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Strategies

12.27.22

Earlier this year, Strategies released their self-titled, debut EP. The band’s lineup consists of guitarist Paul Lask, (The Ghost, Tight Phantomz) drummer Neil Hennessy, (Lawrence Arms) and singer Brian Moss, (Great Apes, Hanalei, The Ghost). We recently spoke with Paul and Brian and talked about the band’s origins, which trace back to the early months of the pandemic. We also discussed their sound, as it incorporated elements of indie rock and Midwestern emo, not to mention a host of other influences. Additionally, we conversed about how the EP was recorded, some of its lyrical content, Strategies’ future plans and more.

Tagged: Brian Moss, Chicago, Great Apes, Hanalei, Lawrence Arms, Neil Hennessy, Strategies, The Ghost, Tight Phantomz

The Lawrence Arms

12.06.20

In July of this year, The Lawrence Arms released their seventh full-length and second for Epitaph, titled Skeleton Coast. We recently spoke with singer/bassist Brendan Kelly and talked about the album in detail. We discussed how it was recorded in a remote part of Texas, as well as what inspired some of the songs and the record’s overall concept. Skeleton Coast is undeniably one of the band’s top albums and features a matured sound yet still retains their classic characteristics. In short, very few bands are able to produce a record of this quality after being together for over 20 years. Additionally, this Friday, The Lawrence Arms will continue the proud tradition of their annual War On X-Mas show. This year’s edition will be an online festival with many notable guest appearances. The show starts at 7:00 PM Central and tickets can be purchased here.

Tagged: Atlas Studios, Brendan Kelly, Epitaph, Lawrence Arms, Matt Allison, Riot Fest, Skeleton Coast, Sonic Ranch, War On X-Mas

League of Nations Tour

11.01.17

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.

Tagged: Brendan Kelly, Lawrence Arms, MakeWar, Red Scare Industries

Riot Fest, 2015

10.14.15

: Against Me! at Riot Fest by Katie Hovland

: Against Me! at Riot Fest by Katie Hovland

: Photo by Katie Hovland

: Photo by Katie Hovland

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.