Archives: February 2011
Against Me! @ Congress Theater
Photos by Katie Hovland
Bad Religion Interview, 2003
Bad Religion is one of punk rock’s longest-running and most revered acts. Over the years, they’ve sold millions of albums and influenced countless bands. By combining political and intelligent lyrics with three-part vocal harmonies, they created a signature sound that’s one of the most recognizable in all of punk. Several months ago, Bad Religion came through Chicago for a show at The Vic and we talked with bassist Jay Bentley. We conversed about the band’s latest album, The Process of Belief, their return to Epitaph and much more.
Continue Reading…Chixdiggit! – Safeways Here We Come
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 2/15/11
Chixdiggit! is back after more than a five-year wait since the release of their last album. For those unfamiliar with the band, they hail from Calgary and formed in 1990. They’re also one of pop punk’s best-kept secrets, led by KJ Jansen’s distinctive vocals, a penchant for badass guitar solos and quality if not often humorous songwriting. Thankfully, this EP does not disappoint, as it’s potentially the band’s best material since their stellar 1998 record, Born on the First of July. The first notable entry is “Swedish Rat”, which pokes fun at an ill-advised Nordic hairstyle and uses gang vocals and buzzing guitars to describe the questionable hairdo. “Found Love” is a lively song that admires newfound romance and playfully utilizes call and response vocals to solidify its hook. “Hot n Horny” is a 44-second tune that details Jansen’s sexual frustrations, and “I Hope Things Will Turn Around” showcases unexpectedly truthful lyrics, as well as the disc’s most memorable guitar work. Also included are songs about hating basketball, a friend’s dog and a Japanese noodle dish. With any luck, this EP is a good indication of what to expect from the next Chixdiggit! full-length. Safeways Here We Come is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys fun music and likes having a good time.
Against Me! Interview, 2004
Against Me! is the reluctant savior of punk rock. Their stripped-down, DIY sound is especially refreshing in today’s rehashed musical climate. Drawing from their southern roots, along with a heaping dose of old school punk, these guys make even the most cynical punk feel as though they were a teenager again. Against Me! could very well go down in history as one of punk rock’s most memorable bands. This interview was conducted via telephone with singer/guitarist Tom Gabel. Continue Reading…
Motörhead @ Congress
Photo by Katie Hovland
Bucket O’ Blood
Bucket O’ Blood is a book and record store that’s located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. Opened in early June of 2010, the store sells both new and used items, and specializes in science fiction, fantasy and horror novels. CDs and vinyl are offered as well, mostly consisting of genres like punk, metal and indie rock. Bucket O’ Blood is owned by Marc Ruvolo, who also operates Johann’s Face Records, and through the years has played in bands such as No Empathy, The Traitors, Das Kapital and more. His latest business venture is somewhat of a childhood dream, as the store combines two of Ruvolo’s longtime passions. The shop is nothing if not unique, and with any luck the initially favorable response will continue for years to come. Continue Reading…
Cobra Skulls – Bringing the War Home
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 1/18/11
This EP is nothing short of a barnburner and quite the Fat Wreck Chords debut for Cobra Skulls. Each song is more than memorable and this material easily supersedes almost all of what the band has done prior. Every track is layered, well-executed and plainly kicks ass. “Doomsday Parade” is a punchy, rhythmic number that employs a distinct chord progression and lyrics involving political and social unrest in Africa. It’s also the sort of song that would probably illicit plenty of crowd movement and participation in a live setting. “ICE in the Night” is a sunny-sounding rockabilly tune that deals with immigration, while “Hot Sand” uses giant riffs and a Clash-like vibe to talk about the media’s questionable reporting of America’s wars. “Give You Nothing” is a straightforward and honorable Bad Religion cover, and “Life In Vain”, the fifth and final entry, is a poppy ditty that’s possibly the best of the bunch. It’s a bouncy love song that laments a failed relationship and utilizes ska undertones, loads of sweet backing vocals and one hell of an infectious hook to get the job done. Potential listeners should not hesitate in purchasing Bringing the War Home. It contains zero filler and makes a strong case for Cobra Skulls likely ascending to become one of Fat’s bigger mainstay bands of the future.
Weezer @ Aragon Ballroom
Photo by Katie Hovland
Social D – Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes
Epitaph – Release Date: 1/18/11
It’s been seven years since the release of their last album, but Social Distortion is now back with a new record, entitled Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. By and large, it doesn’t stray far from their patented blend of punk, rockabilly and blues, though compared to 2004’s Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll, it clearly favors traditional rock influences more so than punk tendencies. The disc gets underway with an instrumental called “Road Zombie”, which features an aggressive tone and numerous impressive guitar solos. “Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown” opens with palm-muted guitar and the trademark snarl of legendary front-man Mike Ness, and like sunlight shining through the clouds, it just kind of sounds perfect. Also, the song is about as sugary, well-crafted and catchy as they come. “Writing on the Wall” slows the tempo down a bit, adds piano accents and tackles the age-old topic of lost love. It might be a cliché theme, but Ness’s sincerity and his ability to pull at the heartstrings really make it one of the top entries on the album. The record draws to a close with “Still Alive”, a fitting tale of resiliency and perseverance. Further points of interest include a cover of the Hank Williams song “Alone and Forsaken” and the fact that Ness produced this album himself. By no means is Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes Social D’s best record, but by all accounts it’s a sturdy effort that will surely satisfy longtime fans. Buy it and learn all the words before they inevitably roll through your town in the near future.
Billy Idol @ Riviera Theater
Photo by Katie Hovland
Underground Communiqué
Underground Communiqué is a local record label that was formed in 2004 and to date has issued over 50 releases. UCR, as it’s commonly referred to, was started by Justin Schwier, an avid independent music enthusiast. His motivations for founding a label stem from a simple desire to give something back, in addition to the fact that he had little desire to ever book shows or learn how to play an instrument. Throughout the past six or so years, UCR has gradually developed into one of the city’s most prominent labels. Most importantly, it has done so while keeping integrity and passion at the top of its priority list. Continue Reading…
The Black Sheep Sessions @ Million Yen
Photos taken by Katie Hovland at Million Yen Studios.
Smoke Or Fire – The Speakeasy
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 11/9/10
The Speakeasy is Smoke Or Fire’s definitive statement. It incorporates the catchy choruses of Above the City and the pop sensibilities of This Sinking Ship, but also adds advanced songwriting and a newfound sense of confidence. “Integrity” opens the record with an ascending melody and a critique of the American media before segueing into “Monsters”, which decries white-collar crime and exhibits an epic, anthem-like hook. “Neon Light” is the first single and it’s one of the more rock-oriented tracks on the disc. It features acoustic guitar, a distinctive beat and an unforgettable chorus. “Everything Falls Apart” is a peppy punk number that provides some seriously badass guitar solos. “Shotgun” might just be the top song on the album, due to both its stirring lyrics concerning a friend struggling with addiction and its powerful vocal delivery. “Utah” closes the album on a positive note, as it offers an uplifting message regarding the importance of individuality. Often compared to Hot Water Music and Avail, Smoke Or Fire proudly carries the torch that was lit by said bands. The Speakeasy is a complete work and will be remembered for years to come. It’s also unquestionably one of the best records of 2010.
The Brokedowns
Over the past decade, The Brokedowns have steadily become one of Chicago’s most respected bands. With the release of their latest album, Species Bender, they’re poised for national recognition. In late January of 2011 they played the Beat Kitchen and graciously took the time to speak with Jaded In Chicago. We discussed a range of topics, including the new record, music videos, touring, various bands of the northwestern suburbs and more. The band was especially frank in their responses and we would like to sincerely thank them for their openness. Continue Reading…
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