May, 2015 - Jaded In Chicago - Music News, Interviews, Features, and more

05.21.15

This March, Strung Out released their eighth studio album, Transmission.Alpha.Delta, via longtime label Fat Wreck Chords. Without question, it ranks among the strongest of the band’s respected catalog. On this effort they continue to advance their sound, mixing elements of punk and metal with complex songwriting, while simultaneously incorporating an array of contemporary influences. The outcome is a record that’s both fresh and modern, and one that favors pushing boundaries over revisiting the past. With that said, this is sure to be an album that’s embraced by diehard fans and newcomers alike. Last month, Strung Out played Reggie’s and we spoke with drummer Jordan Burns before the show. We talked at length about what it was like recording Transmission.Alpha.Delta. We also discussed the record’s style, its writing process, the band’s upcoming European tour and more. Continue Reading…

The Brokedowns

05.14.15

Photo by Katie Hovland

In December of last year, The Brokedowns issued their latest full-length, Life Is a Breeze. By any measure, the album is both aggressive and authentic, and witnesses the band continuing to refine their distinctive brand of gruff, unpredictable punk rock. We spoke with singer/guitarist/resident comedian Kris Megyery and talked about how the record sounds, what recording it was like and the meaning of some of its songs. We also discussed the band’s birthplace of Elgin, IL, their plans for the remainder of the year and more. Continue Reading…

Success – Radio Recovery

05.01.15

Red Scare – Release Date: 3/31/15

Success is an up-and-coming band from Seattle and Radio Recovery marks their Red Scare debut. The band’s sound could likely be described as a cross between Borders & Boundaries-era Less Thank Jake and early Dillinger Four, with an emphasis on positive lyrics. Oftentimes the term “sing-along anthem” gets thrown around too frequently, but in this case it’s a suitable description for many of their songs. Take for instance the album’s second track, “22^nd St.,” which starts off with a galloping bass line that powers its way to a fiery chorus. Singer Aaron Rev delivers a passionate and guttural shout, exclaiming “There’s no light on 22^nd St./There’s no more help for us/For every second passing by/There’s another chance to get out and make things right,” and the listener can’t help but want to pump their fist in the air and scream the words right back. “Revolution…” addresses trends in the punk community and takes aim at music that prioritizes fashion over a message. The song’s chorus utilizes powerful gang vocals and asks, “Where, where is the revolution?” It’s sung with such conviction and really seems like the band is urging its audience to take action and stand up for what they believe in. Another bright spot is “Lives That We Deserve,” a track that captures nearly all the best attributes of Success. There are distinctive vocal melodies, notable guitar riffs and lyrics about overcoming daily struggles in hopes of achieving a better life. Perhaps what’s most appealing about this band is their unabashed approach. They’re not attempting to capitalize on the latest fad, they’re simply writing honest songs that try to inspire. Check out “Lives That We Deserve” below for a break from a lot of the contrived and cynical stuff that’s out there today.

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