Archives: April 2011
Ratasucia – “Escape from Eden”
Photo by Katie Hovland
Ratasucia is a new band that features singer/guitarist Dan Hanaway, (The Honor System, The Broadways, Slapstick) bassist Chris Carr, (The Honor System) and drummer Tim Scare. Their debut album, White Noise Pollution, is scheduled to be released this summer on Asian Man Records. Check out a song from the record below.
[audio:http://jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/08-Escape-From-Eden.mp3,|titles=Escape From Eden]
Spraynard – Funtitled
Asian Man Records – Release Date: 5/10/11
Spraynard is a relatively new band from West Chester, Pennsylvania. Funtitled is their debut full-length for Asian Man Records and comparisons could conceivably be made to pop punk greats like Weston and Digger. In terms of a more contemporary association, Spraynard sounds somewhat reminiscent of Broadway Calls, but to be fair they really have a sound that’s all their own. “The Denver Broncos vs. The Denver Broncos” is a prominent song that deals with abandoning adolescent endeavors in favor of pursuing more ambitious goals. It captures the youthful exuberance of Kerplunk-era Green Day and displays the band’s aptitude for crafting uniquely-structured songs with unconventional tempo changes. “We’re Pretty Nice Guys” spotlights the clever and competent drumming of Patrick Ware, which is evident throughout the entire record, but especially apparent on this track. “Homies Where the Heart Is” features the disc’s catchiest and most memorable chorus, and truly exemplifies what a great summertime record Funtitled is. There’s even a song called “Little Green Ghouls” that of course references the TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and that’s pretty awesome. Spraynard doesn’t take itself too seriously and above all is about having fun while making music. The three members work extremely well together and are adept at feeding off each other’s energy to get the most out of their songs. It may sound somewhat humorous, but a lot of young bands don’t know how to do that. So long as this trio stays together they will likely have a very bright future. Be sure to check out the band on tour this summer and listen to the song “Homies Where the Heart Is” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/09-Homies-Where-The-Heart-Is.mp3|titles=Homies Where The Heart Is]The Black Sheep Band
Photo of Dan Schafer by Katie Hovland
Over Stars & Gutters – Demo
Self-Released – Release Date: 2/1/11
It’s a long drive and you’re behind the wheel after a show that ran a little too late. What’s worse is the weather is starting to turn on you. The sky opens up and torrential rain envelops the van. You turn your wipers on and lean in closer, gripping the wheel until your knuckles turn white. The radio rumbles low with the gruff vocals of Over Stars & Gutters, while your bandmates doze in backseat and shotgun. “This is our great escape; it feels like a fucking mistake.” The song periodically gives way to FM static and snores. It’s pitch black, aside from your headlights, but you just follow the dotted lines. Lighting strikes, illuminating the terrain for miles in every direction and you wish everyone was awake to see it. “Whoa!”. The dudes are awake and you realize you were all in this together from the beginning. “Sometimes the only faith I find lies in a bastard’s words, shouted through shredded vocal cords, torn by whiskey, gravel and smoke, but at least tonight, I know I’m not alone.” Someone else offers to drive but you press on for another couple of hours. You’re road worn but not worn out. Put your time in, you can get wasted at the next show.
– Vito Nusret
Vinyl Collective
Vinyl Collective was founded in 2007 by Suburban Home Records owner Virgil Dickerson. His involvement with vinyl dates back to 1995, when he started Suburban Home and initially released several seven-inch records. By 1999, Dickerson’s focus shifted to CDs as vinyl’s popularity declined, though he never lost his fondness for the format. Approximately four years ago, Dickerson decided to create a website dedicated to vinyl-related discussions. The site eventually grew to encompass a blog, message board and an online store. As a result, Vinyl Collective was born and since its inception has played a major role in independent music’s vinyl revival. Continue Reading…
Local H
Photo of Scott Lucas by Katie Hovland
Chicago power duo Local H released its first-ever greatest hits collection, Local H: The Island Years, on April 5th as part of Universal Music’s ICON series. With this release, they join the ranks of a select group of legendary artists who have been touted by Universal as representative of a genre and a generation. To celebrate this honor, Local H will take a trip down memory lane, embarking on “The Singles Tour: All the Hits, All Night” on April 14th. The two-man band, frontman Lucas covers both guitar and bass through an extra pickup in his guitar, while drummer Brian St. Clair pounds out the rest of the sound, is known for their gut-quaking live shows and incredibly loyal fan base. They continue to tour extensively and have released three additional full-length albums and a bunch of EPs since leaving Island. Their most recent release, Local H’s Awesome Mix Tape #1, came out last fall and they are currently working on a new album. Interview by Kevin Corazza. Continue Reading…
Joyce Manor – Self-titled
6131 Records – Release Date: 1/11/11
So you elbow your way up to the front of the teeming basement and gasp your first breaths not choked by beer and B.O. since the show started. It’s too damn hot and crowded. You check your phone and wonder if you should catch the next bus home or stay for one more band. The flyer said your friend’s band was playing last but they somehow got moved to first, making you miss them and leaving a chip on your shoulder the whole night, no matter how many cheap beers you knock back. You drop your empty can on the floor and start making your way back through the crowd to the door. Half drunk, the familiar ring of guitar tuning interrupts the trajectory of your pity party. Without much ado, Joyce Manor rips into their first song. A few chords in and you can already tell this won’t be your typical punk rock affair. It’s fast and aggressive but with wit and humor. There’s a good sense of melody and even some gang vocals that have you screaming along before you know it. The next thing you realize you’re back in the thick of it with your arms around strangers, stomping and singing along without even knowing the lyrics, but recognizing words about failed relationships, disappointment and self doubt, all taken in stride with a good dose of optimism. It’s nothing fancy, just honest music from four Southern California dudes with a penchant for early ‘90s East Bay punk. Sweat-soaked and satisfied, you stumble out into the brisk night singing over and over, “Just a few miles down, as the streets count backwards I realize it’s true, everything reminds me of you!”.
– Vito Nusret
Dropkick Murphys
Photo by Katie Hovland
This March Dropkick Murphys released their seventh studio album, Going Out in Style. We recently conducted a phone interview with drummer Matt Kelly and he readily offered detailed responses to all of our questions. In addition to discussing the new record at length, we also spoke about international touring, his early encounters in Boston’s punk scene, the group’s involvement with films like The Departed and The Fighter, professional sports and more. Matt was a very gracious interviewee and we would like to sincerely thank him for his time. Continue Reading…
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