardcore acts. It’s comprised of SLC locals Maxwell Hughes (bass), Chloe Sleight (guitar and vocals), Ivy Fraser (drums), Noah Shelton (guitar and vocals) and special guest Luke Bamford, who stepped in for Maxwell due to a broken elbow. They’ve seen many variations over the years, but who they are now seems to be what they’ll stick to. 

Tiger Bike began as a solo project by Chloe which themes are described as “very dark” but the music they play now is less niche and on the tip of the iceberg of emo music. The first EP created between Chloe and Noah was “on the nose Midwest emo,” described as “twinkly” and “funky.” “We had no expectations of it at all,” Noah said. Despite that, their music took off and bands started asking them to play shows and tour. That’s when Ivy joined Tiger Bike and it’s been the three musketeers–plus a few more–ever since. Maxwell joined earlier this year after the local band Headportals broke up last July. He replaced the band’s original bassist, Nate. Despite his broken elbow, Maxwell’s vocals and the swaying of his brace just added to the underground emo sparkle.

Cat ears and hardcore riffs

They were one of the first bands on the lineup on Sunday, and the sun may have been hot, but they came in hotter. The crowd was already moving by the second song, and the momentum only picked up from there. Each member said being at the festival for its second year was “surreal.” “Three of the bands playing on the same fest lineup, I would consider my musical heroes,” Shelton said. “Some of the artists that got me into the genre is Tigers Jaw, Marietta and Jimmy Eat World. So it’s pretty surreal just even being on the same poster as them.” And they set a good tone for the following bands that day. 

Between the song breaks, I recall them shouting out in the crowd to keep the energy up and jump around. “Sobbing is an acceptable response, too,” Ivy said. Later, they had the lead singer of Tampa Chess Club, another SLC local, jump out on stage and sing the chorus with them. The set included songs “piebald goes west” and “eternal hoop of the head,” which will be featured on their soon-to-be-released album.

Following their first full-length album, “feel safe,” this next one has a similar pattern, but the creative process was a little different. They said the album was recorded in their garage. “It’s been quite collaborative … this record really feels like it’s in all of us,” Ivy said. It will be their second full-length album and fourth project since they began releasing music in 2022. There are two singles released, titled “the ballad of johnny chops” and “sleep for dinner.” Fans can listen to the full album on Nov. 11.

Tiger Bike hopes to bring a show to follow the release, though they’re keeping in mind Maxwell’s broken elbow. Until then, you can listen to them wherever you get your music.