Dave Hause, singer/guitarist of The Loved Ones, released his solo debut earlier this year, Resolutions. The album explores various genres and features several guest musicians, yet it’s Hause’s ability to craft memorable songs and tell stories with his lyrics that shines through most. We caught up with Hause before his recent show at Bottom Lounge to discuss Resolutions, in terms of how it was recorded and the ideas behind some of its songs. We also talked about the songwriters that inspire him, what it was like playing shows with Tommy Stinson, music videos and more.
This month, Samiam released their eighth full-length, entitled Trips. It’s their third album for Hopeless Records and quite possibly their most complete and varied effort yet. We met up with singer Jason Beebout before the band’s recent show at Reggie’s to discuss some of the details of their new album. We talked about the group’s experience while recording at JingleTown Studios, the overall style of the record, the meaning behind some of its songs and more.
With Over Leavitt, Noise By Numbers picks up right where its 2009 debut full-length Yeah, Whatever leaves off, but with a more mellow and introspective disposition. Over Leavitt starts off raw and builds up with “A Song for Emily,” before ripping into “Lost My Way,” which is an energetic, melodic sing-along about finding yourself off the tracks. “Yes, You” sounds like a throwback to the mid-‘80s punk/new wave sound, vaguely reminiscent of an electric, sped-up version of A Flock of Seagulls’ “Space Age Love Song.” “I Don’t Think So” echoes a feeling of disapproval and disgust, and singer/guitarist Dan Schafer repeats himself in such a way that his definitiveness is clear. Over Leavitt takes its time without shedding any of the band’s established qualities. It’s also a diverse album that sees the band perpetuate its geographically-oriented songs, which is a unique quality that I really enjoy about them. One of my favorite aspects of Schafer’s lyrics is how the listener picks up on him conveying something he knows. First you have to trust him and then he becomes your tour guide or teacher for a few minutes and you’re the student. If his story follows specific streets and train lines, it not only creates a scene and sparks imagination, but it humanizes him beyond being just ‘the artist’ and gives us a taste of something we may not already know. Over Leavitt is a matured and developed Noise By Numbers album that conveys the essence of this band wonderfully.
Last month, Alkaline Trio singer/bassist Dan Andriano released his debut solo full-length, Hurricane Season. He recorded the album in his home studio and also played a majority of the instruments himself. We spoke with Andriano about the creation of Hurricane Season, as well as what inspired some of the lyrics, his upcoming European tour and where he hopes to take The Emergency Room in the future. Click here to view…
Since their inception in 2002, few bands can claim to have released as much music or toured as frequently as Off With Their Heads. Such productivity has earned them numerous fans and helped the group to become one of today’s most popular independent punk bands. They played Chicago twice this summer and we caught up with singer/guitarist Ryan Young shortly afterwards to discuss their latest album and Epitaph debut, In Desolation, as well as touring, record labels, the meaning behind some of their songs and future plans. Click here to view…
Earlier this month The Copyrights released their fifth full-length, North Sentinel Island. The band formed in Carbondale, Illinois in 2002 and through the years has progressively perfected their signature take on classic, mid-‘90s pop punk. North Sentinel Island finds the group further experimenting with different sounds to create what is arguably their most comprehensive album yet. We spoke with singer/bassist Adam Fletcher about the new record, its recording process, their extensive touring plans this fall and more. Click here to view…
What with the pedigree of the members of newish Chicago band All Eyes West, (Jeff Dean has done time with The Bomb and Justin Miller with indie rockers Hinter) one would be hard-pressed to come into the listening experience without some manner of expectations. Thankfully, the band does not disappoint. All Eyes West serve up eight songs of Foo Fighters-inspired rock on their excellent debut disc, along with nods to bands like Drive Like Jehu and Jawbox for good measure. The songs are impassioned, melodic, driving, mid-tempo anthems that seem like they would translate very well in a small, sweaty club environment. The recording is clean, but not overproduced, (Dean handled the recording and mixing duties himself at Million Yen Studios) and suits the material well. My favorite track is “Help Is on the Way”, (you can check it out below) which features some classic guitar work along with interesting tempo changes and the best example of Justin Miller’s Dave Grohl-inspired vocals. All in all, All Eyes West’s debut is recommended as a good purchase for anyone hungry for melodic ‘90s punk done up right. My only complaint has to do with the CD packaging. The band photos were taken by the awesome Katie Hovland and are way, way too small. But that’s just a small quibble in an otherwise great package. All Eyes West play Metro on August 27th, with reuniting local legends Braid.
– Marc Ruvolo
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Help-Is-On-The-Way.mp3,|titles=Help Is On The Way]
Landmines formed in 2005 and hails from Richmond, Virginia. They play punk-influenced hardcore and consequently comparisons are often made to hometown mainstays Avail and Strike Anywhere. Unlike the aforementioned bands, Landmines uses less punk tendencies and favors more classic hardcore traits, similar to bands like Gorilla Biscuits, H2O and Bane. Commerce and Marx is their third release for Paper + Plastick and it’s easily the band’s strongest and most complete effort to date. The song “You Are Number Six” talks about the dangers of the digital age and a need to maintain individuality. It uses a breakneck tempo, shredding guitars and gang vocals to make its point, and enough can’t be said about how great it sounds to hear a contemporary band that’s genuinely pissed off about something. “Evil Eye” is a personal song that addresses change and a desire to maintain a troubled relationship. It’s one of the album’s more melodic tracks and a definite highpoint. Another quality entry is “Left on Memory LN.”, which celebrates friendship and mixes various genres to create a memorable, well-structured song. With Commerce and Marx, Landmines has made a cohesive record that displays the passion and proficiency of the band’s live performances. The album is also noticeably different than what a lot of young, up-and-coming bands are doing nowadays, and that alone should be reason enough to give them a listen. Check out the song “Evil Eye” below.
Dead To Me formed in 2003 and has since released two full-lengths, an EP and a seven-inch. They’ve also toured extensively, continuously advanced their sound and gone through several lineup changes, all without ever missing a beat. They recently finished recording a new album in Chicago at Atlas Studios and we talked with singer/bassist Tyson “Chicken” Annicharico before their show at Subterranean. We discussed the upcoming record in detail, as well as touring, substance abuse, the band’s hometown of San Francisco and more.Click here to view…
Less Than Jake has returned with Greetings from…, marking their first new material since 2008’s GNV FLA. This EP displays more confidence and focus than the previously mentioned album, and it’s arguably the band’s best effort since their 2003 full-length, Anthem. Recorded by bassist Roger Lima at his own studio, The Moathouse, and mixed and mastered by Descendents/ALL guitarist Stephen Egerton, Greetings from… not only sounds great, it also captures the essence and excitement of Less Than Jake’s celebrated live performances. The first track, “Can’t Yell Any Louder”, is upbeat, hyper-melodic and packed with horns. It’s easily one of the catchiest songs that LTJ has written in recent years, not to mention one of the most ska-influenced. “Goodbye, Mr. Personality” is next and it’s more laidback and mid-tempo, yet retains a strong sense of ska flavor and sounds similar to the band’s Losing Streak album. “Harvey Wallbanger” features plenty of their patented “whoa-oh” vocals and talks of America’s continued economic recession, and it’s followed by an introspective song about wanting to make a difference called “Oldest Trick in the Book”. The final entry, “Life Out Loud”, is fast-paced, straight-ahead punk rock and reminiscent of LTJ favorites like “National Anthem” and “Scott Farcas Takes It on the Chin”. It’s as passionate as it is catchy, and clearly the EP’s standout track. Greetings from… showcases a reenergized Less Than Jake. If this EP serves as a taste of what’s to come, fans should eagerly anticipate the release of their next album.
Dan Vapid is back with his latest musical endeavor, Dan Vapid & The Cheats. After Screeching Weasel’s abrupt breakup, Vapid reunited with two former Methadones members, guitarist Mike Byrne and drummer Mike Soucy. He also recruited bassist Simon Lamb to complete the band’s lineup. They plan on recording their debut album this fall and releasing it next year. We spoke with Dan about the band’s origins, their influences, songwriting, touring and what he hopes to achieve with The Cheats. Click here to view…
Textbook has been together for over ten years, perfecting their own style of alternative rock that’s influenced by everyone from The Replacements to Naked Raygun. Fronted by former Not Rebecca singer/guitarist Dave Lysien, Textbook has released a total of four full-lengths, and the band’s continued development is clearly apparent on Out Of My Universe. The EP was recorded by Matt Allison at Atlas Studios and sounds reasonably polished, yet retains the right amount of energy and edge. The first song, “Crowding”, is an urgent, fast-paced rocker with classic Midwestern punk inspiration, and it’s followed by “Please Reconsider”, which is a concise, melodic tune that clocks-in at less than two minutes. The title track is up next and it evokes The Hold Steady in terms of its guitar work and enjoys an extremely infectious chorus. “Laugh Out Loud” is a melancholy, mid-tempo song with a slight country influence, while “I Can’t Take You Anywhere” is pure power pop and absolutely the catchiest song on this record. The final entry, “Who’s Sorry Now”, is a fitting conclusion as it showcases nearly all of Textbook’s finest attributes. Such traits include; creative songwriting, earnest lyrics, an ample amount of backing vocals, skilled musicianship and a knack for blending various genres into a unique sound. Out Of My Universe is recommended for fans of Husker Du, Lucero, Gameface or anyone searching for quality, pop-infused rock this summer.
Textbook UK tour dates with The Magnificent:
July 16 – Leeds @ The Well
July 18 – Brixton @ The Windmill
July 19 – Cambridge @ Portland Arms
July 20 – Derby @ Victoria Inn
July 21 – Sheffield @ The Red House
July 22 – Manchester @ Gulliver’s
Eric Spicer, Gina Knapik, Herb Rosen, James Toland, Jeff Dean, Jake Burns, Dan Schafer. Photo by Katie Hovland.
The Black Sheep is the culmination of chef/owner James Toland’s life’s work. For over 23 years he’s labored as a chef, gaining the knowledge and expertise needed to create his ideal restaurant. Best described as progressive American cuisine, The Black Sheep aims to take fine dining and make it available to the masses. In true punk rock fashion, Toland’s goal is to break the rules commonly associated with upscale eateries, providing a unique encounter that’s both affordable and approachable. His passion for the underground is evident throughout The Black Sheep, thereby encouraging the restaurant to be experienced firsthand by those who support local music. Click here to view…
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.
