Earlier this month, Hot Water Music released a live CD/DVD via No Idea Records. Entitled Live in Chicago, it was recorded over two nights at the Metro in February of 2008. The CD contains a total of 30 songs that span 90 minutes, while the DVD features 24 songs, including one that’s not found on the album. Live in Chicago is also available as a triple LP, on six different colors of vinyl that are limited to 550 copies each. Check out one of the songs from the DVD above, “Turnstile,” and be sure to catch Hot Water Music on their current tour with La Dispute and The Menzingers.
Marc Ruvolo, owner of Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records, recently released a compilation to benefit his store. After a flood damaged the shop, Ruvolo decided to enlist the help of some friends. The end result is a 12-track album, comprised of acoustic songs from Sean Bonnette of Andrew Jackson Jihad, Jon Lewis of The Dopamines, Jason Smith of Sass Dragons and more. Most of the record was recorded by Matt Arbogast at 8AM Studio, while Ruvolo was responsible for the cover art. When asked about how the album came together, Ruvolo said “The idea came from many of these guys and gals, who are in full electric bands for their primary gig, playing in my store acoustically. I thought it would be fun to document that aspect of the store.” In terms of the record’s distinctive style, he added “What’s unique about it is that you’re hearing musicians that are usually performing in a group setting stripped down to the basics, just their voices and some minor accompaniment. In almost every case it sounds far different than what people have heard from them in the past. They are all my friends too, so I get a warm fuzzy feeling listening to them.” The album, titled A Caustic Acoustic: a Benefit Compilation for Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records, can be obtained via Bandcamp. Check out one of its songs below by Little Dave Merriman of The Arrivals, called “Take Me In.”
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/09-Little-Dave-Merriman-The-Arrivals_Take-Me-In_1.mp3|titles=Little Dave Merriman (The Arrivals) “Take Me In”]
Four years have passed since Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves released their debut album, and in that time the band’s sound has changed significantly. Their first record was somewhat subdued and rooted in acoustic guitar, while Canyons is energetic and embraces a variety of rock ‘n roll influences. Compared to Hot Water Music, Wollard’s primary band, this project incorporates a wide array of styles, from classic rock to ‘80s college rock and beyond. It makes for a varied and lively listen, and one that’s tied together by Wollard’s distinctive songwriting. The album gets underway with “Dream in My Head,” which sounds like a cross between Tom Petty and Lucero with a monster-sized chorus. It’s followed by “Runaway Train,” a rhythmic number that resembles a modern interpretation of a Johnny Cash classic. “Heavy Rolling Thunder” is one of the record’s most radio-friendly songs, with its catchy guitar leads and reflective lyrics. “Zyzoutta” is another melodic highlight, complete with creative drum fills and precisely-placed backing vocals. The album fittingly concludes with “Modern Faith,” as it features some of the record’s biggest hooks and allows for each band member to spotlight their individual talents. Canyons is a great example of a band discovering and defining their own unique style. Despite spanning a multitude of genres, it still makes for a cohesive work and is a likely nominee for one of 2012’s best albums. Take a listen to “Dream in My Head” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/01-Dream-In-My-Head.mp3|titles=Dream in My Head]
Red Scare Industries was founded in 2004 by Toby Jeg. The label started in San Francisco and some of its earliest releases were from bands like The Falcon, Teenage Bottlerocket and The Lillingtons. Eventually Red Scare would relocate to Chicago and quickly establish ties with a variety of Midwestern acts. Over the years, the label has gained a reputation for consistently putting out quality music and today it’s widely regarded as one of the country’s leading independent punk rock record labels. A few of the most recognized bands that they’ve worked with include: The Methadones, The Copyrights, Cobra Skulls, The Sidekicks and The Menzingers. We recently met with Jeg and talked about Red Scare’s beginnings, as well as how it’s grown, future plans and more. Throughout our conversation, Jeg provided detailed responses, resulting in an in-depth look at how the label operates. Click here to view…
On December 11th, Dead Ending will release its second EP, the aptly titled DE II. It was recorded at Million Yen Studios in Chicago, contains a total of five songs and will be available through Alternative Tentacles. The band’s lineup of course consists of singer Vic Bondi, (Articles of Faith) guitarist Jeff Dean, (The Bomb, Noise By Numbers, All Eyes West) bassist Joe Principe, (Rise Against) and drummer Derek Grant, (Alkaline Trio). We’re excited to present an exclusive stream of one of the EP’s songs, called “Ayn Rand Chicken Sandwich.” When asked about the song’s meaning, Bondi said “I was beside myself at the stupidity of the Chick-fil-A nonsense. As though the highest expression of your ‘moral values’ was to buy a chicken sandwich. But it’s always like that with that crowd, dumb on dumb, undergirded by crazed homophobic panic. So the song kind of wrote itself, in about five minutes.” Check out the song below and be sure to catch Dead Ending on the road in 2013.
Sundials cranks the gain and treads more emotional terrain on its latest album, When I Couldn’t Breathe. Sundials is heavier, more introspective and frankly, a bit sadder this time around. If this album were among the Billboard-ranking, “Completely Broken” would be its single. Singer/guitarist Harris Mendell sings seemingly bittersweet about a breakup, summing up the details in just over two minutes. He doesn’t get too personal but repeats, “I don’t mind, cause I know I’ve gotta be completely broken” for most of the song. It’s as if he’s trying to convince himself of something rather than tell it. “Untitled” is unique for its progression, and for being one of the shortest songs on the album, at 1:31. Musically, it walks a fine line between slight sonic dissonance and melody. An earnest acoustic love song, “Strange,” closes the album. Mendell appeals to a woman despite obstacles within and without. His romantically ideal vision about the two of them falling in love is endearing and willful. “We can fall in love, wouldn’t that be strange?/Let’s talk about the things we’d never change,” Mendell sings. He sings as if he’s talking to her half serious, half speculative. Take ‘90s college rock bands like Chisel, Braid and Harvey Danger, and inject more lovesick, unsettled pop punk angst into them. When I Couldn’t Breathe carries the torch of its genre’s predecessors, is laced with emotion and riddled with introspection, with happiness and contentment just out of reach.
Slapstick was one of the definitive ska/punk bands of the ‘90s. They were together from ’93 to ’96, and after disbanding its members went on to either play in or form bands such as; Alkaline Trio, The Lawrence Arms, The Honor System, Tuesday, The Broadways and more. They reunited briefly in ’97 for a pair of benefit shows, but didn’t perform again until the summer of 2011, when they headlined the opening night of Asian Man Records’ 15th Anniversary Festival in San Francisco. Last month, the band played Riot Fest in Chicago and we spoke with singer Brendan Kelly a week or so later. We discussed Slapstick’s recent reunions, their relationship with Asian Man, future plans and more. The band’s lineup is completed by guitarist Matt Stamps, bassist Dan Andriano, drummer Rob Kellenberger, trumpet player Dan Hanaway and trombone player Peter Anna.
Since the release of their last album in 2010, You Can Make It Dangerous, The Scissors have undergone two significant lineup alterations. Former rhythm guitarist Yvonne Szumski has transitioned to lead singer and newcomer Steve Mast has entered the fold at lead guitar. Both changes are definite positives and have helped bring a fresh sense of energy to the band. Szumski is an exceptionally talented vocalist and for comparison’s sake, her style is similar to that of Pat Benatar. Mast is an accomplished guitarist, capable of impressive solos and well-placed backing vocals. Bassist Ken Fletcher and drummer David Schneider solidify a reliable rhythm section, while Darren Vorel anchors the group with his spirited guitar work and distinct vocal approach. Over Your Dead Body opens with “Skeletons,” which features haunting lyrics, rapid-fire vocals and a soaring chorus. Next up is “Stay Away,” a driving rock ‘n roll tune that was co-written with Plain White T’s singer Tom Higgenson. Other highpoints include the defiant, brooding ballad “Breakout” and the clear-cut, pop punk gem that is the title track. The album concludes with a uniquely cool rendition of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and it does a great job of showcasing both Szumski’s vocal abilities and the band’s proficiency. This record signifies a new chapter in the story of The Scissors, one with much promise and the potential for bigger things. It’s recommended for fans of earnest rock music with strong pop sensibilities and dynamic singing.
Teenage Bottlerocket released a new album several months ago called Freak Out! It’s the band’s fifth full-length overall and their second for Fat Wreck Chords. We spoke with singer/guitarist Kody Templeman and discussed the album’s recording process, as well as the meaning behind some of its songs. We also talked about touring, music videos and more. Pictured above from left to right are bassist Miguel Chen, drummer Brandon Carlisle, Templeman and singer/guitarist Ray Carlisle. Click here to view…
Earlier this year, Hot Water Music released their first full-length since 2004, entitled Exister. It’s the band’s first album for Rise Records and also their first time recording at The Blasting Room with producer Bill Stevenson. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Wollard after Hot Water Music’s recent performance at Riot Fest in Chicago and talked in detail about the new record. We also discussed touring, the band’s upcoming live album and more. Click here to view…
The Fencemen hail from Lansing, Michigan and consist of singer Tyler Blakslee, guitarist Mike Reed, bassist Jared Nisch and drummer Dan Jaquint. Several months ago they released their debut album, Times Are Alright, which was primarily written and recorded in 2011, as well as part of this year. Members of The Fencemen have also played in bands like Small Brown Bike, LaSalle, BiddyBiddyBiddy and Ettison Clio. Traces of the aforementioned groups can be heard in The Fencemen’s sound, but what sets them apart is a variety of extra instrumentation that complements the band’s aggressive and gritty core. We recently spoke with Tyler and Mike and discussed how the band formed, what their music sounds like and where they recorded their record. We also talked about the decision to self-release the album, what some of its songs are about and more. Click here to view…
Earlier this summer, The Bouncing Souls released their ninth studio album and first for Rise Records, entitled Comet. They recently came through Chicago and played the Metro, and we spoke with singer Greg Attonito, guitarist Pete Steinkopf and bassist Bryan Kienlen. We discussed the new album’s recording process, the meaning behind some of its songs, touring and more. The band also reflected on being together for over 20 years, and looked ahead to some of what they hope to achieve in the future. As always, special thanks to Kate Hiltz for the exceptional assistance. Click here to view…
Brian Moss, former front man of The Ghost, Hanalei and Olehole, is fronting a new four-piece called Great Apes, hailing from San Francisco. Moss polishes his unique singing style but also trims the fat for a new, minimalist effect. On Great Apes’ debut 7”, Moss offers the most melodic and upbeat songs of his musical career. “Sam’s Song” opens the 7” with feedback and rhythmically-backed guitar notes before Moss’s gritty and urgent voice weaves everything together. There’s a catchy bridge where the lead guitar gets just a little time to shine before it all jumps back to the chorus. “Detonator” is a yearning, upbeat pop punk song, utilizing palm-muted guitar chords and transitioning to open ones, creating a bouncy, driving momentum. “I wanna be your instigator/I wanna be your detonator/I wanna be your…your detonator.” The lyrics are simple, direct and sung with sincerity. “It’s a Trans’ World” is a simple and fast, catchy four-chord tune sung with an air of liberation. Moss’s somewhat erratic and unrestrained emotional style of singing shines on this song about fine lines. The chorus sings, “They wanna make my choice/they wanna take my voice/it’s just natural, it’s a trans world/they wanna smother me with their insecurities/girls will be boys and boys will be girls.” This self-titled 7” is the first in a three-part series to be released this year. There will be additional label collaboration with All-In Vinyl, Mission Social Club and one more that hasn’t been announced yet. Currently, the band is streaming a few teaser tracks on its Bandcamp page. Stream “It’s a Trans’ World” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/00-2-This-is-a-Trans-World.mp3|titles=It’s a Trans’ World]
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.
