Last Friday, Red Scare released a 17-song compilation titled 20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming, which of course commemorates the record label’s 20th anniversary. In addition to the compilation, they’re also marking the event with release shows this month in Chicago, Wisconsin, Portland, Seattle and Las Vegas. We recently spoke with label cofounder Toby Jeg about reaching this impressive milestone. We discussed how he went about putting this compilation together, what he’s looking forward to about the upcoming release parties, the future of Red Scare and more.
Semi-Famous began as a fictional band from the 2001 book Weasels in a Box, which was authored by Screeching Weasel co-founder and guitarist John “Jughead” Pierson. With the book being rereleased on paperback, as well as made available on audiobook for the first time, it was decided to turn Semi-Famous into an actual band. Pierson explained, “Originally, Chris Barrows, the singer from the Pink Lincolns, put out a photo book of all the pictures that he’s taken of bands over the years. That was put out by Rare Bird Lit. Chris referred me to Tyson Cornell, who runs Rare Bird Lit. Tyson and I decided to rerelease Weasels in a Box, which hadn’t had another pressing in something like 20 years. Then he came to me and said, ‘Hey, why don’t we put out a seven-inch of that band Semi-Famous who’s like Screeching Weasel in the book?’ I said, ‘That’s a pretty cool idea. We could put it out on Duck Records, which was Lookout! Records in the book. And we could have Christopher Appelgren do the cover, just like he did for all the Lookout! stuff.’”
Last month, Sludgeworth released their first new music in over 30 years, a two-song EP titled Together Not Together. In 2022, the band reunited after a decades-long hiatus, when Red Scare Industries reissued their classic album, Losers of the Year. To help commemorate the long out-of-print record being available once again, they played a show at Cobra Lounge in April of 2023. It was during rehearsals for this show that new music began to surface.
When detailing how the new songs came about, drummer Brian McQuaid explained “It was really just kind of reconnecting with everybody. Part of the reason that subsequent shows happened is because we discovered that we missed each other. I know it sounds kind of fluffy, but I think everybody felt really good being around each other again.” Singer Dan Schafer continued, “Yeah, it’s funny because they said, ‘Oh, we got a new idea’ and I’m like, ‘Oh hell no.’ Then they sent it over and immediately the words and a melody, the ‘together not together’ popped in my head and I’m like, ‘Oh shit.’ I knew right then and it just changed everything. It was really effortless. It literally just came out of them and it came out of me. We could either move forward with it or set it off to the side, but it didn’t seem right to do that, so here we are.”
This Saturday, Sludgeworth will celebrate the release of their new EP with a sold-out show at the Beat Kitchen. When asked about the event, McQuaid said “Since that first show at Cobra, I think every show we’ve played has gotten better and better. Also, there was a real energy in the room that night at Cobra and I’m hoping to feel that again at Beat Kitchen. It’s a tight room and I think that has something to do with it. You see all these people that you haven’t seen in years or decades. It’s almost like a family affair, so that’s the vibe I’m looking for.”
Regarding next steps, the band shared that they plan to maintain their weekly practice schedule, with hopes of recording a new full-length this fall. While Schafer resides in downstate Illinois, he often collaborates with the rest of the band over email. “They usually record their rehearsals and then they’ll send them to me. I listen to it and I’ve been sending some ideas to them as well. We’ve been doing this kind of back and forth. They get together every week, so they sound pretty tight,” he said. McQuaid concluded the discussion by reflecting on the current state of the band. He said, “We’re all older now, so we’ve got kids and stuff. For a while, we had this life that was just like making sure that your kid stays alive and you pay the bills, and that was pretty much it. And then this came along and it’s a big hit again. So, I’m really grateful for that. I think we’re going to hold on to this for as long as we possibly can.”
Hot Water Music released their tenth studio album, VOWS, earlier this month and this year also marks the band’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, they’ve crafted what is perhaps their most consistent record since 2002’s Caution. All of HWM’s choicest characteristics remain intact, with the addition of some modern influences and superb production, thereby elevating their tried-and-true formula to new heights.
“Searching for Light” addresses the different stages of life and how one’s views can change and evolve over time. It has a patient yet intense chorus, while the words clearly ring out, (“All the lessons turn into questions / Weighed down by the darkness, searching for light / All the lessons turn into questions / Break down, break down left to fertilize”). “Burn Forever” is led by singer/guitarist Chris Cresswell and features a buzzing, rhythmic guitar lead in its intro. The verse has somewhat of a post-punk feel before it transitions to the main hook, where a host of vocalists convey a sense of urgency. “After the Impossible” is one of the most beautiful songs that the band has ever written and contains especially heartfelt lyrics. Singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan is both vulnerable and hopeful, as he expresses a desire to hold out for something truly special, refusing to settle for anything less.
“Remnants” boasts contributions from singer Brendan Yates and drummer Daniel Fang of Turnstile, who named their band after a Hot Water Music song. The track illuminates the expert musicianship of HWM’s rhythm section, and presents a modern rock chorus that sounds like a natural progression for the band. “Bury Us All” is an extremely well-crafted song, with lyrics and music that mesh perfectly together. Its words are strikingly honest and speak of searching for comfort and stability in an uncertain world. VOWS concludes with “Much Love,” a triumphant love letter to the band’s fans. There’s a deep sentiment of gratitude, as they give thanks for the community that the band and their fans have built together over the years, (“So much in life won’t stay the same / But this right here will never change / We’ll raise a glass to you and sing / Much love, much love”).
The efforts of producer Brian McTernan on this record cannot be overstated. He brought together an array of guest musicians and varying influences, and was able to fuse all of these elements to create a unified vision. In short, the album flows incredibly well and sounds brilliant. In many ways, VOWS is peak Hot Water Music. Those who’ve ever enjoyed any of the band’s previous material shouldn’t wait to check this out.
While it’s been over five years since they released new music, Restorations have returned with a new sense of focus and sounding like they were never on any sort of hiatus. This self-titled record takes elements from each of their previous full-lengths and adds a host of new ideas, resulting in the band’s strongest and most confident album yet. The first song, “Field Recordings,” manages to contain most all of the record’s positive traits. It has a unique structure that doesn’t follow typical patterns, a multitude of layers and expert use of dynamics. It also highlights their distinctive ability to sing about timely social issues, but do so in a way that’s not obvious. The song even finds a way to incorporate an anthemic chorus and closes with an outro of guitar leads that wash over the listener like repeated waves.
“Film Maudit” features a slight folk vibe in its guitar work, but is contrasted with a persistent, head-bopping rhythm. There’s also a serene part in the middle section, where the song quiets to just a clean guitar lead. It’s here that the track almost shifts entirely, but it’s flawlessly executed and doesn’t seem disjointed in any way. The vocal range of singer/guitarist Jon Loudon is on display throughout, with lyrics that talk about abandoning a fight you can’t win. It doesn’t advocate giving up, but instead expresses a desire to simply no longer play the game. “Big, Dumb” begins with an electronic intro and random background noise that eventually segues to a soft piano section. After a few bars the entire band comes careening in and is rocking out at full force. Loudon sings, “Aren’t you tired of being lonely? Aren’t you tired of being mean?” and it rings like a snapshot of our everyday life. Other standouts include the fuzzy riffs on “Cured,” the layered backing vocals in the chorus of “800” and the overlapping guitar leads on “Someone Else’s Dream.”
The album’s last entry, “Charm,” appropriately presents a reflective tone. There’s a static-like effect on the vocals in the verse, which possibly symbolizes distractions or outside noise. However, undistorted vocals emerge in the chorus and provide clarity. The lyrics have a sense of longing for the simplicity of the past, but at the same time knowing there’s no going back. The song fittingly ends with Loudon repeating, “Don’t look away now,” urging the listener not to be afraid of embracing the future.
It’s a rare feat when a band can take this sort of break and resume without skipping a beat, let alone create their defining record. Restorations have somehow done just that and their return is undoubtedly one of the most welcomed surprises of the year.
Last fall, Chicago’s Chicken Happen released their fourth full-length, the aptly-titled Chicken Happen IV. We recently spoke with singer/keyboardist Lilly Choi and talked about the album’s writing process, which led to a significant stylistic shift for the band. For the first time ever, they opted to write on piano, as opposed to guitar, resulting in a record that blends a variety of genres into an especially cohesive effort. The band’s lineup is rounded out by bassist Zack Hjelmstad and drummer Mark Gianforte, and the album also features guest vocal and guitar contributions from longtime friend Chris Sutter, (Meat Wave, Truman & His Trophy). Additionally, we conversed with Choi about what enabled her to embrace this change in style, the lyrical journey of the record, their plans for 2024 and more.
Last week, Alkaline Trio released their tenth studio album and first for Rise Records, titled Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs. It marks the first time since Maybe I’ll Catch Fire that the band wrote the majority of the record in the same room together, and this approach proved to be highly beneficial. Despite it being over five years since the release of their last full-length, Alkaline Trio has returned sounding energized and laser-focused.
The album kicks off with “Hot for Preacher,” which is built around a ripping, metal-inspired guitar riff. It’s a fast-paced opener that’s meticulously arranged, but the band sounds very much at ease regardless of the complex structure. “Meet Me” features a rhythm-heavy verse that has a nice interplay between the bass and drums. Its airy chorus is unapologetically catchy, while the lyrics paint a picture of a not-too-distant dystopian future. “Versions of You” finds singer/bassist Dan Andriano assuming lead vocal responsibilities and starts off unhurried, but builds to a frantic chorus. Its peak comes when the vocals shift from Andriano to singer/guitarist Matt Skiba, only for Andriano to return with both vocalists providing overlapping leads as the song ends.
“Bad Time” presents a bouncy verse with a pronounced, palm-muted guitar lead. Drummer Derek Grant leads the charge on this track, providing creative and powerful drumming throughout. It also boasts a superb vocal performance from Skiba and is likely the biggest jam on the record. “Break” begins with definite shades of Good Mourning, set against a chorus that’s hyper-melodic. There are seamless transitions from verse to chorus and back again, making this song feel as though it was written in a very natural manner. The title track is an example of the band not overthinking it and just having fun. It has a huge, sing-along chorus and the accompanying video sees the band fighting zombies in a skatepark and even has a cameo from skating legend Steve Caballero.
The album concludes with “Broken Down in a Time Machine,” a straightforward Danny entry that sounds like it could’ve easily been included on From Here to Infirmary, and “Teenage Heart.” The latter is especially haunting, with lyrics that critique the gun violence epidemic and opioid crisis in America, (“All I want for Christmas is an AR-15 / My stocking stuffed with fentanyl”). The song again observes Skiba and Andriano trading lead vocals, but fittingly draws to a close with both singing in unison.
Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs is arguably the strongest Alkaline Trio album since 2005’s Crimson. It was recorded at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 with Grammy award-winning producer Cameron Webb and sounds phenomenal. It’s also Derek Grant’s final recording with the band, as they split amicably after completing the record, and he more than did his part to go out on a high note. This album illustrates that not only is Alkaline Trio back, but that they still have plenty of new ideas and a lot left in the tank.
The Menzingers released their seventh studio album last month and in doing so, have retained their signature characteristics, while simultaneously breaking new ground. With much of their previous lyrical content rooted in nostalgia, this record deals more with events taking place in the present. There’s also an increased amount of confidence in the songwriting, which helps the songs to naturally sound more a bit more mature.
Album opener “Hope is a Dangerous Little Thing” places singer/guitarist Greg Barnett’s vocals front and center, and he continues to evolve and improve with each record. In many ways this song is classic Menzingers, infectious and catchy, but an older, wiser version of the band. “There’s No Place in This World for Me” finds them in top form, seamlessly blending punk and heartland rock. There’s even a sing-along outro that evokes hints of Naked Raygun.
“Nobody Stays” is an energetic entry, led by singer/guitarist Tom May, and one that mixes indie and alt-rock influences in a really unique way. Its lyrics talk about how nothing is permanent and the importance of enjoying the moment, and this theme is reinforced throughout the album. “Try” is another song penned by May and it’s steered by a phenomenal guitar lead that conjures memories of their second album, Chamberlain Waits. It features guitar leads that spring at the listener from all angles and sounds like a modern interpretation of their early years.
“Come on Heartache” is an expertly-crafted, midtempo number and likely one of the best songs they’ve written to date. Barnett petitions against having his heart broken again, while the band sounds especially comfortable moving at a slower pace. It’s the sort of song that years from now could likely be looked back on as a major turning point for the band. Other songs that successfully employ new influences include “Ultraviolet,” “Alone in Dublin” and “I Didn’t Miss You (Until You Were Gone).”
Some of It Was True sees The Menzingers growing up, but not in a way that’s necessarily predictable. They continue to push their sound and lyrics further, and do so with purpose. Ultimately, this is a record that not only effectively ties together their previous efforts, but one that positions them for a favorable future.
Last month, Sincere Engineer released their third full-length and second for Hopeless Records, titled Cheap Grills. The record represents a new high-water mark for the band, with everything from the writing to the performances, as well as the production, being taken up a significant notch. Longtime fans can rest assured too, as their patented brand of humor and seamless blend of punk and Midwest emo remain present in abundance. We spoke with singer/guitarist Deanna Belos on the day that Cheap Grills was released. We discussed the album’s writing process and what it was like recording out of state in Massachusetts. We also talked about the inspiration for the record’s title, the band’s experience playing Lollapalooza this summer, their plans for a hometown record release show and more.
Earlier this year, Dave Hause released his sixth full-length, Drive It Like It’s Stolen. Hause has described the record as “post-apocalyptic Americana” and this term couldn’t be more spot-on, as many of the songs describe a dystopian future that isn’t far removed from the current state of America. The album’s first song, “Cheap Seats (New Years Day, NYC, 2042),” is quick to set the stage, utilizing a sparse arrangement, (only keyboards, a drum machine and vocals) to depict a society on the brink of collapse. It’s almost like Hause’s farewell to a way of life that can no longer be sustained. The song’s highpoint comes during its final minute, when the full band kicks-in with some serious Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers vibes.
“Pedal Down” continues the storyline, illustrating a hasty exodus for a presumably safer, more remote location. There’s a beautiful section where the dust settles and it’s just vocals and piano. Then the drums and added percussion crop up, helping to tie everything together. (“Is anyone out there? Is this thing on? / The temple is sacked and the healers are gone / You’ll turn into a pillar of salt if you dare turn around”). The mood shifts with the next entry, “Damn Personal,” which is one of the most rousing, catchiest songs that Hause has ever written. It contrasts upbeat instrumentation with somber lyrics, and really hits home if you’ve ever lost a close friend unexpectedly. It definitely pulls at the heartstrings, but ultimately celebrates great memories shared with a friend who’s gone too soon.
“Low” is a proficiently-crafted pop song that employs a slight country influence to examine a partner’s loyalty, while “Hazard Lights” features slightly comedic lyrics that add a bit of levity to a tempting situation. The latter addresses Hause’s sobriety and is yet another example of his innate ability to write about deeply personal matters, but do so in a way that it’s relatable for most anyone. (“Let me get you home, I’m weakest on the weekend / My Bambi knees are knocking, my thirst is steady creeping / I can’t turn you down, I can’t be alone / So I’m hearing you out with the hazard lights on”).
The title track is moody and groove-oriented, and deals with the battle that we’re all in against Father Time. It centers around Hause’s unique vocal delivery and the chorus evokes imagery of a hazy California sunset. The hook also reflects one of the album’s primary themes, the fact that there’s no turning back and that we shouldn’t fear an unknown future, but rather embrace it.
Catch Dave Hause this Friday, October 6th at Space in Evanston. He’ll be celebrating the tenth anniversary of Devour at this show and plans to play the album in its entirety, (along with other songs as well). Doors open at 7:00 PM and tickets are available here.
Last Friday, The Darién Gap released their debut EP, titled Haunted Lots. The band features Brian Moss, (The Ghost, Hanalei, Great Apes) on vocals and guitars, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Thompson, who plays bass, drums, guitars, and contributes vocals. This collection of songs is decidedly solid from start to finish, with a good degree of variance and detailed arrangements. In brief, it doesn’t sound remotely like this band’s first offering.
The opening track, “Looking,” blends a host of different influences into something that’s undeniably catchy, but not predictable in the least. There’s a good mix of punk and midwestern emo, and there’s also a strong undercurrent of aggression. “Albany Bowl” is an upbeat entry, reminiscent of Reunion Tour-era Weakerthans. The drumming fortifies this song with creative fills, establishing a sense of carefree abandon. “Bad Comment” employs more of a post-punk influence, with a smooth vocal pattern that twists and turns through a nontraditional, almost angular verse. The chord progression in the bridge conjures shades of classic Chicago punk and then somehow seamlessly transitions back to the guitar riffs from the verse, which is no small feat.
“The Shroud” possesses an anthemic chorus that’s suggestive of Samiam in terms of how huge the hook is. It’s memorable after only one listen and is executed in a very clever way. The final song, “I Wish I Didn’t Wish,” has an interesting juxtaposition of melody and major chords, coupled with lyrics that talk of the ongoing destruction of our planet. It’s hard not to listen to and picture images of the recent Maui wildfire. There’s also an effective use of dynamics where the song builds to a heavier part and then segues to a long section with just clean guitar leads. The vocals eventually return, almost like they’re leading the listener out of a bad spot and into the clearing. It’s as though you’re being ushered out of the darkness, which is a pretty ideal place to conclude a record at.
Haunted Lots is by all accounts an impressive debut and one that reveals new intricacies with each listen. A variety of styles are on display throughout this EP, yet it still retains a feeling of cohesion and identity. It’s that trait in particular that makes the prospect of any future material from The Darién Gap especially exciting.
This Friday, a compilation titled Godspeed… A Tribute to Pierre Kezdy will be released, with 100% of profits donated directly to the family of the late Naked Raygun bassist. The album features Hot Water Music, Face to Face, J. Robbins, Swingin’ Utters, The Methadones, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes, and others, all contributing their own renditions of Naked Raygun songs. Kezdy sadly passed away from cancer in October of 2020 and this tribute album consists of cover songs from artists who were influenced and inspired by Naked Raygun.
On Saturday, July 22nd, the 1991 – 1994 lineup of Blue Meanies will play the Concord Music Hall, marking the first time this configuration of the band has been together in 29 years. This particular era of Blue Meanies was led by bassist Jay Vance, who brought together Tony Aimone, Jim Cooley, Jimmy Flame, John Paul Camp III, Dave Smith, Chaz Linde, and Billy Spunke. This lineup was responsible for the Peace Love Group and Kiss Your Ass Goodbye LPs, as well as the Pave the World EP, before ultimately parting ways in ’94.
We recently spoke with singer Billy Spunke and talked about how this reunion of sorts came about. He explained, “Jump Up Records had messaged me directly, asking to reissue some old material and play a show around it. I forwarded the message to the Meanies group chat, who quickly responded unanimously that a show was long overdue and that it sounded like a great way to see each other again. We all jumped on a Zoom call to chat further. It was the first time all of us had seen each other in 29 years, albeit virtually, and the chemistry was magic.”
Once the show was booked, Spunke and his bandmates went about familiarizing themselves with their old material. When asked about revisiting Blue Meanies’ catalog, Spunke said “There’s been a lot of discussion about what songs we’ll play from the Pave the World EP or the Kiss Your Ass Goodbye era. It’s fair to say that we’ve agreed to play all of the songs from those recordings, so when I began to rehearse the songs, it came as a surprise as to how much the songs had developed and changed between 1994 and 2001. The Full Throttle LP lineup pushed the tempos, volume and anger to its full potential. Listening to those early recordings reminded me that speed wasn’t a priority, but message, melody and musicianship were. We were all learning about ourselves as a group and as individuals, so there are a few moments in those original recordings that I wouldn’t mind turning back the clock and changing. I have surrendered to those tracks, mistakes and all, and can sing them and laugh at myself a little bit.” He continued, “Humility aside, I am somewhat beside myself that tracks like ‘Pave the World,’ ‘Tread,’ ‘Blah Blah Blah,’ and ‘Johnny Mortgage,’ to name a few, are still very relevant thirty years later. That current social relevance will give the show 100% more meaning than simple nostalgia.”
In terms of what he’s looking forward to most about the upcoming show, Spunke said “The band is spread out across the country and more than half of us will be flying in a few days early for some crash course rehearsing. The first place we will all see each other, be in the same room as each other, will be in the very basement where we wrote those old songs some 30 years ago. How cool is that?” He added, “When Blue Meanies and Riot Fest announced the show there was so much chatter from family, friends, and fans about seeing each other again. I realized then that the reunion is a catalyst for not just the members of the band to be together, but for old friends to come together too. The biggest surprise? Who you will run into at the show. There’s going to be a lot of hugging going on!” Blue Meanies will be joined by The Tossers, Weaker Youth Ensemble, and DJ Chuck Wren. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Earlier this month, The Bollweevils released their first studio album in over 25 years, titled Essential. We recently caught up with singer Dr. Daryl Wilson and talked about the extensive writing process for this record. We also discussed their time in the studio, what inspired some of the songs and their plans for the remainder of the year. By all accounts, Essential does a masterful job of capturing the energy, grit and enthusiasm of The Bollweevils’ live shows. It also blends their tried-and-true sound with influences from recent years, resulting in an album that truly represents the next chapter in their career. Be sure to catch The Bollweevils at their hometown record release show this Saturday, May 27th. They’re playing at Chop Shop with The Dopamines, The Reaganomics, Rad Payoff, and Butchered. Doors open at 7:00 PM and tickets can be purchased here.
In late March, Samiam released their first album in 12 years and first for Pure Noise Records, called Stowaway. Despite not issuing any new music for over a decade, they’ve returned sounding as though they never missed a beat. Stowaway retains the band’s signature sound, while adding contemporary touches and previously untapped influences. The end result is easily one of the most listenable albums that they’ve ever made.
“Crystallized,” the record’s second entry, is intricately built, but executed in a seemingly effortless manner. It also features a unique, descending riff that really fuels the entire song. “Lights Out Little Hustler” highlights the distinctive vocals of singer Jason Beebout and its lyrics speak of isolation, a theme that’s found throughout the record. (“What makes you so hard for me to find / When you’re right by my side. I look for you every day / Always something in the way”). The song also contains an especially cool breakdown at its midpoint with undistorted guitar leads. This particular section makes the listener feel like they’re instantly transported to a beach in northern California at dusk.
“Shoulda Stayed” is catchy from the onset and likely could’ve been an alternative radio hit in the ‘90s, while “Natural Disasters” has a danceable intro riff and does an excellent job of establishing mood. Its lyrics address climate change and the ongoing destruction of our planet, which is something the band has witnessed firsthand in their home state of California. “Something” is the most straightforward punk song on the album and evokes shades of “80 West” off of Trips. Its lyrics talk about the search for a better future and the song closes with a flood of guitar leads that hit from every direction.
Stowaway is every bit as solid as recent Samiam classics like Astray and Trips, and might even be slightly more consistent from start to finish. They’ve managed to preserve the characteristics they’re best known for, but also seamlessly inject new styles into their songwriting. The resulting record is one that’s loaded with catchy riffs and soaring choruses, with the band sounding as vital as ever.
Originally a printed zine from 1998 – 2004, our goal is to provide coverage of Chicago’s expansive independent music community, and to occasionally highlight some of our past work. National and international bands will be featured as well, but above all, we hope to create lasting content for music fans everywhere.
