Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
As a new week of shows is upon us, let us take a moment to reflect on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida that occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning. It was the worst mass shooting in United States history, an incomprehensible hate crime, and an abhorrent act of terror. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of this heartbreaking event. I am sure that Stephen Colbert will address this senseless tragedy and perhaps try to bring a little bit of joy into our very heavy hearts. May peace be with the victims and their loved ones.
Earlier today, President Obama made a statement on the tragic shooting, saying, “This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friends — our fellow Americans — who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub — it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.” The President continued, “So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation — is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country. And no act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans.”
Monday, June 13th (2016)
Bill O’Reilly (Author – “The Day the President Was Shot: The Secret Service, the FBI, a Would-Be Killer, and the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan”)
Bill O’Reilly is an American television host, author, historian, journalist, syndicated columnist, and a political commentator who was often referred to as “Papa Bear” on “The Colbert Report.” He is the host of the political commentary program “The O’Reilly Factor” on the Fox News Channel. O’Reilly is releasing a new young adult book called “The Day the President Was Shot: The Secret Service, the FBI, a Would-Be Killer, and the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan,” which is adapted from O’Reilly’s historical thriller “Killing Reagan.” The story explores the events of the day Reagan was shot – from the scene of the shooting to the dramatic action of the Secret Service and more. “The Day the President Was Shot” will be released on June 21st and is available for pre-order.
Anna Chlumsky (Actress – “Veep”)
Anna Chlumsky is an American actress known for her childhood role in “My Girl” and its sequel, as well as the independent films “Blood Car” and “In The Loop.” She currently stars as Amy Brookheimer, the Vice President’s Chief of Staff, in the HBO series “Veep,” for which she has received three consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. “Veep” is currently in its fifth season and still receiving rave reviews. “The fifth season of ‘Veep’ doesn’t just win the expectations game, it just wins. The rapid-fire, acid-tongued dialogue hasn’t changed, nor has the almost unfathomable ratio of zingers per minute,” writes the AV Club. And The Atlantic reports, “The show’s fifth season is still sharp, well-plotted, and peppered with laugh-out-loud moments of obscenity.” “Veep” airs on Sundays at 10:30PM ET on HBO.
Aesop Rock (Album – “The Impossible Kid”)
Ian Matthias Bavitz, better known by his stage name Aesop Rock, is an American hip hop recording artist and producer, whose latest album is “The Impossible Kid.” “He sketches in vibrant detail on ‘Impossible Kid,’ balancing heavy verbiage with sharp clarity. This is what it sounds like when rap’s greatest wordsmith only uses the ones that count,” raves Pitchfork. And Consequence of Sound writes, “Aes will always sound like that twisted intergalactic creature, but the album sees his rhyme schemes at their most melodic and accessible, giving the confessionals an extra sharp edge.” “The Impossible Kid” is available now.
Tuesday, June 14th (2016)
Daniel Radcliffe (Actor – “Now You See Me 2”)
Daniel Radcliffe is an English actor who rose to prominence as the title character in the “Harry Potter” film series. He currently stars in “Now You See Me 2” as devious tech wizard Walter Mabry who forces the illusionists, known as the Four Horsemen, to steal a powerful chip that can control all of the world’s computers. Variety states, “‘Now You See Me 2’ is more like a giddy piece of cheese from the ’80s, a chance to spend two more hours with characters we like, doing variations on the things that made us like them in the first place. The revisit, in this case, is well-earned.” And The Washington Post writes, “The film is, at times, almost sinfully fun, assuming you have a taste for self-indulgently logic-free hedonism.” “Now You See Me 2” opened in theaters on June 10th.
George Lopez (Actor – “Lopez”)
George Lopez is an American comedian, actor, and talk show host known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom “George Lopez.” His stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, including Mexican American culture. Lopez currently stars in the semi-autobiographical sitcom television series “Lopez.” The series follows a semi-fictionalized version of Lopez and his day-to-day life, as he balances being a famous comedian while dealing with interpersonal relationships and trying to stay true to the Latino community in which he grew up. “Generally an appealing little comedy, able to juggle things like identity and success and privilege and a general terror of aging with some nimble skill in a way that felt actually fresh,” writes Variety. And The Los Angeles Times reports, “The series feels familiar but also fresh; predictable but not without character.” “Lopez” airs Wednesdays at 9:00PM ET on TV Land.
Hinds (Album – “Leave Me Alone”)
Hinds is a Spanish indie rock band from Madrid, formed in 2011, consisting of Carlotta Cosials, Ana Perrote, Ade Martin, and Amber Grimbergen, whose debut album is “Leave Me Alone.” Pitchfork states, “‘Leave Me Alone’ is a record of human contradictions, of the admissions of vulnerability, and the realization that these things are beautiful.” And Consequence of Sound reports, “Making an old model feel fresh is no easy task, but Hinds largely accomplish it, embracing the intriguing sloppiness of their predecessors while making steps on their own.” “Leave Me Alone” is available now.
Wednesday, June 15th (2016)
Liam Hemsworth (Actor – “Independence Day: Resurgence”)
Liam Hemsworth is an Australian actor best known for starring as Gale Hawthorne in “The Hunger Games” film series. He stars in the upcoming film “Independence Day: Resurgence,” a sequel to the 1996 film “Independence Day.” Using recovered extraterrestrial technology, the nations of Earth collaborate on an immense defense program to protect the planet. When the aliens attack with unprecedented force, only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can save the world. Hemsworth plays Jake Morrison, a US pilot serving in the Earth Space Defense, whose parents were killed in the first attack. Reviews for the film are not yet available. “Independence Day: Resurgence” opens in theaters, including IMAX 3D, on June 24th.
Ana Gasteyer (Actress – “Lady Dynamite”)
Ana Gasteyer is an American actress of stage, film, and television. She is best known as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1996 to 2002 and for co-starring as Sheila Shay on the ABC sitcom “Suburgatory.” She currently stars in the Netflix original comedy series “Lady Dynamite,” which is loosely based on the life of comedian Maria Bamford. Gasteyer plays Maria’s agent, the brash and vulgar Karen Grisham. Of Gasteyer’s performance, The Decider raves, “She’s an incredibly versatile comedic talent, but it’s so much more fun watching her tear into a role like Karen Grisham. A role that gives her the opportunity to once again put a song in our hearts.” And HitFix praises, “As super agent Karen Grisham, Gasteyer unnervingly amps up every stereotype you have about behind-the-scenes Hollywood power players, offering a deranged, uproarious portrait of Tinseltown excess and disingenuousness … Trust me on this: Gasteyer is a scream.” “Lady Dynamite” is currently streaming on Netflix.
Paul Mecurio (Stand-Up Comedian)
Paul Mecurio is an American comedian, writer, and podcast host. Mecurio began his career in stand-up comedy after working on Wall Street as an investment banker and mergers and acquisitions lawyer. He was a writer for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” for which he won an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award. Mecurio had his own Comedy Central Special, starred in his own HBO series, and has appeared on numerous late night talk shows and news programs. He is a national headliner in clubs across North America and Europe and has performed several times at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Mecurio currently hosts the podcast “Paul Mecurio: 2 Chairs and a Mic.” He recently appeared on “The Late Show” in the skit “Unused Prop Theater.” Mecurio was the warm-up comic for “The Colbert Report” and is the current warm-up comic for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Thursday, June 16th (2016)
Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas (Tour – “Future Now”)
Demi Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model who rose to prominence on the Disney Channel. Nick Jonas is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as one of the Jonas Brothers, a pop rock band he formed with his brothers. Lovato and Jonas are co-headlining the 2016 Honda Civic Tour, “Future Now.” Lovato is promoting her fifth studio album “Confident” and Jonas is promoting his third studio album “Last Year Was Complicated.” Lovato and Jonas released a statement via Twitter in which they explained the cancellation of their shows in Charlotte and Raleigh over the HB2 law in North Carolina. The “Future Now” tour will launch on June 29th in Atlanta, Georgia and will end on September 17th in Inglewood, California. Mike Posner will serve as the opening act.
Amy Ryan (Actress – “Central Intelligence”)
Amy Ryan is an American actress of stage and screen who is an Academy Award nominee and two-time Tony Award nominee. Her films include “Gone Baby Gone,” “Changeling,” and “Birdman,” and a memorable role as Holly Flax on “The Office (US).” Ryanʼs latest film is the action/comedy “Central Intelligence.” She co-stars alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. After Hart reunites with his old pal Johnson through Facebook, the mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage. Ryan plays Agent Pamela Harris. Reviews for the film are not yet available. “Central Intelligence” opens in theaters on June 17th.
Nick Jonas (Album – “Last Year Was Complicated”)
Nick Jonas will perform music from his third solo album, “Last Year Was Complicated.” It was released on June 10th and features collaborations with Tove Lo, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean, and Daniella Mason. “As a singer, Jonas never exactly overwhelms a listener with charisma or technique, but he’s personable and versatile…,” states Rolling Stone. And The Guardian writes, “There are many quirks to this glossy, compelling record, but unlike Justin Timberlake, who forged his name as a solo act by his affiliation with the Neptunes, it’s not savvy or strange enough to stand out.” “Last Year Was Complicated” is available now.
Friday, June 17th (2016)
Aaron Paul (Actor – “Central Intelligence”)
Aaron Paul is an American actor best known for portraying Jesse Pinkman on the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” for which he won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Paul’s latest film is the action/comedy “Central Intelligence.” He co-stars alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. After Hart reunites with his old pal Johnson through Facebook, the mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage. Paul plays Phil, Johnson’s former partner in the CIA. Reviews for the film are not yet available. “Central Intelligence” opens in theaters on June 17th.
Michael Ian Black (Actor – “Another Period”)
Michael Ian Black is an American comedian, actor, writer, and director who has starred in several TV comedy series, including “The State,” “Stella,” and “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Day of Camp,” as well as recently appearing on “Inside Amy Schumer.” He currently stars in the comedy series “Another Period,” a spoof on reality shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” while in terms of era, roughly contemporaneous to “Downton Abbey” and satirizing many of the same themes of class and social standing. Black plays Peepers, the butler to the wealthy Bellacourt family. “Sharply conceived satire can sometimes accomplish what outrage and disgust cannot, sending some of this junk back in the direction from whence it flows,” writes The Washington Post. And Entertainment Weekly reports, “While ‘Another Period’ sometimes leans too heavily on ‘It’s 1902!’ gags, it’s buoyed by an absurdist sensibility, genuinely surprising jokes, and a strong cast.” Season two of “Another Period” premieres June 15th at 10:00PM ET on Comedy Central.
Silversun Pickups (Album – “Better Nature”)
Silversun Pickups is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2000. The band is currently composed of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester. Their forth and latest album is “Better Nature.” Magnet reports, “Engaging and alluring as this fresh coat of cool on an easily recognizable sonic vehicle maybe, ‘Better Nature’ nonetheless remains an album destined to placate–not trip out–fans.” And Under The Radar states, “In the end, Silversun Pickups don’t seem too interested in proselytizing anyone on ‘Better Nature’. It’s a release for the already convinced; if new converts come on board, it’s a bonus.” “Better Nature” is available now.
Better Know a Guest – June 13 – 17, 2016
As a new week of shows is upon us, let us take a moment to reflect on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida that occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning. It was the worst mass shooting in United States history, an incomprehensible hate crime, and an abhorrent act of terror. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of this heartbreaking event. I am sure that Stephen Colbert will address this senseless tragedy and perhaps try to bring a little bit of joy into our very heavy hearts. May peace be with the victims and their loved ones.
Earlier today, President Obama made a statement on the tragic shooting, saying, “This is an especially heartbreaking day for all our friends — our fellow Americans — who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live. The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub — it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.” The President continued, “So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation — is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country. And no act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans.”
Monday, June 13th (2016)
Bill O’Reilly (Author – “The Day the President Was Shot: The Secret Service, the FBI, a Would-Be Killer, and the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan”)
Bill O’Reilly is an American television host, author, historian, journalist, syndicated columnist, and a political commentator who was often referred to as “Papa Bear” on “The Colbert Report.” He is the host of the political commentary program “The O’Reilly Factor” on the Fox News Channel. O’Reilly is releasing a new young adult book called “The Day the President Was Shot: The Secret Service, the FBI, a Would-Be Killer, and the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan,” which is adapted from O’Reilly’s historical thriller “Killing Reagan.” The story explores the events of the day Reagan was shot – from the scene of the shooting to the dramatic action of the Secret Service and more. “The Day the President Was Shot” will be released on June 21st and is available for pre-order.
Anna Chlumsky (Actress – “Veep”)
Anna Chlumsky is an American actress known for her childhood role in “My Girl” and its sequel, as well as the independent films “Blood Car” and “In The Loop.” She currently stars as Amy Brookheimer, the Vice President’s Chief of Staff, in the HBO series “Veep,” for which she has received three consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. “Veep” is currently in its fifth season and still receiving rave reviews. “The fifth season of ‘Veep’ doesn’t just win the expectations game, it just wins. The rapid-fire, acid-tongued dialogue hasn’t changed, nor has the almost unfathomable ratio of zingers per minute,” writes the AV Club. And The Atlantic reports, “The show’s fifth season is still sharp, well-plotted, and peppered with laugh-out-loud moments of obscenity.” “Veep” airs on Sundays at 10:30PM ET on HBO.
Aesop Rock (Album – “The Impossible Kid”)
Ian Matthias Bavitz, better known by his stage name Aesop Rock, is an American hip hop recording artist and producer, whose latest album is “The Impossible Kid.” “He sketches in vibrant detail on ‘Impossible Kid,’ balancing heavy verbiage with sharp clarity. This is what it sounds like when rap’s greatest wordsmith only uses the ones that count,” raves Pitchfork. And Consequence of Sound writes, “Aes will always sound like that twisted intergalactic creature, but the album sees his rhyme schemes at their most melodic and accessible, giving the confessionals an extra sharp edge.” “The Impossible Kid” is available now.
Tuesday, June 14th (2016)
Daniel Radcliffe (Actor – “Now You See Me 2”)
Daniel Radcliffe is an English actor who rose to prominence as the title character in the “Harry Potter” film series. He currently stars in “Now You See Me 2” as devious tech wizard Walter Mabry who forces the illusionists, known as the Four Horsemen, to steal a powerful chip that can control all of the world’s computers. Variety states, “‘Now You See Me 2’ is more like a giddy piece of cheese from the ’80s, a chance to spend two more hours with characters we like, doing variations on the things that made us like them in the first place. The revisit, in this case, is well-earned.” And The Washington Post writes, “The film is, at times, almost sinfully fun, assuming you have a taste for self-indulgently logic-free hedonism.” “Now You See Me 2” opened in theaters on June 10th.
George Lopez (Actor – “Lopez”)
George Lopez is an American comedian, actor, and talk show host known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom “George Lopez.” His stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, including Mexican American culture. Lopez currently stars in the semi-autobiographical sitcom television series “Lopez.” The series follows a semi-fictionalized version of Lopez and his day-to-day life, as he balances being a famous comedian while dealing with interpersonal relationships and trying to stay true to the Latino community in which he grew up. “Generally an appealing little comedy, able to juggle things like identity and success and privilege and a general terror of aging with some nimble skill in a way that felt actually fresh,” writes Variety. And The Los Angeles Times reports, “The series feels familiar but also fresh; predictable but not without character.” “Lopez” airs Wednesdays at 9:00PM ET on TV Land.
Hinds (Album – “Leave Me Alone”)
Hinds is a Spanish indie rock band from Madrid, formed in 2011, consisting of Carlotta Cosials, Ana Perrote, Ade Martin, and Amber Grimbergen, whose debut album is “Leave Me Alone.” Pitchfork states, “‘Leave Me Alone’ is a record of human contradictions, of the admissions of vulnerability, and the realization that these things are beautiful.” And Consequence of Sound reports, “Making an old model feel fresh is no easy task, but Hinds largely accomplish it, embracing the intriguing sloppiness of their predecessors while making steps on their own.” “Leave Me Alone” is available now.
Wednesday, June 15th (2016)
Liam Hemsworth (Actor – “Independence Day: Resurgence”)
Liam Hemsworth is an Australian actor best known for starring as Gale Hawthorne in “The Hunger Games” film series. He stars in the upcoming film “Independence Day: Resurgence,” a sequel to the 1996 film “Independence Day.” Using recovered extraterrestrial technology, the nations of Earth collaborate on an immense defense program to protect the planet. When the aliens attack with unprecedented force, only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can save the world. Hemsworth plays Jake Morrison, a US pilot serving in the Earth Space Defense, whose parents were killed in the first attack. Reviews for the film are not yet available. “Independence Day: Resurgence” opens in theaters, including IMAX 3D, on June 24th.
Ana Gasteyer (Actress – “Lady Dynamite”)
Ana Gasteyer is an American actress of stage, film, and television. She is best known as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1996 to 2002 and for co-starring as Sheila Shay on the ABC sitcom “Suburgatory.” She currently stars in the Netflix original comedy series “Lady Dynamite,” which is loosely based on the life of comedian Maria Bamford. Gasteyer plays Maria’s agent, the brash and vulgar Karen Grisham. Of Gasteyer’s performance, The Decider raves, “She’s an incredibly versatile comedic talent, but it’s so much more fun watching her tear into a role like Karen Grisham. A role that gives her the opportunity to once again put a song in our hearts.” And HitFix praises, “As super agent Karen Grisham, Gasteyer unnervingly amps up every stereotype you have about behind-the-scenes Hollywood power players, offering a deranged, uproarious portrait of Tinseltown excess and disingenuousness … Trust me on this: Gasteyer is a scream.” “Lady Dynamite” is currently streaming on Netflix.
Paul Mecurio (Stand-Up Comedian)
Paul Mecurio is an American comedian, writer, and podcast host. Mecurio began his career in stand-up comedy after working on Wall Street as an investment banker and mergers and acquisitions lawyer. He was a writer for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” for which he won an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award. Mecurio had his own Comedy Central Special, starred in his own HBO series, and has appeared on numerous late night talk shows and news programs. He is a national headliner in clubs across North America and Europe and has performed several times at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Mecurio currently hosts the podcast “Paul Mecurio: 2 Chairs and a Mic.” He recently appeared on “The Late Show” in the skit “Unused Prop Theater.” Mecurio was the warm-up comic for “The Colbert Report” and is the current warm-up comic for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Thursday, June 16th (2016)
Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas (Tour – “Future Now”)
Demi Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model who rose to prominence on the Disney Channel. Nick Jonas is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as one of the Jonas Brothers, a pop rock band he formed with his brothers. Lovato and Jonas are co-headlining the 2016 Honda Civic Tour, “Future Now.” Lovato is promoting her fifth studio album “Confident” and Jonas is promoting his third studio album “Last Year Was Complicated.” Lovato and Jonas released a statement via Twitter in which they explained the cancellation of their shows in Charlotte and Raleigh over the HB2 law in North Carolina. The “Future Now” tour will launch on June 29th in Atlanta, Georgia and will end on September 17th in Inglewood, California. Mike Posner will serve as the opening act.
Amy Ryan (Actress – “Central Intelligence”)
Amy Ryan is an American actress of stage and screen who is an Academy Award nominee and two-time Tony Award nominee. Her films include “Gone Baby Gone,” “Changeling,” and “Birdman,” and a memorable role as Holly Flax on “The Office (US).” Ryanʼs latest film is the action/comedy “Central Intelligence.” She co-stars alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. After Hart reunites with his old pal Johnson through Facebook, the mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage. Ryan plays Agent Pamela Harris. Reviews for the film are not yet available. “Central Intelligence” opens in theaters on June 17th.
Nick Jonas (Album – “Last Year Was Complicated”)
Nick Jonas will perform music from his third solo album, “Last Year Was Complicated.” It was released on June 10th and features collaborations with Tove Lo, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean, and Daniella Mason. “As a singer, Jonas never exactly overwhelms a listener with charisma or technique, but he’s personable and versatile…,” states Rolling Stone. And The Guardian writes, “There are many quirks to this glossy, compelling record, but unlike Justin Timberlake, who forged his name as a solo act by his affiliation with the Neptunes, it’s not savvy or strange enough to stand out.” “Last Year Was Complicated” is available now.
Friday, June 17th (2016)
Aaron Paul (Actor – “Central Intelligence”)
Aaron Paul is an American actor best known for portraying Jesse Pinkman on the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” for which he won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Paul’s latest film is the action/comedy “Central Intelligence.” He co-stars alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. After Hart reunites with his old pal Johnson through Facebook, the mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage. Paul plays Phil, Johnson’s former partner in the CIA. Reviews for the film are not yet available. “Central Intelligence” opens in theaters on June 17th.
Michael Ian Black (Actor – “Another Period”)
Michael Ian Black is an American comedian, actor, writer, and director who has starred in several TV comedy series, including “The State,” “Stella,” and “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Day of Camp,” as well as recently appearing on “Inside Amy Schumer.” He currently stars in the comedy series “Another Period,” a spoof on reality shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” while in terms of era, roughly contemporaneous to “Downton Abbey” and satirizing many of the same themes of class and social standing. Black plays Peepers, the butler to the wealthy Bellacourt family. “Sharply conceived satire can sometimes accomplish what outrage and disgust cannot, sending some of this junk back in the direction from whence it flows,” writes The Washington Post. And Entertainment Weekly reports, “While ‘Another Period’ sometimes leans too heavily on ‘It’s 1902!’ gags, it’s buoyed by an absurdist sensibility, genuinely surprising jokes, and a strong cast.” Season two of “Another Period” premieres June 15th at 10:00PM ET on Comedy Central.
Silversun Pickups (Album – “Better Nature”)
Silversun Pickups is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2000. The band is currently composed of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester. Their forth and latest album is “Better Nature.” Magnet reports, “Engaging and alluring as this fresh coat of cool on an easily recognizable sonic vehicle maybe, ‘Better Nature’ nonetheless remains an album destined to placate–not trip out–fans.” And Under The Radar states, “In the end, Silversun Pickups don’t seem too interested in proselytizing anyone on ‘Better Nature’. It’s a release for the already convinced; if new converts come on board, it’s a bonus.” “Better Nature” is available now.