Review Wed Nov 27 2013

InnerVisionists Share Their Vision: An EP in Review

By Sarah Brooks

The first time I saw an InnerVisionists live show was this past summer, at a dive bar a few blocks away from my apartment. As I headed over there, I honestly didn't know what to expect pertaining to their sound, as honestly sometimes I prefer to listen to a new group without hearing their music prior. There are no preconceived notions as to how I will react to the sound, or what I will think. I'm merely submerged by the sound, as I let it wash over me and fade out.

Hearing InnerVisionists' unique sound for the first time absolutely stunned me. Their sound is a blend of many different musical styles, subverting the notion of a band needing to fit into one unique category. Their sound was merely unable to be typecast, as they jaunted from hip hop with elements of jazz, to funk, to rock, and back again. The crowd that was once seated in booths and not fully engaged with the music prior was now attentive and watchful, with many members of the audience dancing and tapping their feet along to the new sound present before them. The duration of their set flew by, and it ended with grins plastered to the faces of many audience members; Innervisionists had gained some new fans.

Their self-defined genre description includes "whatever we feel," and honestly, that is perfectly stated. Two separate listens to two different songs and one could wonder, "is this the same band?" and I mean this in an extremely positive way. To clarify, they don't lose their sound at all. They keep their sound fresh, lively, and not once is it boring. Innovative sounds and styles are utilized to their fullest, as they mix it up and keep listeners on their toes.

As a fledgling local group, they're one of the strongest and most eccentric that I've heard in some time. I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to review their new EP, which they are having a release party for this Friday.

InnerVisionists' self-titled EP opens with my favorite track, "Strive." A poignant spoken word intro begins the song, speaking of artistry and individuality. This is your life / So live it right / According to design / in your mind. A funky guitar riff in the background ascends above a steady drum beat, as the song becomes jazzy at points, as well. The funk progresses and provides a solid intro: a subtle introduction to the group's sound and their craft itself. "You can only take if you plan to give," the spoken word intro resurfaces. The meaning of life is speculated, articulated by a distinct message, repeated over and over again as the song grows louder, almost more aggressive, driving the meaning home. Layer upon layer builds as the song turns into a frenzy, but one that is welcomed. The song travels full circle and shows a portrait of the group's creativity and innovation that is present within their sound.

The classic El train "door closing" message starts off the next song, "CTA" (Chicagoans, you know what message I'm talking about as it is basically ingrained into our brains, maybe a little too much if we're every day commuters). Reggae elements emerge as the song becomes almost a heavy metal and reggae-infused jam. The song's subject matter is perhaps what you may expect, a story of going through the CTA, more specifically, waiting for the CTA. As much as the group is about innovation, the EP also illuminates the group's affinity for Chicago itself; I know even after time away from the city, I'm overjoyed to be able to take the El train again, even if it had been the bane of my existence the previous week. The "doors closing" message serves not only as a reminder to step on or off the train, but serves a comfort, a reminder that you're home. This song showcases the group's identity: musicians, and Chicagoans.

The frenetic "CTA" is juxtaposed by "No Games," peppered with more jazz and funky, but still a highly energized song. Light bongo drums emerge from the backdrop, and the vocals again are delivered saturated with meaning. Innervisionists are one-of-a-kind because of their magic musical combination of blending styles, and imparting wisdom. Hearing their lyrics is peering into a piece of their souls, as they share lessons they have learned and beliefs they share with their listeners.

Samples introduce their closing ballad, more languid than their previous EP numbers. This is fitting as the song is indeed called "Bring Out The Spirits," a double entendre. A heavy rock theme feeds into the chorus again, as it grapples with themes of the afterlife, and, living each moment to the fullest. Giving a snapshot of days in a life, and honing in on the meaning of taking things day by day and living with intention, the Innervisionists close out their EP with introspection and deep meaning.

The four songs, though vastly different in style, present a signature sound that InnerVisionists have cultivated and grown. Juxtaposing between musical genres and presenting listeners with the dichotomy of lighter subject matter, such as taking public transit, with songs that wrestle with the meaning of life, Innervisionists show that they will have immense staying power within the music industry as they continue to hone in on their sound.

InnerVisionists will be debuting their EP to the public with a release party on Friday, November 29 at Multikulti, at 1000 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Beginning at 8pm, there is a $7 cover for the event.