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- Masked Intruder
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- Against Me! at Riot Fest by Katie Hovland
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- Against Me! at Riot Fest by Katie Hovland
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- Photo by Katie Hovland
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- Photo by Katie Hovland
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- Gwar by Katie Hovland
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- Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal
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Photo by Katie Hovland
Alkaline Trio – E.P.
Epitaph – Release Date: 3/19/20
Last week, Alkaline Trio released a new, three-song single, titled E.P. It was supposed to coincide with the start of a tour with Bad Religion, but with the shows postponed till fall, the band chose to go forward with the initial release date for these songs. The first entry, “Minds Like Minefields,” is led by singer/guitarist Matt Skiba and begins with ominous, echoed vocals. A rhythmic verse soon emerges, not unlike the style of their 1999 EP, I Lied My Face Off. It quickly pivots to a double-time chorus before eventually landing at an instrumental interlude. This section features ghostly backing vocals and sparse piano accents, and ultimately returns to the breakneck pace of the chorus. Overall, it’s not a typical song structure, but it illustrates how the band is freely exploring new territories and seemingly having a lot of fun while doing so.
Singer/bassist Dan Andriano takes the lead on the next song, “Radio Violence,” which sounds like a natural progression from his most recent solo LP, Party Adjacent. It finds him singing over relaxed, melodic guitar leads that easily transition to a driving chorus with layered backing vocals. It’s concisely-written and includes lyrics that talk about persevering through a tough situation, and clearly that’s something most everyone can relate to nowadays. The third and final song, “Smokestack,” is entirely acoustic and also sung by Andriano. It’s reminiscent of Tuesday, his band prior to Alkaline Trio, with lyrics that look back on his teenage years, (“Do you really believe that didn’t mean anything? / Do you really believe those days didn’t mean a thing? / Cause I’m still believing that means everything / Do you really believe those days didn’t mean a thing? / Cause I sure don’t / You made my life / You changed my life”). There’s a definite beauty in the straightforwardness of these words, which helps to make the song instantly memorable after just one listen.
With E.P., Alkaline Trio is continuing on the trajectory they’ve established since the release of their excellent and most recent full-length, Is This Thing Cursed? These three songs harken back to the band’s roots, recalling a time when they embraced more spontaneity and a carefree attitude. If E.P. is any indication as to where Alkaline Trio is headed with their next album, then fans should absolutely be excited.
Teenage Bottlerocket
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.
Alkaline Trio @ Metro Chicago, 1/3/19
Photos by Katie Hovland
Ogikubo Station – We Can Pretend Like
Asian Man Records – Release Date: 8/24/18
Next month, Ogikubo Station will release their debut full-length, called We Can Pretend Like. The band features Maura Weaver, (Mixtapes) and Mike Park, (Skankin’ Pickle, The Chinkees). While not sounding particularly similar to the aforementioned groups, this project is likely to be eagerly received by fans of heartfelt, melodic indie rock. The album begins with “I’ve Been Thinking of St. Louis,” a track that does an excellent job of setting the tone for what’s to follow. Its sparse arrangement allows for Weaver’s exceptional vocal performance to really shine through and highlight the lyrics, which alternate between a sense of reflection and an eye on the future, (a theme found throughout the record). The next song, “Take a Piece of All That’s Good,” is more of a full band effort and decidedly catchy without overtly trying to be. It includes a driving rhythm and dual vocals, and recalls a past relationship in hopes of making sense of what dissolved. “Drowning at the Watering Hole” is infectiously poppy, packed with ‘80s keyboards and sounds like a mix of The Cars and The Get Up Kids. It talks of missing an old friend when in unfamiliar surroundings and a desire to let that person know you still care.
The title track takes a softer and more acoustic-based turn, with vulnerable vocals that reflect the sensitive nature of the lyrics. Weaver sings, “If you stand still, nothing will change / When you can’t let go, it’ll eat you whole,” and with these words she seemingly captures what’s at the heart of this record. On “Strong as You,” Park assumes lead vocals and delivers a very personal and somber account of his father’s battle with cancer. It seamlessly transitions into “Weak Souls Walk Around Here,” a rock-tinged entry that contains some of Park’s strongest vocals and arguably the album’s most memorable chorus. The record appropriately wraps up with “Let the World Know,” a song that turns its gaze outward, examining the current landscape and calling for change. In times such as these, a desire for positivity, compassion and a better existence is something that likely resonates with nearly everyone.
With We Can Pretend Like, Ogikubo Station has produced a collection of songs that vary in style, yet also maintain a sense of cohesion. On the surface, the songwriting is rather straightforward and unforced, but multiple listens reveal layers of detail and intricacies. There’s an emphasis on unique vocal arrangements and earnest lyrics, which help to form the foundation of what is a very promising and complete album. For those wanting to get in on the ground floor, you can preorder the record here.
Airstream Futures – “Dreams of Narrow Wings”
This spring, Airstream Futures will release their debut full-length on Paper + Plastick, called Spirale Infernale. The band combines elements of punk, indie rock and alternative, and features members of The Bomb, The Methadones and Bow & Spear. The album was produced by Rodrigo Palma, (Saves the Day) and Derek Grant, (Alkaline Trio), and recorded/mixed by the band’s guitarist, Jeff Dean. Airstream Futures’ lineup also includes singer Devon Carson, bassist Megan Edgin and drummer Mike Soucy. We’ve got an exclusive premiere of one of the record’s songs below, called “Dreams of Narrow Wings.” When asked to describe the song, Carson said “It started with Mike’s description of a dream where he had wings but they were too narrow to fly. It made us think about all the horrifying things going on in the world and the overwhelming desire to help in some way, but feeling completely overwhelmed and ineffectual. If we can’t even save ourselves in our own dreams, it’s no wonder that putting a hashtag in front of a problem has become our favorite form of activism.” Check out the song now and if possible, catch the band on their upcoming UK tour.
V/A – Asian Man Music for Asian Man…
Asian Man Records – Release Date: 6/10/16
Last month, Asian Man Records celebrated its 20th anniversary and also released a new compilation, titled Asian Man Music for Asian Man People Vol. 2. It features artists on the label’s roster covering other Asian Man bands, and primarily showcases up-and-coming acts. One of the first noteworthy tracks comes from Scotland’s Murderburgers and their cover of the AJJ tune “Self Esteem.” It’s a decidedly pop punk take on the song and is filled with hooks and well-placed backing vocals. If it’s any indication of what’s to come on their upcoming full-length, then fans should certainly be excited for the record’s release this fall. San Francisco’s Great Apes provide a blistering, lightning-fast interpretation of “Last Strike,” originally by Classics of Love. It emphasizes rawness and ferocity despite being precisely arranged, and is yet another example of how talented this seriously underrated band is. Chicago’s Dowsing delivers an inspired and distinctive take on the Alkaline Trio classic “San Francisco,” which is sure to remind old school fans of why they fell in love with the band in the first place. Laura Stevenson selected another renowned Chicago band to cover in Smoking Popes, contributing a compelling, stripped-down interpretation of their fan-favorite “Do Something.” Additional highlights include covers by Kevin Seconds, Modern Baseball, Jeff Rosenstock and Spraynard. This compilation is recommended for those wanting to relive some of their favorite Asian Man memories, as well as those looking to become familiar with several of the label’s emerging and talented bands.
Textbook
Photo by Katie Hovland
In March of this year, Chicago’s Textbook collaborated with Paper + Plastick for the release of their album called On the B-Side. Containing 16 tracks in total, the record features songs from Textbook’s entire catalog and serves as a celebration of the band’s 15th anniversary. We recently spoke with singer/guitarist Dave Lysien and bassist Rick Uncapher to discuss the album in detail. We talked about how they teamed with Paper + Plastick, as well as the distinctive format that the record’s available on. We also conversed about the band’s experiences touring the UK, some of their favorite memories from the last 15 years, future plans and more. Be sure to check out a video for the song “Just One of Those Things” after the interview. Continue Reading…
The Falcon
Cover photo by Katie Hovland and Layout by David Holtz
Next month, The Falcon is set to release its first album in nearly a decade. We met up with singer/guitarist Brendan Kelly at the GMan Tavern to discuss the record in detail. We talked about the band’s new guitarist, Dave Hause, and how his contributions helped to shape the album’s sound. Original members Dan Andriano, (Alkaline Trio) and Neil Hennessy, (The Lawrence Arms) are of course still onboard for the ride. We also spoke about how the record was written, what it was like recording with Dan Tinkler at Atlas Studios and how the album’s cover came to be. Additionally, we conversed about the record’s dark lyrical content and how it mirrors the style of the music. Longtime fans will be eager to find the band exploring new sounds, but at the same time retaining the characteristics that they’re best known for. By all accounts, Gather Up The Chaps finds The Falcon sounding very much revitalized and ready for take-off. Continue Reading…
Riot Fest, 2015
For its inaugural year in Douglas Park, Riot Fest continued to grow and expand, while still retaining its formula of legacy acts mixed with eclectic and emerging artists. Despite the change of location, Riot Fest felt right at home in its new digs, taking advantage of an open layout that made for easy navigation from one stage to another. There was a little rain and a fair amount of mud, but those that weren’t deterred by the elements were treated to a surplus of memorable sets from a genuinely diverse collection of bands. We recapped some of our favorite moments and observations from what was an eventful, action-packed weekend. Written by Jamie Ludwig, (JL) and Bill Denker, (BD). Photos by Katie Hovland.
Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room
Photo by Katie Hovland
Last month, the second full-length from Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room was released by Asian Man Records. Entitled Party Adjacent, the album is much more of a collaborative, full-band effort than the first Emergency Room record. We spoke with Dan about how he brought together this group of musicians and what it was like working with producer Jeff Rosenstock. We also talked about how this project compares to Dan’s principal gig as the singer/bassist for Alkaline Trio. Also discussed was the album’s writing and recording process, the meaning behind some of its songs, future touring plans and more. Continue Reading…
The Bigger Empty – “My Great Escape”
Photo by Katie Hovland
The Bigger Empty traces its origins back to 2007, when Mike Felumlee, (current/founding Smoking Popes drummer, former Alkaline Trio drummer) began playing solo shows. He called upon some friends to assist him in playing live, and after a few years of playing shows together they’d grown to become more of an actual band than a solo project. As of last year, they started calling themselves The Bigger Empty, with a lineup consisting of Felumlee on vocals/guitar, guitarist Jim Steinkraus, bassist Reuben Baird and drummer Kevin Baschen. When asked as to what inspired the band’s name, Felumlee said “We have a song called ‘The Bigger Empty’ about my dog that runs away quite frequently. It’s about him going out into the world and discovering that it’s really not that great out there and he’d rather be back home. We loved that song title, so we decided to use it as our name. The lyrics and title were written by our friend Brian Birkland. I team up with him a lot when I’m stumped on writing lyrics.”
This Saturday, 7/25, The Bigger Empty is playing Subterranean with Spitalfield and Daniel Wade. The show starts at 6:00 PM, is 17+ and costs $17. They’ll have copies of their debut EP available at the show, though it officially comes out on 8/08 via Artistic Integrity Records. The EP is called vs. The Cloud and was recorded at bassist Baird’s studio, Chicago Sound Lab. Check out a song from the record below, called “My Great Escape.”
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/ESCAPE.mp3|titles= “My Great Escape”]
Matt Skiba and the Sekrets – KUTS
Superball Music – Release Date: 6/02/15
For their second album, Matt Skiba and the Sekrets forgo the melodic punk influences that dominated their first record in favor of power pop and ‘80s synthesizers. And that makes sense, as their first effort was comprised of leftover song ideas from Alkaline Trio, (Skiba’s primary band). This time around, Skiba wrote specifically for the Sekrets, and once again enlisted bassist Hunter Burgan, (AFI) and drummer Jarrod Alexander, (My Chemical Romance). The result is a much more collaborative album that’s brought to life with great success by producer Rob Schnapf. The record kicks off with “Lonely and Kold,” a radio-ready song that evokes hints of The Cure and is propelled by a catchy guitar lead courtesy of Schnapf. Skiba’s voice sounds clear and confident as he sings about breaking old habits and moving on to better things, a theme that emerges several times throughout the album. “She Wolf” comes next and it’s a danceable, Bowie-like tune that’s loaded with keyboards, vocal effects and the masterful bass playing of Burgan. “Krashing” is another prominent entry and features a layered arrangement, creative drumming and a memorable, monster hook. The record concludes nicely with the vulnerable, piano-laced track “Never Believe” and the nostalgic, atmospheric charm of “Vienna.” KUTS is a cohesive, listenable album that’s both inspired and well-written. Longtime fans of Skiba’s work are sure to enjoy this, as are those interested in hearing him effectively experiment with synthesizer-driven rock.
Derek Grant
Last month, Alkaline Trio drummer Derek Grant released his debut solo album via Red Scare Industries, called Breakdown. We caught up with Grant just before his recent show at Beat Kitchen to discuss the details of the record. We talked about what inspired him to start writing songs, the personal nature of his lyrics and the various musical influences found on the album. We also spoke about how Breakdown was recorded, the fact that Grant played all the instruments on the recording, his partnership with Red Scare and more. What’s apparent after listening to the LP is that Grant is not only an especially talented musician, but also an engaging lyricist who just began a very promising solo career. Continue Reading…
V/A – The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 10/29/13
Last year, No Use For A Name singer/guitarist Tony Sly passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41. No Use’s longtime label, Fat Wreck Chords, has responded by releasing this 26-track compilation, with proceeds benefitting Sly’s wife and two daughters. The resulting album features some of the biggest names in punk, with bands covering both NUFAN songs and music from Sly’s solo career. By all accounts, Sly was a truly gifted songwriter and this record does a phenomenal job of not only showcasing his talents, but also celebrating his life. Karina Denike, former Dance Hall Crashers singer, opens the album with a haunting, almost a cappella rendition of “Biggest Lie” that emphasizes Sly’s powerful lyrics. Strung Out provides a fast-paced, metallic version of No Use’s biggest hit, “Soulmate,” and it’s simply one of the best entries on the record. Conversely, Rise Against offers a stripped-down, acoustic take of “For Fiona,” which strikes an emotional chord when singer Tim McIlrath concludes the song by echoing Sly’s words of “I’m always here.” Bad Religion, NOFX and Lagwagon all contribute strong and sturdy covers, with the latter sounding particularly spirited. Snuff adds a reggae-tinged song, while Old Man Markley supplies some bluegrass influence, illustrating that Sly’s songwriting transcends genres. Frank Turner and The Gaslight Anthem also present quality interpretations, as do The Bouncing Souls, Teenage Bottlerocket and many additional artists on this compilation. In short, the album very much succeeds in honoring Sly’s memory. He was respected by an array of musicians and will always be remembered for being an especially talented lyricist. If you ever enjoyed any of Sly’s work, there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy this as well. Lastly, check out Alkaline Trio’s unique and chilling cover of “Straight from the Jacket” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/15-Straight-From-the-Jacket.mp3|titles=”Straight From the Jacket”]
Dead Ending – “Ayn Rand Chicken Sandwich”
Dead Ending by Katie Hovland
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.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/4-Ayn-Rand-Chicken-Sandwich.mp3|titles=Ayn Rand Chicken Sandwich]
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