Ep 2. Bleachers

MTV Unplugged is an iconic music series that emphasizes acoustic performances by some of the biggest names in the industry. For the second episode of the 17th season, Bleachers takes the stage to deliver an unforgettable rendition of their biggest hits.

Bleachers is an American indie rock act fronted by Jack Antonoff, who has earned acclaim for his songwriting and production work with artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and St. Vincent. For their appearance on MTV Unplugged, the group transforms their signature sound into an intimate, stripped-back showcase of their talent.

Throughout the episode, Bleachers performs a range of songs from their catalog, spanning across their two studio albums: "Strange Desire" and "Gone Now." One of the highlights of the performance is their rendition of "I Wanna Get Better," the hit single that first propelled the band into the mainstream. With an acoustic guitar and a piano as the backbone of the arrangement, Antonoff's vocals soar as he delivers the empowering lyrics. The track is given a new life, stripped of its bombast and replaced with a more introspective, contemplative energy.

Another standout moment is the band's cover of "The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen. This is a departure from Bleachers' own material, but they make the song their own with a hauntingly beautiful rendition that showcases Antonoff's vocals in a whole new light. The arrangement highlights the band's attention to detail and their ability to create a soundscape with only a few instruments.

Bleachers also performs a few deep cuts from their catalog, including "All My Heroes" and "Rollercoaster." These songs may not be as well-known as their more popular tracks, but they demonstrate the band's versatility and willingness to experiment with new sounds. They take a more laid-back approach to their music, drawing the audience in with their sincerity and authenticity.

Throughout the episode, Antonoff is joined by several guest performers who lend their talents to the setlist. Hayley Kiyoko makes an appearance to perform "Shadow," a song she collaborated on with Bleachers for her debut album "Expectations." The song is transformed for the Unplugged setting, giving Antonoff and Kiyoko the opportunity to showcase the chemistry between their voices.

Lorde also appears for a duet of "Don't Take The Money," a song Antonoff co-wrote with her for her album "Melodrama." The performance is a highlight of the episode, with the two artists delivering an emotional and powerful rendition of the track that highlights their creative synergy.

Overall, Bleachers' performance on MTV Unplugged season 17 episode 2 is a stunning showcase of their talent and versatility as musicians. The stripped-back arrangements give their songs a new life, highlighting the raw emotions and intricate songwriting that make Bleachers one of the most exciting acts in contemporary rock music. Fans of the band and lovers of live music alike will be blown away by this unforgettable performance.