Friday night was one big Lawrence indie rock lovefest when The Noise FM opened for Quiet Corral. This wasn’t your usual setting for a show; the bands played to an intimate audience on top of the Oread hotel on the KU campus. Music lovers who were battling the muggy atmosphere welcomed the cool rooftop breeze that came with the unusual venue.

The band, fronted by brothers Alex and Austin Ward, used to reside in Lawrence but have been calling Chicago home in recent years. They make a point to return to Lawrence often enough where it never feels like they left. The last time we saw them was at their annual Christmas fundraiser/concert (the boys love that holiday) at the Bottleneck.

On Friday, they played several new songs, which featured fast tempos and impressive guitar solos. Something must have rejuvenated the boys in recent months, because they felt like a whole new band. Even their cover of “Don’t Bring Me Down” (a staple at Noise FM shows) got the ladies dancing and drummer Austin headbanging a little harder.

Here’s one of their new tunes. It’s only August, but the new music is so thrilling, we’re already looking forward to what they have in store for their next Christmas show.