Two Gallants Ring in MLK Day in Chicago

Walking into Lincoln Hall for the Two Gallants show last Sunday, the door guy informed us that it “might be crowded in there.” Easily grabbing a table on the second floor, I thought maybe the door guy was high… until Two Gallants took the stage. The main floor filled with fans eager to hear the [...]

Waters – Impressive Band, Unimpressive Tourists

While the jam-packed crowd at Lincoln Hall was clearly not well versed in the Waters song catalog, they were instantly silenced when the Norwegian/California/Brooklyn rockers took the stage, supporting Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and push their new and first album, Out in the Light.
After two songs, Waters front man Van Pierszalowski started chatting up [...]

Moonface and Spencer Krug at Lincoln Hall

With the small crowd gathered inside of Lincoln Hall last Wednesday, the evening became more of an intimate evening with Spencer Krug and friends.  The small group of concert-goers that clung anxiously to the stage, awaiting the arrival of a indie-fan favorite were taken into a melodious dream-sequence.  Each song melted into one another with [...]

Holcombe Waller Hits Chicago

Hearing Holcombe Waller’s Into the Dark Unknown is like stepping into a dream-sequence, story-boarded by man with just the right way with words.  His album, out last week on his own label, Napoleon Records, is filled with lush-strings, dramatic piano and vocals so serene, it’s hard not to believe you’re wandering through a semi-dream reality. [...]

Flogging Molly Whip St. Pats Hatred

It needs to be noted that for one Saturday every March, the city of Chicago dyes the river green and, in doing so, gives the “ok” to thousands of locals to get as drunk as they possibly can. Generally, the only function these Irish-for-the-day retain after the all-day festivities is the ability to continue drinking. [...]

Murder by Death Kills It In Chicago

Casual fans of Murder by Death are eager to mention the rockstar cellist, Sarah Balliet, and discuss the various forms of whiskey and pain found in their lyrics. True fans want to talk in verse to you, sparring lines back and forth like a trained swordsman. Crazy fans jump on stage to steal the set [...]

Flogging Molly Coming to Chicago

Though I have a fairly well documented disdain for St Patrick’s Day, I do enjoy the lead up to March 17. Days get longer, the weather perks up, and, for a lucky dozen or so cities, Flogging Molly comes through to stoke the local Celtic fires with their special brand of punk rock.

Wistful press shot…
Here [...]

Deerhoof Hits Chicago’s Bottom Lounge 2/15

On a thawing night in mid-February, only two weeks post-blizzard, Deerfhoof hit the Bottom Lounge to show Chicago exactly what they’re made of.  Opening their set with “Pinhead,” a Ramones’ cover, the band started off on an upbeat tone and kept that momentum throughout the rest of the show.  Playing songs from their extensive [...]

Guster Shines in Chicago at The Riviera Theater on 1/29

After releasing their first studio album in four years last year, Guster returned to the road early last month for a winter tour.  The band hit Chicago last weekend at The Riviera Theater and the venue was packed with new and old fans alike.
Filing onstage to music off of Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane [...]

Hipster DJs – Alienating Supporters and Haters Alike

On a recent Saturday evening, I met a pal at a local watering hole known for delicious cocktails and a small stage for local musicians. On a previous trip, this meant a band that was so excited to be able to play loudly that they drove most of us out to the patio where they [...]

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