Last month, Blood People played at Bric-a-Brac Records and we caught up with the band after the show. We discussed their latest EP, Great Reactor, in terms of its recording process and the inspiration behind some of the songs. The record demonstrates Blood People’s ability to merge hard rock, ‘90s alternative and punk into their own distinctive sonic blend. It also captures a good amount of the ferocity and heaviness that’s routinely displayed at their live performances. In addition, we talked about some of their recent shows, what they’ve got planned in the coming months and more. Blood People is comprised of singer/guitarist Aly Jados, guitarist Jeff Loehrke, bassist Norm Burns and drummer Mickey Molinari.
On June 8th, Drilling For Blasting played a record release show at Chop Shop for their debut full-length, Fingers are the Best Eyes. We met up with singer/guitarist Douglas Ward and drummer/singer Kammy Lee before the show to talk about the album, including how it was written and recorded, what some of the songs are about and more. The record finds the band refining their sound, which combines elements of punk and blues with an undercurrent of reckless energy and unconventional songwriting. In short, it’s an eclectic album that’s happy to color outside the lines of any typical genre boundaries.
Additionally, we discussed the concept for the record release show, which featured four bands set up in different corners of the venue. Each band would play one song and when they were finished, the next band would start. The bands alternated in a clockwise pattern, with the crowd in the center of the room. It was a decidedly unique experience for those in attendance and an absolutely fitting way to celebrate the release of Fingers are the Best Eyes.
The inaugural T1 Fest will take place on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th at The Forge in Joliet, IL. All proceeds from the shows will go to the JDRF, (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to assist in their fight against type 1 diabetes. Organizer Jim Costanzo felt compelled to establish the event after his family was affected by the disease. He explained, “My nephew Joey was diagnosed at the age of three and like so many others, we had no understanding of it, but we quickly learned that this is a very serious illness.” He continued, “Working with the JDRF to learn what lied ahead for him, we saw so many families that were not able to handle the financial burden of providing care for their child. We have since made it a goal to raise as much money as possible to assist the JDRF in their mission to raise awareness and find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”
Costanzo cited his experiences growing up in Chicago’s punk scene as motivation for coordinating this fest. When reflecting on those times, he said “What we found was a community, a scene where even as teenagers we could make a difference. Whether it was playing shows against racism or gathering coats for the homeless, we saw that through music change was possible. One day we were discussing ideas on how we could do our part and we thought it would be great to put on a benefit show like back in the day.”
It’s been nearly seven years since The Scissors released new music and today, we’re premiering the first single off their upcoming EP. The song is called “Jet Black” and the EP is titled Eulogize. We spoke with singer/guitarist Darren Vorel and talked about why he chose to revive the band and where the inspiration for this EP came from. He explained, “When we parted ways in 2012, I was definitely finished creating songs and performing as The Scissors. We spent so much time recrafting the sound and direction with another vocalist in the lead role. To go forward with another change like that would mean going backwards to me. I think we confused enough of our audience changing it up the first time, so it was better to leave it where we did.”
Too punk for folk and far too folky for punk; Canyon Sounds’ self-titled debut album thrusts itself between genres, offering the impression that the band members have been at it for some time. Individually, they have. Singer/guitarist James Reineking and drummer Jason Plane have also been playing together for more than a decade and recorded the album themselves.
This Boulder-based quartet is both sonically and thematically diverse on its new record. Multiple lead and slide guitar tracks weave a sonic tapestry throughout the album. Furthermore, Reineking doesn’t say anything he doesn’t need to. He lets the mood talk. The album’s opener, “Cuts,” sets a precedent for their debut album. The melody starts modest and simple; swinging back and forth between G and C chords: “Well I’m spitting up the same old shit / I’m making points you know I’ve made before / I’m regurgitated guts on refinished hardwood floors.” The next track, “The Painter,” is a song about hindsight and the unknown. The man in the picture is searching for something, staring down a road. Reineking speculates the man in the painting is at ease being all alone and thinks perhaps he already has all he’ll ever have. One certainty is reached at the end of the song: he should’ve been a painter.
There’s a sense of distraught and reckoning on “Put It to Bed,” a song about moving forward and moving on. The protagonist is tired and at the end of his rope, yet he retains patience. The track is a standout; it marks the end of a relationship and a new beginning. The album’s closer, “Waning Moon,” takes a reflective stance and carries the forward-marching theme woven into this album. “I was told that I could do anything / and anything’s what I intend to find / You say I’m a waning moon, but what does that makes you?” Recommended for fans of Sundowner, Chuck Ragan, Paul Westerberg.
We’re premiering a new song, called “Gravity,” off the upcoming full-length from The Mizzerables. According to singer/guitarist Joe Mizzi, this song in particular helped to spark the creation of the album. He explained, “It was the song that really inspired this whole record. It’s about stepping out from any sort of struggle, whether self-inflicted or not, and trying to see the good side. I went through a lot of that in the past few years, but I don’t like thinking of my problems as anything special. I think we all have stuff we’re dealing with and hopefully that makes the song relatable for others who might be going through some shit.”
The record, titled Whatever… This Sucks, was recorded by Dan Precision, (88 Fingers Louie) at his Bomb Shelter Studios. The recording spotlights the band’s songwriting, without sacrificing any of the urgency or rawness. When asked about their time in the studio, Mizzi said “Working with Dan was great. He’s just really talented all around. There are quite a few moments on this record that were really made by Dan, whether it was backing vocal touches or some adjustments here or there to a riff. All those little moments really made this thing what it is and we’re better off for it.”
While the band had initially planned on working with a record label, they ultimately chose to release the album themselves. After a series of delays, it became clear that self-releasing was the best option. “At the end of the day, we felt we were more passionate about getting this out into the world than the label was and that maybe we could do better on our own,” Mizzi said. They plan on releasing the record later this year, once they have a firm date as to when the vinyl will be ready.
In the meantime, their next show is this Thursday, June 6th at Liar’s Club, with JERK, Krayola and Milhouse. Check out the song “Gravity” below and stay tuned for future updates on The Mizzerables’ new album.
Earlier this month, Kali Masi played Chop Shop and we caught up with the band before the show. We spoke with singer/guitarist Sam Porter, guitarist/singer Wes Moore and drummer John Garrison, (bassist/singer Anthony Elliot unfortunately couldn’t be present). We talked about the band’s recent touring experiences, including opening for Less Than Jake for several weeks and their current European tour. We also discussed their latest record, Wind Instrument, in regards to how it was written and recorded. The album combines various genres and progressive songwriting to create a sound that’s genuinely distinctive. It also captures their continuing drive to evolve as musicians and push beyond the boundaries of their previous work. In addition, we addressed their plans for the rest of the year, as well as random topics like Simon & Garfunkel, The Lord of the Rings and more.
This morning, Riot Fest announced their first wave lineup. This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the event. Blink-182, Slayer, a reunited Bikini Kill, The Raconteurs, Rise Against, The Flaming Lips, and Jawbreaker are among the headliners that have been revealed thus far. The festival, which takes place Sept. 13 – 15 in Douglas Park, will also include Ween, Patti Smith, Rancid, Violent Femmes, Descendents, The B-52’s, Avail, Against Me!, Hot Snakes, Less Than Jake, Cursive, and many others. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Additional bands will be announced in the coming weeks.
Full Album Performances by: Against Me! – ReinventingAxl Rose + Transgender Dysphoria Blues Avail – Over The James Bloc Party – Silent Alarm Dashboard Confessional – The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot Glassjaw – Worship and Tribute The Selecter – Too Much Pressure Senses Fail – From the Depths of Dreams + Let It Enfold You Taking Back Sunday – Tell All Your Friends + Louder Now Ween – The Mollusk
With Kick, his fourth solo LP and third for Rise Records, Dave Hause defies the notion that singer/songwriters often run out of gas this deep into their careers. Rather, Kick represents arguably his strongest and most inspired record yet. It begins with “Eye Aye I,” a reflective call to arms that sets the scene for the rest of the album. The song contrasts a youthful mindset with a weary worldview, and all the while highlights the vocal talents of Hause. It naturally transitions to “The Ditch,” a streamlined, melodic rocker that emphasizes what Hause does best. It’s powered by the guitar work of Tim Hause and its lyrics address the challenges of living in today’s political climate. If there’s a single underlying message found here, it’s one of perseverance and resolve. “Saboteurs” is a mid-tempo entry that evokes a Tom Petty vibe and slowly unfolds to an expansive chorus. It deals with striving for change and standing up for what’s right, and also includes the line “We’ll kick against the tide,” (an obvious nod to the record’s title).
One of the album’s most ambitious songs is “Warpaint,” where Hause examines how many women in this country likely feel after the presidential election of 2016. He sings, “You’ve got your keys between your fingers / As if you had a choice / Keep your keys between your fingers / Your mother’s blood in your voice,” while female gospel singers echo, “No mercy in a man’s world.” It’s as effective as it is emotional, and really strikes a topical nerve. The mood lightens with “Fireflies,” easily one of the most beautiful songs that Hause has ever written. It looks back on simpler times, reminiscing about young love without real world problems and a desire to recapture those feelings. Another highpoint is “Paradise,” a rousing, Springsteen-infused track that would seemingly be great in a live setting. It has an unrelenting pace that only slows for a brief piano interlude before returning to the fiery chorus.
The record concludes with “Bearing Down,” which discusses mental health and dark feelings that can at times be overwhelming, but are ultimately outweighed by joyful thoughts of family and those who motivate us to keep moving forward. It’s very much a welcomed light at the end of the tunnel and a perfect way to end the album. Kick represents a complete work that contains thoughtful songwriting and lyrics that deliver a message of optimism during turbulent times. Hause continues to evolve as a songwriter, thanks in part to the expanded role of his brother Tim, culminating in an album that clearly surpasses his previous output.
Last month, Teenage Bottlerocket released their latest full-length, Stay Rad! It marks the band’s first album of new material since the unexpected passing of founding drummer Brandon Carlisle in 2015. We spoke with Brandon’s brother, singer/guitarist Ray Carlisle, and discussed the circumstances surrounding the creation of this record. We talked about when the band felt that it was an appropriate time to start writing again, how they found new drummer Darren Chewka and what it was like recording without Brandon. We also covered their extensive touring schedule this year, what they’ve got planned for the future and more. Stay Rad! contains the youthful energy and humor that Teenage Bottlerocket is known for, but also adds layered songwriting and the inclusion of new influences. The resulting album is one that finds the band sounding assured and ready to move forward with the next chapter in their career.
Tomorrow, Dan Vapid and The Cheats are releasing their latest full-length, Three. We spoke with singer/guitarist Dan “Vapid” Schafer in detail about how the album came together. With the band’s last record coming out almost six years ago, Schafer explained how moving to downstate Illinois and the addition of a new bassist and drummer, amongst other factors, influenced the making of the Three. The outcome is an album that combines various genres into a cohesive work, and also contains some of the best songwriting of Schafer’s career. In addition, we discussed what recording was like, the inspiration for certain songs and what else the band has planned for this year. Be sure to listen to one of the record’s songs after the interview, called “The Sky Is Electric Blue.”Click here to view…
Last May, The Brokedowns released their latest full-length and third for Red Scare, called Sick of Space. We recently caught up with singer/guitarist Kris Megyery and talked about how the album was recorded and what some of its songs are about. The record finds the band, (also consisting of singer/bassist Jon Balun, guitarist Eric Grossmann and drummer Mustafa Daka) further evolving their approach to heavy Midwestern punk, complete with lyrics that balance social commentary and humor. The end result is easily The Brokedowns’ most focused and accessible album to date. Additionally, we discussed some of the band’s recent shows, their plans for this year and more.Click here to view…
Next month, Howardian will release their latest full-length, The Silly Shit You Say. We’re premiering the video for the album’s first single above, called “Silly Shit.” Frontman Ian Vanek, (ex-Japanther) described the making of the video, explaining “Filming was a really fun process. We worked efficiently in a tiny space in Chicago, shooting only 12 takes in total with very little preparation. A lampshade chases each band member through every shot, unifying and darkening the mood.”
When detailing the album’s writing process, Vanek said “We made demos on four tracks and laptops, revised them over email and then met up in Oakland to re-recorded everything. We made an excess of compositions in an attempt to find the magic and I feel really great about the unexpected beauty that we found.” Besides Vanek, Howardian’s lineup consists of seven additional musicians, (Scott Brummel, Justin Mckaughan, Gardner Allen, Farley Glavin, Mustafa Daka, Schuyler Maehl and Flo Amarino). Vanek cited a collective energy being important to keeping the project alive, as well as the significance of new outlooks during changing times.
When looking ahead to the record being released, Vanek said “Releasing this album is really big for us. We’ve been a band for four years and done seven releases, but this is our first 12” vinyl record. It’s by far the best Howardian work available, so I look forward to people getting it and digesting the album over the next few months.” The record comes out on March 15th via Let’s Pretend Records and Starcleaner Records.
On March 15th, Dan Vapid and The Cheats will release their latest album, titled Three. We’re premiering the record’s debut single below, “The Time We Get.” When asked about the writing and recording process for this full-length, singer/guitarist Dan Vapid described the various hurdles the band faced. He explained, “I’ve been writing songs since our last record. Writing is the easy part of the process for me since it can be done at home. The issue I kept facing was scheduling rehearsal and recording time while juggling three kids, a new job, and selling and buying a home. It took a lot of effort, but we figured out a way to get it done. With many of the sessions for this record, I was putting the kids to bed, then driving 45 minutes to St. Louis, tracking for two or three hours and then driving back home so I could work the following morning. It was crazy but I got through it.”
“The Time We Get” was actually the last song written for the album and was finished only a few weeks prior to being recorded. While addressing some of the things that inspired the song, Vapid said “Like I mentioned earlier, I had so much on my plate, music kept getting placed on the back burner. I find life is often this way. So much happens in our day-to-day lives that has a way of obstructing the very things we would rather be doing. We need to be cognizant of this. Whether we live to see old age or die tomorrow, we will never know. Hence, do the best with the time you get.”
Take a listen to the song now and preorder the album via Eccentric Pop Records here.
This Saturday, Shot Baker is playing at Beat Kitchen with Vacation Bible School, The Eradicator, No Enemy!, and Mofaza. They’re also releasing a new EP on the same day, courtesy of Underground Communiqué Records, called Crack in the Code. When asked about the origins of this EP, singer Tony Kovacs provided a detailed backstory. He said, “In 2009, we were on an East coast tour with Naked Raygun when we parted ways with our guitarist John Krohn over retrospectively stupid shit that we probably could have mended. But, tensions can run high on tour. We had a bunch of good material we wrote with John that we ended up scrapping. In his place we got Steven Jenkins and started fresh, writing all new material. In 2011, we were very close to recording a full-length, but I kind of freaked out and decided to quit the band and move to Colorado. At that point we had good material with both John and Steven that never saw the light of day.” He continued, “Since then we’ve all made up and become friends again. In 2017, we did a reunion show with John and promoted the show as the “original lineup,” with the understanding that anything we do after that show will be a five-piece with both John and Steven on guitar. So, Crack in the Code is a handful of stuff we wrote with Steven and some stuff we wrote with John to sort of merge talents on one release and solidify Shot Baker as a five-piece band.”
We’re premiering the video for one of the EP’s songs below, called “Ode to Kerouac.” When describing his motivations for writing the song, Kovacs said “At surface level, it’s a huge dis to Jack Kerouac. But despite the scornful lyrics, I view it as a proper homage. It’s really just a dis on myself. When I study Kerouac, I notice patterns, fears and mistakes that remind me of myself. I read the ramblings of a guy who had his head and heart pointed in the right direction, but ultimately flopped. His adventures in Buddhism and his glorification of society’s undesirables is hugely influential, but he wasn’t able to maintain his convictions. He ended up dying a lonely, anti-Semitic, right-wing alcoholic.” He added, “In one of his books, a Zen master told him that he has ‘Zen flesh but no Zen bones,’ (a line I use in the song) which really shook him to his core. Turns out the Zen master was right. So, through my own Buddhist studies and other adventures, I’ve picked up on certain insights that I know have to be properly cultivated or they’ll be lost. I don’t think I’ll become an anti-Semitic alcoholic, but I’m pretty lousy at converting insights into lifestyle.”
When looking ahead to Saturday’s show, Kovacs commented “I used to work at Beat Kitchen and Shot Baker had some of our most memorable shows there, so I’m excited to play for nostalgic reasons. But mostly I’m looking forward to the energy of a roomful of people who care about these songs we made. That’s an amazing feeling.” The show starts at 8:00 PM, is 17+ and tickets can be purchased here.
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.
