Street Sounds: Cursive

The Omaha-based band Cursive is made of anything but rookies.

Active since 1995, the four current members are Tim Kasher on lead vocals, guitars, and organ, Ted Stevens on guitar, Matt Maginn on bass, and Cully Symington on drums.

Ten albums, their latest being “I Am Gemini,” and a barrage of changes later, they are still making music as strong and captivating as ever.

What started out as a four-man group of friends has evolved into a sound that is a blend between indie rock and post-hardcore. Despite changes in members, a small hiatus between 1998 and 1999 and high expectations built on more than a decade of progressively more complex and conceptual albums, Cursive is a band that not only provides nostalgia for its older fans, but also relatable lyrics and a powerful sound for newcomers to enjoy.

Cursive will be performing with Minus the Bear on Sept. 28 at the Electric Factory.

THE TEMPLE NEWS: Have you toured with Minus the Bear before?

TED STEVENS: Yes, we have. It’s been 10 years or so.

TTN: Are you excited to come to Philly in particular? Have you been here before?

TS: Yeah, we like Philly. Last time we came through, I had a blast, and we’re excited to come back.

TTN: So, you guys have been together for a while now. How do you keep it interesting and fresh?

TS: Good question. You know, the more songs you know, the better. You aren’t worried about being stuck by the same set every night. That helps. We’re trying hard to mix it up, trying new instruments, bringing in new people, bringing in new producers – things like that can help as well.

TTN: What about your fan base? Have there been a lot of new people coming in or kind of the same crowd over the years?

TS: You know, it’s tough to say. I like to think that we have an old fan base that, hopefully [will still] check us out. I think there’s a lot of people that first knew us when they were really young, and people that are our age or older – people that really appreciate the first two albums.

And, then I think there comes a second wave of fans that have followed “Domestica,” “The Ugly Organ,” and since then as well. But, it’s really nice to see when you come to a city to play, and you see the kids in the front row. I think kids will always stand in the front row. I did when I was that age.

It’s nice to attract that audience, and it’s nice to know that they’re coming to check us out, for whatever reason. That’s just how a lot of music works I think. I like to see older fans, but I think people’s lives change, and so do their priorities as far as going out and having a good time changes. Whatever’s going on we’re happy with it.

Samantha Stough can be reached at samantha.stough@temple.edu.