So, the WILD openers are out, and correct us if we’re wrong, but the announcement comes with the sound of crickets. Who are these guys?

It’s clear that Social Programming Board is focusing on one well-known headliner and introducing new acts for the openers, straying from the festival-type vibe it went for last fall. After Icona Pop’s announcement, Cadenza speculated that getting the band in the middle of an already-planned campus tour might save SPB money for the openers or Spring WILD acts.

Instead, we have two of the acts already following Icona Pop on its current Campus Consciousness Tour, along with a relatively unknown (but up-and-coming) disc jockey. Hopefully Spring WILD gets that extra cash then.

For the good of the students, Cadenza listened to the three WILD openers. Here is a breakdown of the acts’ musical background and style, with predictions for how they should fare in Brookings Quadrangle come Oct. 24.

GRiZ

Real name Grant Kwiecinski, GRiZ is an electronic DJ and producer from Detroit and a self-certified “funk and soul professional.” Only 23 years old, Kwiecinski has single-handedly built his hype through social media, earning acclaim after posting his signature bass-driven and horn-laden tracks on SoundCloud.

He’s part of the new crop of DJs who aren’t just heading down one specific music route—dubstep, EDM, trap—but borrowing elements from everywhere to create their own style and shake off the conventions that have come to characterize dance music and make it easier for critics to dismiss. GRiZ is also known for playing the saxophone live during his DJ sets, a skill he learned while playing band in high school.

It’s all part of an act that’s designed to break the boredom of repetitive dance music while still keeping what makes it fun. For a good idea of what to expect, take a listen to tracks like the ambient “Smash the Funk” or the more high-key “Feel the Love.”

While GRiZ’s high-energy music shouldn’t be bad for getting the crowd amped up for high-energy pop headliner Icona Pop, the transition from forward-thinking electronica to bubblegum pop may be an awkward one. And with a couple years of WILD under my belt, I know well enough that if the students don’t know an opener, they usually won’t sacrifice their pre-games and make the trek to Brookings Quad early. As unfortunate as it may be, I don’t predict any different for GRiZ this WILD.

–Kayla Hollenbaugh

Lowell

Rounding out WILD’s electro-tinged—and, for the first time in recent memory, predominantly female—lineup is Canadian singer Lowell, who will join Icona Pop and Five Knives for the entirety of the Campus Consciousness Tour. Lowell’s sound could be described as a cross between noisy synth-pop and dream pop—think Grimes meets Sleigh Bells meets Lana Del Rey. Her earnest, thoughtful vocals will introduce a bit of stripped-down sincerity to an otherwise shallow lineup.

Lowell is perhaps best known for “Cloud 69,” the lead single off her recently released debut full-length, “We Loved Her Dearly.” The song, along with others like “88” and “I Love You Money,” is a playful (albeit somewhat forgettable) pop track that will likely be a crowd-pleaser. Most of Lowell’s other songs have a much slower, dreamier feel—her more ethereal tracks like “The Bells” and “Palm Trees” are among her best, but they might not fit in well with fall WILD’s dance-party vibe.

While Lowell’s melodies are perfectly pleasant, her lyrics are where things get interesting. An outspoken feminist, Lowell takes on issues such as sexual violence, gender politics and LGBT rights in many of her songs. For instance, her piano ballad “I Killed Sara V.” is about the artist’s journey to move past her former life as a stripper, touching on themes like class struggle and sexual assault.

Lowell’s meaningful music probably won’t resonate too well with a crowd of buzzed college students, but her enlightened pop will nevertheless balance out the rest of the lineup quite nicely.

-Katharine Jaruzelski

FVKNVS / Five Knives

It’s tough to find a comprehensive biography for Nashville electronic act Five Knives. Aside from the sheer incongruity of their hailing from the world’s country capital and a stint opening for Smashing Pumpkins, Five Knives largely remains a mystery.

But honestly, context is beside the point. Five Knives’ brash electro-pop punk evokes Crystal Castles and Nine Inch Nails in its gothic spirit, but like the aforementioned acts, they make enough overtures to the Molly-popping set to possess some crossover appeal.

Essentially, they are Icona Pop’s demonic twin, and while their resemblance to the headliner won’t do much in the way of sonic diversity, they shouldn’t be lacking in energy. The question is, will their eyeliner-streaked maximalism translate to WILD? I don’t know, but should Brookings Quad turn into a demonic rave, you’ll know who to blame.

-Mark Matousek