Concert Sun May 11 2008
The wind whips through the small openings between the sky filling buildings at alarming speeds in this city. I know the origin of the term “windy”, but still the strength of the wind is quite measurable and substantial. So much so that it may on occasion slam doors, knock over trees, break the fingers of freshly signed rock trios, etc. That’s right the day after signing to
54-40 or Fight Records!, lead singer and guitar player of
The Interiors, Chase Duncan had a metal door slam shut on his hand. At this point they had only self-released an ep, and needed to begin work on their full-length debut. Instead they spent most of 2007 on hiatus while Chase recovered.
Now fully recovered and preparing for the June 24th release and a following Midwest and East Cost tour, The Interiors have big plans for 2008. Rightfully so, their self-titled debut album is a turbulent lesson in rhythmic rock, filled with interesting drum patterns, calculated guitar, and inventive lyrics. The highlight of the album is the song “Power Lines”, it is grand in every way. From the fade in open to the sing-along chorus to the idea that you can knock everyone cell phone reception by touching a satellite. It is a fun look at life in Chicago.
The Interiors will be performing their last show in Chicago until Mid-July on Tuesday May 13th at The Empty Bottle. They will be appearing with Nouns and Mt. St. Helens. Tickets are $7 and the show starts at 9:00pm.
- Jason Behrends |
Concert Sat May 10 2008
Before you get your hopes up, I am not talking about a legends of hip hop “comeback: tour, besides that would be EPMD and not EPDM. However, I am talking about two angel voiced Swedes who are about to float through Chicago. You see El Perro Del Mar and Lykke Li share more then just a country, they share a tour, a musical mindset, but most impressive they share the stage on most nights. Perhaps it is only for encores, but it is a promising connection.
Lykke Li is a 22 year-old siren that just released her debut ep, Little Bit, this month and her full-length album, Youth Novels should see the shores in the fall. Her music refuses to be classified by blending various style and sounds from hushed orchestral to sampled swing. When you mix in the Casio and the organ, you get a beat that is truly unique. In addition, Lykke has a soft and tender, almost whisper, vocal delivery that complements the hazy mix created even more.
El Perro Del Mar (a.k.a. Sarah Assbring) works in a similar way as Lykke, but the sounds on her latest album From The Valley are ethereal. Sarah’s music has a grand and classical feel, while her high pitch lazy vocals float and dance around the soaring strings. She may not make a loud noise, but there is power in beauty.
[mp3] Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance
[mp3] El Perro Del Mar - Glory to the World
Along with special guest and fellow Swede Anna Ternheim, El Perro Del Mar and Lykke Li will be performing at Schuba’s on Monday, May 12th @ 8:00pm, and tickets are $15.
Image above courtesy Dominick Mastrangelo: Lykke Li on May 8th at the Bowery Ballroom NYC.
- Jason Behrends |
Concert Fri May 09 2008
The North Carolina dirt road winds around trees and fields, and in the distance you see a beaten and decaying small white house with a wind torn roof and toothless fence. The sheep dog in the front yard barks twice to warn you of what lays ahead. Proceeding cautiously, you begin to hear the faint strums of guitar and banjo, and what seams to be a gospel choir. As you get closer the vocals reverse, bells sound, wheels spin clicking the pegs, cow bells and whistles, the dog is barking, wind chimes, noise explodes all around. You stand still to listen, but the noises fade to rain and static. You enter the house scared and confused. A pick-up truck pulls away and speeds down the highway. This is the sound of
Megafaun.
Megafaun is brothers Brad and Phil Cook, along with high school friend Joe Westerlund. The trio moved to North Carolina in 2005 along with friend and band mate (DeYarmond Edison) Justin Vernon (you know, Bon Iver). The band broke up in 2006 and Justin returned to their native Wisconsin to become an indie blog darling. The three remained in NC to allow the culture and musical history to clearly erode their minds. They released their debut LP Bury the Square back in February, and it is filled with down south little gospel ditties and sing-along folk tunes. But there is a catch, laced within the tracks is a deep-rooted love for electronics and noise. That’s right, call it pushing limits, or genre bending, or whatever, just called it quality music.
[mp3] Megafaun - Lazy Suicide
Their goal in performing is to get the crowd involved, so be prepared to sing and clap. Megafaun will be performing this Sunday, May 11th @ The Hideout. Also appearing are Jon Mueller and The Paulina Hollers. 9:00pm $8
- Jason Behrends |
Concert Thu May 08 2008
Out the myriad or so one-week sensations to emerge from last year's blizzard of blogworld buzz, "Let's Make Out" by the U.K. band Does It Offend It You, Yeah? was one of the more noteworthy. As a guitar-heavy blast of electro house hot-dogginess, it strutted, it swaggered, it stomped and shrieked a lust-choked screed that dizzily collapsed into borderline gibberish. Even better, it threw in a riff copped from Iron Butterfly in the big-finish homestretch and -- if you tilted your head the right way -- you couldn't tell if the guy was screaming "Let's make out! Let's make out!" or "Let me go! Let me go!" on the chorus.
But that was mid-2007, which in Webtime may as well have been a decade ago. The band's debut album, You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into, finally appeared in the U.S. via Almost Gold Recordings in early April. From the sound of it, the guys are trying to cover as many bases as possible for the sake of targeting the charts and mounting the airwaves. Riotous Ed Banger-style electro house/dance-rock thumpers? Check. Copious amounts of vocoderized vocals? Check. A few hooky, sugary pop tunes thrown in to keep the girls happy? Check. But despite all the obvious tweaking and streamlining, it's clear the guys like to make noise -- both in terms of playing loud and energetically, and, well, just throwing some odd or amusical curveballs into the mix from time to time. Plus, they reportedly trot out a cover of Devo's "Whip It" for their live sets; so how's that for pandering gravitas?
DIOYY are playing at The Mansion next Tuesday night, May 13. They're opening up for the rowdy, raunchy ladies of the Floridian crunk/punk-hop outfit Yo Majesty, who've brought the boys on their current tour. Lately, Yo Majesty has been wrapping up work on their own debut full-length, which is purportedly due out on the U.S. division of Domino records some time this summer . Which means that fans can expect to hear a good amount of new material mixed in with previous faves like "Kryptonite Pussy" and "Club Action." 2408 N. Kedzie. Shows starts at 8 PM, tickets are $13.
[video]: Does It Offend You, Yeah? - "Let's Make Out"
[video]: Does It Offend You, Yeah? - "With A Heavy Heart..." (live)
- Graham Sanford |
Review Thu May 08 2008
Its unfair to say The Mobius Band didn't leave an impression on people last night - as my memory serves me, they played a great set, got the crowd pretty enthused, and received some pretty strong applause for a third-billed act. But even they had an air of goofiness about them, knowing that as much as they won people over last night (which they did), they were standing in the shadow of some huge buzz.
The Black Kids, if you have never seen them, are one of the least likely groups of kids you would ever expect to see in a band. The two girl vocalists look like pretty down to earth, friendly gals (even when Ali Youngblood asked the audience "Do you want me to be "private dancer" or "sexy dancer" tonight?). Lead singer Reggie Youngblood looks a lot more like Rembrandt from the Warriors than he does Keke Okereke, but damned if his pipes aren't powerful things, ranging from Psycho Killer to Psycho shower-scream in seconds, and employed only precisely when needed. With a handful of new songs sandwiching their four-song EP's gems, the Kids proved they were still fresh with material (Hell, they better be after four songs). After the crowd-pleasing "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You", the band slipped in one more, a new song that rocked so hard this writer couldn't even be bothered to remember it's name.
Cut Copy took the stage shortly after midnight, the crowd packed dense around them and riding high off of the Black Kids' set. They apologized for having been away from the Windy City for two years, and immediately set into pieces from their new album.
Surprisingly, the Cut Copy set ended up being a song or two short of the Black Kids - a few singles from the old album and the hits of the new album, finishing the audience off with "Hearts on Fire" and instantly cranking the whole dance floor up from inspired swaying to a bouncing, head-banging dance party. The crowd refused to let them leave, and after a believably long encore wait, they came out and performed three more to cap off the night, ending with another dance-floor ignition in "Far Away".
The Black Kids gals waved goodbye to everyone as they passed the merch table, and even as they left the crowd chattered away on the patio waiting for rides or just reminiscing on a great night.
- Dan Morgridge |
Concert Thu May 08 2008
Prepare for the Dirty South to get far filthier: Yo Majesty's coming to town.
The bombastic duo have been rocking everyone's world since their first appearance in the hip-hop and indie scenes seven years ago. When I talked to singer Jwl B. and MC Shunda K., they were ridiculously excited about their upcoming album, hopefully due this summer. As Jwl eloquently put it, "I’m going tell you now, woman to woman: Child, you ain’t even ready. I thought I was ready, and it’s my own shit!" Check out the full interview here.
Believe the hype. Check out hip hop's new queen bees at their show with Does It Offend You, Yeah? on Tuesday, May 13 at the Mansion.
- Kara Luger |
Concert Wed May 07 2008
The genre of instrumental rock as a whole can be a very challenging listen. Even for fans of electronic music, this genre can feel as if it is missing something. At least the DJ/producer can twist another knob, push another button, and take the sound to another level. If not done properly, the drone doesn’t stop, doesn’t move, it just floats along without change or emotion. We have all sat through that song anticipating vocals, hoping for anything resembling a melody, and getting nothing but boredom.
DeKalb product Loose Lips Sink Ships are an instrumental band, but they are anything but boring. Creating elaborate soundscapes that pound and weave, this young band has already demonstrated an ability to create powerful songs, and perform a fascinating show. They make the wall of sound they create seem almost effortless. Their debut ep (EP 1) proved they could combine sold rhythms, offbeat samples, and drifting atmospherics. Performing several shows in the area, Matthew Frank, Conor Mackey, Steve Marek, and Jacob Boulay have jelled as a group and solidified their adventurous sound.
Continue reading this entry»
- Jason Behrends |
Concert Wed May 07 2008
As the alt-pop-indie scene continues its regurgitation of the musical past, it's only natural that it embrace the slow, syrupy sounds of shoegazer rock. It's with great interest and not a little trepidation that audiophiles everywhere got all a-twitter when it was announced that seminal shoegazers My Bloody Valentine are not only recording a new album, but are also touring for the first time in 16 years. MBV reunion pro: Awesome, boundary-breaking music played live with the original bandmembers. Con: Frontman Kevin Shields already called it quits once due to some sort of breakdown -- here's to hoping he doesn't Sly Stone on us.
Consider it the Russian roulette of the cardigan-wearing crowd. The show is on Sept. 27 at the Aragon. Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. this Saturday through Ticketmaster.
- Kara Luger |
Review Wed May 07 2008
When the summed lore of band members precedes every mention of the band, it's usually a sign that the band doesn't stand close to previous bands that the members have been in. Not surprisingly, this is the case with Night Marchers and especially their debut album See You in Magic. It has a lot of moments reminiscent of the punk/post-hardcore sound that these people have toned over time, but it's never quite as cohesive as is now expected from such an esteemed collective. Then again, it's becoming nearly impossible for John Reis, Gar Wood and Jason Kourkounis to top output from their previous bands. (Quebecois newcomer Tommy Kitsos of CPC Gangbangs hasn't had quite the history that his bandmates have, but that could change if he keeps his current company.)
However, one not great album isn't enough to keep fans away from these dynamic performers live. As anyone who's seen Rocket From the Crypt or Hot Snakes or Burning Brides (or any other band that these people have been in) knows, the presentation can do wonders for the source material. And that was clear to the nearly capacity audience at Schubas on Sunday as Night Marchers brought down the house sounding heavier and crisper than they do on See You in Magic. This was especially evident early on when Reis, Wood, Kourkounis (one of the hardest drummers I've ever seen) and Kitsos were totally locked in on "In Dead Sleep." The deserved thunderous reception led Reis to remark, "You're right. That was awesome. For once we see eye to eye." From then on the foursome ripped through the rest of the album plus songs from the "Scene Report" single with nary a slip. With inspiration from "Paint It Black", "And I Keep Holding On" closed out the night with a wallop of guitars. From this group, I expected nothing less.
San Diego's Muslims opened with an intriguing set showcasing their love for rock'n'roll like Nuggets and punk like the Modern Lovers. (Oh, and Night Marchers had a fine merch table draw with Reis handstamping 7" records on demand.)
- James Ziegenfus |
Concert Wed May 07 2008
Considering that they've only been active for just over three years, the Chicago-based trio Russian Circles has managed to rack up a high ratio of praise throughout the webzine community in a short period of time. It seems there's something unique about the group's music that resonates with those who've heard it. The band's 2006 debut album, Enter, met with enthused accolades across the board, and quickly the landed them a slot on the top of the bill at Drowned In Sound's End-of-Summer festival in London last August. With the pending arrival of their sophomore LP, Station, Russian Circles are set to kick off another tour, beginning with a record-release party and a headlining set at Subterranean this Saturday evening.
Continue reading this entry»
- Graham Sanford |
Concert Wed May 07 2008
Tatsu Aoki is one of Chicago's musical treasures hidden in plain sight. Born in Japan, he moved to the United States to pursue a career as a jazz musician and landed in Chicago, where has been an active participant ever since. In addition to his association with many AACM musicians, he has been instrumental in developing an Asian American jazz scene here in Chicago, which serves as an extended branch of the music's original home base of San Francisco. Aoki is not only a musician, also serving as an organizer in his role as Executive Director of Asian Improv Arts Midwest, an organization whose existence testifies to the diversity of Chicago's music scene.
So what is Asian American jazz? Well, as you might guess given the incredible diversity of music from the continent of Asia, it means different things to different people. In Tatsu Aoki's Miyumi Project, it includes a driving rhythmic foundation of taiko drumming, combined with Aoki's own hypnotic bass lines and unique compositional aesthetic. The results are nothing short of joyous and propulsive, and the element of jazz is introduced by the talented improvisers Aoki enlists in his ensemble. Aoki himself is the glue that holds it all together, a grounding element both through his bass playing and vision as a composer.
Continue reading this entry»
- Daniel Melnick |
Concert Tue May 06 2008
If you kind of sort of live in the past musically, whether it's 1984 or 2004, tragically holding onto those New Order tapes or waxing poetically about the time you were in New York and electroclash was big, then get yourself to the Abbey Pub tomorrow night. Cut Copy, from Melbourne, released In Ghost Colours in March and they're touring America for just a bit before heading back to the land down under. Recorded with DFA's Tim Goldsworthy, the album is on par with the quality you would expect from DFA and word is the live shows are intense even if electronic music isn't your thing. The band often describes their sound as disco, but there are so many sounds and moods on their albums that calling it a collage would be more accurate. One thing is for sure with this new direction, singer Dan Whitford is front and center leaving any ambiguities or simmering lyrics on the cutting room floor. Expect a more personable band, which is a rare find in the electronic/DJ/future-robot music that typically haunts the dance floor.
So re-watch 24 Hour Party People, get your hair aqua-fresh, and party like Reagan is still in office. The first show is all ages with Black Kids opening at 6:30pm. The second show is 18+ and starts at 10pm with Mobius Band as well as Black Kids opening. Both shows are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. You can purchase tickets here or at the Abbey Pub (3420 W. Grace at Elston).
- Mitchell Bandur |
Album Tue May 06 2008
I tried to express that true Chicago soul sound, and natural feeling. Just giving thanks to being from the south side and Chicago overall.” ~ Radius
When everyone was talking about this coast or that coast, Chicago hip-hop was brewing deep in the basements and warehouses, surround by house and jazz and blues. Waiting for the day that the world would finally allow them a moment to explain where they come from. Even though the roots of Chicago hip-hop date back to the early ‘80’s with acts like OZ & the D.V.S. Crew, Sugar Ray Dinki, Cassius D, and Shakespeare, and on into the ‘90’s with Twista, Kinetic Order, Common, The Molemen, and so on, it took someone like Kayne West to allow the casual fan to dig through crates, both past and present, of Chicago hip-hop. There is a rich history in this city, but more then just hip-hop, Chicago has soul. Deep in the walls and sidewalks, in every neighborhood, at every El stop, there is an ever-present soul that vibrates the windows and moves the youth.
Continue reading this entry»
- Jason Behrends |
News Mon May 05 2008
Only a couple years after Daniel Barenboim's departure from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Riccardo Muti has been named as music director. He will officially take over the position for the 2010-2011 season. Muti's most notable tenures have been with the Philadelphia Orchestra and La Scala. He has also been a guest conductor with numerous European orchestras, as well as the New York Philharmonic.
Perhaps taking a dig at Barenboim's displeasure with the music director's role in fundraising, Muti remarked on his openness to community relations, stating, "This is the most exciting part of the position of the music director." Although, Muti himself arrives with some baggage following his late turmoil at La Scala that effectively ended after a no-confidence vote from musicians and staff.
- James Ziegenfus |
Concert Mon May 05 2008
It’s hard to believe that with all the hype surrounding Tokyo Police Club, they only released their debut LP, Elephant Shell, two weeks ago. With only a couple of EP’s on their resume, the band has already played Coachella and Glastonbury, and will headline a set at the Metro tonight. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of another band that coincided the release of their debut album with an appearance on David Letterman. Even Vampire Weekend had to wait until after their LP to get on SNL.
All this is either a testament to the speed of the Internet or to the greatness of Tokyo Police Club. We’ve all heard the electric keyboards and frenetic drumming backed by youthful vigor before (The Go! Team, CYHSY), but nobody can hide under the spotlight and tonight we will see if this band is worth its Canadian salt. But the real reason (or hipster excuse) to venture out to the Metro tonight is to catch Maps & Atlases, our city's experiment in energy and pop. They seem to be a good fit to open for TPC, but I wish these guys would get some love on the headlining level. So come early and support your scene.
Tokyo Police Club plays tonight at Metro with Smoosh and Chicago’s Maps and Atlases. Tickets are $15, the show is 18+, and doors open at 7pm. You can order tickets online here.
- Mitchell Bandur |
The wind whips through the small openings between the sky filling buildings at alarming speeds in this city. I know the origin of the term “windy”, but still the strength of the wind is quite measurable and substantial. So much so that it may on occasion slam doors, knock over trees, break the fingers of freshly signed rock trios, etc. That’s right the day after signing to 54-40 or Fight Records!, lead singer and guitar player of The Interiors, Chase Duncan had a metal door slam shut on his hand. At this point they had only self-released an ep, and needed to begin work on their full-length debut. Instead they spent most of 2007 on hiatus while Chase recovered.
