Last month, Sincere Engineer released its debut full-length on Red Scare Industries, titled Rhombithian. We recently met up with singer/songwriter Deanna Belos to discuss the album, including what its recording process was like, how the band’s other musicians came together and the story behind its title. We also spoke about Sincere Engineer’s pairing with Red Scare and how that partnership came to be, as well as what some of the record’s songs are about, future touring plans and more. Rhombithian blends elements of Chicago punk with a subtle emo undercurrent, providing a distinctive backdrop for the introspective lyrics and dynamic vocals. By any measure, it’s a noteworthy debut and one that’s likely to leave listeners eager to find out where Sincere Engineer goes from here.Click here to view…
This Sunday, Red Scare Industries’ League of Nations Tour will descend upon Cobra Lounge. The show features headliner Brendan Kelly, (The Lawrence Arms/The Falcon) along with Red Scare labelmates MakeWar and Good Friend. Hailing from Newcastle, England by way of Northern Ireland, this tour marks the first stateside jaunt for Good Friend, who’s playing in support of their 2016 debut full-length, Ride the Storm. Brooklyn-based MakeWar also released an album for Red Scare last year, Developing a Theory of Integrity, and their performance is likely to include many of the notable tracks from what is an impressively varied, genre-defying record. Lastly, Kelly’s set promises to please hometown fans with hits from his best-known bands, as well as songs from his solo career and perhaps even a new tune or two. The event is all ages and gets underway at 4:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased here.
Earlier this month, The Lillingtons made their Fat Wreck Chords debut by releasing their first full-length in over a decade, Stella Sapiente. Given the amount of time between albums, it’s understandable that this release incorporates new influences, and thankfully the band’s use of heavy and dark styles is a welcomed change. Their traditional pop punk tendencies have taken a backseat to metallic riffs and songs about paranormal knowledge and covert agencies. In some ways Stella Sapiente is a natural progression for The Lillingtons, but in others it’s a sizeable shift that finds the band experimenting with a new sound and ascending to previously unachieved heights.
The record opens with “Golden Dawn/Knights Templar,” an ominous song the references secret societies and employs undistorted guitar leads, really setting the mood for the rest of album. “Insect Nightmares” is one of the record’s catchiest tracks, complete with dueling guitars and a relentless pace that spotlights the rhythm section’s skills. “K6” and “Zodiac” both evoke memories of the band’s third full-length, Backchannel Broadcast, while “London Fog” features a serious guitar solo near its end that’s sure to please any fan of Iron Maiden. As the album draws to a close three of its strongest entries can be found, beginning with “The Walker.” The song starts with a pensive rhythm and haunting vocal melodies before the rest of the band comes in with blistering energy. “They Live” is the record’s fastest track and also boasts its most impressive guitar solos, (and that’s saying something). “Drawing Down the Stars” wraps up the album, bringing to mind hints of Judas Priest and effectively paying homage to thrash metal.
With Stella Sapiente, The Lillingtons have not only written the next successful chapter in their history, but more importantly laid the framework for what appears to be an exciting future. After an extended break they’ve returned and managed to reinvent themselves by creating a record that would appeal equally to fans of old school pop punk, metal or horror. Whether you haven’t listened in years or you’re completely new to the band, don’t delay in checking out this album.
This December, The Lawrence Arms will once again host three consecutive evenings of rousing, booze-filled festivities. This year, the revelry starts on Thursday, 12/14 at Cobra Lounge, with support from The Ridgelands and Fuck You, Idiot. On Friday, 12/15 the party moves to Bottom Lounge and features openers Teenage Bottlerocket and Blood People. The event concludes on Sunday, 12/16 again at Bottom Lounge, this time with Nothington and Sass Dragons joining the fun. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00 AM and the Cobra Lounge show can be purchased here, while the Bottom Lounge shows can be obtained here and here.
Several weeks ago, Worriers released their latest album and first for Side One Dummy, called Survival Pop. We caught up with singer/guitarist Lauren Denitzio before the band’s recent show at Township and discussed the record in detail. We talked about its writing process, what inspired some of the songs and about their experience in the studio. Survival Pop is very much a comprehensive work, filled with cathartic songs that address topics like intolerance, homophobia and even heart surgery. Its lyrics are decidedly personal, written from a reflective, experienced perspective and often wrapped inside crafty melodies and huge hooks. In short, it’s an album that’s especially uplifting and one that finds Worriers further refining their sound and doing much more than merely surviving.Click here to view…
Last week, Propagandhi released their latest full-length and seventh overall, entitled Victory Lap. The album finds the band refining the thrash-metal tendencies that have been a signature part of their sound dating back to 2005’s Potemkin City Limits, while simultaneously incorporating a hint of the melodic punk from their first two records. However, Victory Lap is not a retread in any shape or form. Instead, this album embraces sonic diversity and allows for the elevated level of musicianship to really shine through. Also, the addition of guitarist Sulynn Hago cannot be understated, as prior to her involvement Propagandhi never enjoyed such an amount of exceptional shredding.
The record begins with the title track, featuring an aggressive yet catchy riff and the thunderous drumming of Jord Samolesky. The song’s pace is unrelenting, as are its lyrics that describe a crumbling America, with its citizens attempting escape only to be trapped by the proposed border wall. As topical as this track is, so too is the next highlight, “Cop Just out of Frame,” which addresses police shootings, peaceful protests and looks inward, questioning the perspective of someone with a privileged background. The song employs galloping drums and several unique chord progressions before it segues to a metallic breakdown. It also spotlights the enhanced vocal skills of singer/guitarist Chris Hannah and bassist/singer Todd Kowalski, an aspect that’s evident throughout the album. “Failed Imagineer” seamlessly alternates between melody and aggression in a manner that most bands can only dream of achieving, while “Call Before You Dig” just might be the record’s strongest song. It uses a multitude of intricate guitar leads and rhythmic chugging to tell a tale of humans discovering the bones of an extinct species and then flashes forward, envisioning a future where ancient human bones are discovered by an alternate ruling species. The song builds to a point where the entire band is singing in unison, “That’s our universe in a nutshell,” and it’s almost impossible not to scream along with them.
Victory Lap concludes with “Adventures in Zoochosis,” a song with a quiet instrumental intro that’s interlaced with recordings of some of Trump’s most deplorable quotes from the campaign trail. This lasts for just over a minute before the band comes in, blasting like a defiant wall of sound with hard-charging riffs. The lyrics find hope for a better world in the next generation, while conceding that it might already be too late for some of us, (“You grab your little brother’s hand, run like the wind. And if I’m not there, don’t look back. Just go.”) What’s remarkable is that nearly 25 years after the release of their debut album, Propagandhi sounds just as relevant and energized as ever. Victory Lap is easily one of their best records and also one that doesn’t claim to have all the answers, so much as it aims to encourage the listener to take action in a positive manner.
Kansas City’s Radar State formed earlier this year, featuring The Get Up Kids frontmen Matt Pryor and Jim Suptic, The Anniversary frontman Josh Berwanger and drummer Adam Phillips of The Gadjits. We caught up with Jim and Josh after Radar State’s recent performance at Riot Fest and talked about how the band got together. We also discussed their debut EP that they released last month, including where it was recorded and what some of its songs are about. In addition, we spoke about their upcoming tour in December and where they’re at with the writing of their first full-length. Lastly, be sure to check out a video for the song “Spinning Wheel” after the interview.Click here to view…
Earlier this month, Hot Water Music released their eighth full-length and second for Rise Records, entitled Light It Up. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan after the band’s recent set at Riot Fest and talked about the album in detail. We discussed its writing process, the band’s decision to produce the record themselves and its overall theme. We also conversed about the album’s lyrics, some of which are extremely personal to Ragan and address rather difficult times. Additionally, we touched on the band’s experience at Riot Fest, their plans for the remainder of the year and their outlook on the future. Light It Up finds Hot Water Music evoking some of their long-established traits, while concurrently welcoming new ideas, resulting in one of their most cohesive albums to date.Click here to view…
Able Baker Fox recently released their latest album, Visions, via No Sleep Records. We caught up with the band in late August before they played a show at the Metro and spoke with guitarist/singer Nathan Ellis. We talked about how the album was written, what it was like recording with J. Robbins, the band’s pairing with a new record label and more. Able Baker Fox features members of the Casket Lottery and Small Brown Bike, and while Visions is rooted in the melodic post-hardcore that fans of those bands have come to anticipate, there are also plenty of new and unexpected influences found here as well. Be sure to check out a video for the album’s first song, “Purple Mountains,” after the interview. Click here to view…
The Wurst Music & Beer Fest will take place September 8th – 10th in the West Loop, featuring three days of music, beer and bratwurst. In addition to offerings from Guinness and a selection of Chicago’s best bratwurst, a varied music lineup will also be on display, consisting of both national and local acts. The headliners include Murder By Death, The Anniversary and Diarrhea Planet, with support from Masked Intruder, Shiner, Pkew Pkew Pkew, The Crombies, Post Child, Sincere Engineer and many others. The festival costs $25 for a three-day pass and tickets can be purchased here.
This Saturday, Jump Up Records and Dark Matter Coffee will host the American Skathic 25th Anniversary show at Metro. The lineup includes MU330, Coolidge as Johnny Socko, The Eclectics, Detroit Rudeboy Society, Skapone and Tango Wedding Band. Detroit Rudeboy Society features members of Gangster Fun, the Parka Kings and the Exceptions, while this show marks the first performance in 20 years by west suburban heroes Tango Wedding Band. When asked as to what served as inspiration for the show, Jump Up founder Chuck Wren said, “Nostalgia and fun! There’s a whole new generation who have grown up loving ska…who never got to witness an ‘epic Metro Skafest,’ which was so integral to the scene back in the ‘90s. This bill could have easily been from 1995, right down to the simple Kinko’s paste up flyer design. If you loved these bands back in the ‘90s, it’s because you searched out for the true local ska scene and didn’t just settle for what the major labels and MTV shoved down your throat. Jump Up was founded on fans that wanted to support indie labels and get ‘the good stuff.’ It seems everything has changed so drastically since then, but we continue on, still releasing a dozen records a year.”
In terms of what he’s looking forward to most about the show, Wren said “I love seeing everyone hanging out just like the past two decades didn’t exist. Bands watching each other’s sets remember the good old days. Also, to see the amazement of young new fans when they see a bunch of 40-year-olds playing their hearts out and making today’s bands seem tepid. I’m also looking forward to the new Dark Matter coffee blend, inspired by third wave ska, called Perk It Up Perk It Up.” Doors open at 7:00 PM, the show is 18+ and tickets can be purchased here.
Last month, 88 Fingers Louie released their first full-length in nearly 19 years, titled Thank You for Being a Friend. We spoke with singer Denis Buckley and talked about how the album was written, what its recording process was like and the style of the record. While longtime fans will likely recognize the band’s classic characteristics, there are also plenty of contemporary influences to be found, making for an album that’s not only mature, but also aggressive and urgent. Additionally, we conversed about the record’s lyrics, their relationship with new label Bird Attack Records, the upcoming shows overseas and more.Click here to view…
On their fourth full-length, West Virginia’s Rozwell Kid has perfected their take on humor-infused power pop, complete with dueling guitar leads, an excess of pop sensibilities and crafty lyricism. While comparisons to Weezer are unavoidable, the band also shares commonalities with groups like Motion City Soundtrack and Fountains of Wayne, both of whom are known for creating an abundance of catchy and clever hooks. On Precious Art, they also add some rock ‘n’ roll swagger in the vein of The Darkness, as well as lyrics that address more substantial topics, like anxiety and a lack of confidence. The album opens with “Wendy’s Trash Can,” which employs fuzzed-out guitars and vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys to fantasize about escaping a monotonous routine. “Boomerang” is the next notable entry and it alternates between loud and soft dynamics before segueing to one of the record’s most memorable choruses. “UHF on DVD” features impressive, skillful guitar work, as well as a seriously infectious and eccentric hook, (“And all I want is to be at home with you/Eatin’ tacos and watching UHF on DVD”). Towards the end of the album, a track called “Gameball” provides a sparse arrangement with an atmospheric vibe that speaks of alienation and individualism. With Precious Art, Rozwell Kid has made a record that’s equal parts quirky, nostalgic, high-energy and just plain fun. It offers top-notch musicianship and is easily one of the most enjoyable listens of the summer.
In the summer of 2015, Chicago’s Sweet Cobra released their latest album, Earth. We recently met up with the band, (singer/bassist Tim Remis, guitarist Robert “Grumpy” Lanham and drummer Jason Gagovski) at Lost Lake, just before they played next door at Bric-a-Brac Records. We talked in detail about Earth, including its style and recording process. By all accounts, the record explores the boundaries of heavy music and defies genre classifications, encompassing everything from ‘90s alternative to post-punk and beyond. Additionally, we conversed about the new songs they’ve been working on, their plans for the remainder of the year and more. Click here to view…
Earlier this year, Dave Hause released his third solo full-length, titled Bury Me In Philly. We caught up with Dave while he was on a recent break from tour and talked about some of what motivated the album’s creation. We also discussed the record’s style, which merges Americana and folk influences with punk-leaning rock and introspective, often uplifting lyrics. In short, these are some of the most detailed and emotional songs that Hause has written to date. Additionally, we spoke about his new backing band, the Mermaid, their upcoming European tour and Hause’s plans for new music.
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.
