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The Lawrence Arms
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.
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The Webstirs – “Fiction”
This fall, Chicago’s The Webstirs will release their sixth full-length. The self-titled album was produced by longtime collaborator Matt Allison and finds the band continuing to develop their signature indie-pop sound. The Webstirs were formed in 1994 by Preston Pisellini and Mark Winkler. Their lineup also includes drummer Jordan Kozer, and newest members Gregg Juhlin, (bass) and Doug Bobenhouse, (guitar/vocals). Bobenhouse contributed with some of the songwriting on this record, which added a new dimension and helped to further evolve their sound. Check out the video for the first single below, called “Fiction,” and look for the album to be released in the coming months.
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Song Premiere: The Scissors – “Jet Black”
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.”
Continue Reading…The Lawrence Arms – We Are the Champions of the World
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 3/30/18
The Lawrence Arms (TLA) need no introduction. Rather, I’d like to emphasize that the band has evolved with an impressive consistency since 1999; including writing and musicianship, down to its primary engineer through the years: Matt Allison of Atlas Studios. A steady captain behind the scenes gives the recording quality and process a consistency of its own. The trio comprised of bassist/vocalist Brendan Kelly, guitarist/vocalist Chris McCaughan and drummer Neil Hennessy hand-picked 29 songs to showcase on its new best-of collection titled, We Are the Champions of the World.
Of the 29 tracks, 24 were culled from the band’s prolific discography – an evenly distributed retrospective spread, providing existing fans with the ultimate TLA mixtape, while simultaneously creating a perfect pool of songs for those just jumping in. The biggest perk of this release are the five previously unreleased tracks featured on this collection, all taken from the 2006 Oh! Calcutta! sessions, recorded at Atlas Studios in Chicago.
The tracks were scrapped because they “just didn’t fit in the structure of that album, which ended up being very focused and thematic,” Kelly said. “I hadn’t heard these songs in over 10 years,” McCaughan said. “I’d basically forgotten they existed at all, so listening back to a few of them was initially like stepping into some strange portal.”
“The Rabbit and the Rooster” was featured as an iTunes bonus track to O!C! It’s an anthemic, triumphant song that almost-comically borrows its bridge from Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time.” It’s an unapologetically upbeat tune about living for today, with plenty of nods to drinking and paying no mind to regret.
“Catalog” is short and fast, over before the 1:30 mark. Kelly and McCaughan trade vocal duties on this one. Interestingly, this was the first song Kelly wrote for the O!C! sessions. For a demo, the quality is superb.
McCaughan’s “Black Snow” is perhaps the most dynamic of the unreleased tracks. Backing vocals were never added, and it was abandoned about halfway through its completion. It captures much of what McCaughan felt in 2005 in Chicago. Thematically and sonically, it’s restless and echoes a Holden Caulfield-esque perspective. “I need a better way, another day, a different time/This liquor sheen smiles in my eyes/I’m searching for an anchor in this empty night/Walking home on the same street/it never used to look like this/the skeletons are secretly living in all these condominiums.”
“Laugh Out Loud” was another one of the earlier songs written for the O!C! sessions by McCaughan and exists now only as a demo. “It’s so easy to be jaded,” he sings. “Warped Summer Extravaganza (Turbo Excellent)” is a much faster take of the song that made the cut on O!C! This perhaps is the fastest song TLA has in its catalog, and it’s a perfectly succinct track to end the retrospective on, bringing it full circle in a way.
– Jason Duarte
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…
Still Alive
In August of last year, Chicago’s Still Alive released their latest record, Choices. We recently spoke with singer/guitarist Dan Alfonsi and talked about what recording the album was like. We also discussed some of the record’s lyrics and its general theme. In addition, we conversed about how the band has continued to progress its unique sound, which integrates genres like metal, ska, hardcore and more. While Still Alive may defy easy classifications, they’re certainly a band deserving of increased attention. They’ve got a lot planned for the year ahead, and with any luck their persistent work ethic will result in an expanded audience. Continue Reading…
The Suizos – “F*ck Work”
The Suizos formed in 2011 and feature singer/guitarist Darren Vorel, (That Lying Bitch) and singer/guitarist Chris Mason, (Super Happy Fun Club). Their name is inspired by the suizo burritos found at Taco Burrito Palace #2 in Lincoln Park. Mason lives nearby and after late night writing/drinking sessions, the duo would often find themselves indulging in the fine cuisine at said restaurant. The band recently recorded a four-song EP at Atlas Studios with Matt Allison, and “Fuck Work” is the second single from the release. Mason handled drum responsibilities on the recording, while Dave Tirio, (Plain White T’s) played bass. According to Vorel, the basis for many of The Suizos’ songs is “stuff we don’t like,” and this song certainly falls under that category.
To coincide with the song’s debut, The Suizos also created a video for the track, which Vorel and Mason co-directed. The concept for the video came to the band while on a recent road trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to witness Green Day’s induction. When asked what filming the video was like, Vorel said “It’s always fun to do music videos. I wanted to be an actor when I was a kid, so this is as close as I’m going to get. Chris and I managed to rally a lot of amazing people to be part of this. We had a high school kid named Spencer help us with camera this time, so we could focus more on our roles. Corttanie, (our lead) is someone I met while doing the Mancow show with my other group. She is totally amazing, foxy and has a fantastic potty mouth that livened up the set. Chris was like ‘What if we got Matt (Allison) to play the boss man?’ I was like ‘That’ll never happen.’ And then it did. That was my favorite part. The guy’s a natural and had us all in stitches on his shoot day. We have an hour of bloopers that are just terrific.” The Suizos don’t have any upcoming shows booked as of yet, but do plan on releasing the remaining two songs from their EP very soon. Check out the exclusive premiere of the “Fuck Work” video above and buy the song on iTunes here.
Textbook – All Messed Up
Torture Chamber Records – Release Date: 10/28/14
Last fall, Chicago’s Textbook released their fifth full-length, entitled All Messed Up. The album finds the band continuing to push the boundaries of the melodic Midwestern rock that they’re known for. Produced by Matt Allison at Atlas Studios, the recording packs a punch but also underscores Textbook’s meticulous songwriting. All Messed Up opens with “Everything I’m Not,” a catchy and concise song that’s loaded with impressive guitar riffs and a surplus of soaring backup vocals. “Looking After Me” is a mid-tempo tune that builds to an anthem-like chorus, which is anchored by a guest vocal appearance from Naked Raygun’s Jeff Pezzati. “Change My Mind” is one of the record’s more punk-leaning tracks and pleasantly reminiscent of ‘90s emo/punk act Walker. Further highpoints include “Just One of Those Things” and “We’ll Get Old,” both of which feature Dan Schafer, (Screeching Weasel, The Riverdales, The Methadones, etc.). All Messed Up is recommended for fans of The Replacements and Husker Du, as well as those that enjoy pop/rock bands like Gameface. Its lyrics often talk of heartbreak, but there’s also an underlying sense of optimism, thanks in part to a plethora of sunny-sounding melodies. Having been together since 1998, Textbook has spent many years honing their craft and this record is decidedly their strongest release yet. Take a listen to the album’s first song below, called “Everything I’m Not.”
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/01-Everything-Im-Not.mp3|titles= “Everything I’m Not”]
The Arrivals
Photo by Katie Hovland
For over ten years, The Arrivals have been a mainstay of Chicago’s punk rock community. With each album they evolve and the latest full-length, Volatile Molotov, represents some of their most ambitious work yet. We discussed the new record with singer/guitarists Isaac Thotz and Dave Merriman, along with a variety of additional topics. Continue Reading…
Smoke Or Fire – The Speakeasy
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 11/9/10
The Speakeasy is Smoke Or Fire’s definitive statement. It incorporates the catchy choruses of Above the City and the pop sensibilities of This Sinking Ship, but also adds advanced songwriting and a newfound sense of confidence. “Integrity” opens the record with an ascending melody and a critique of the American media before segueing into “Monsters”, which decries white-collar crime and exhibits an epic, anthem-like hook. “Neon Light” is the first single and it’s one of the more rock-oriented tracks on the disc. It features acoustic guitar, a distinctive beat and an unforgettable chorus. “Everything Falls Apart” is a peppy punk number that provides some seriously badass guitar solos. “Shotgun” might just be the top song on the album, due to both its stirring lyrics concerning a friend struggling with addiction and its powerful vocal delivery. “Utah” closes the album on a positive note, as it offers an uplifting message regarding the importance of individuality. Often compared to Hot Water Music and Avail, Smoke Or Fire proudly carries the torch that was lit by said bands. The Speakeasy is a complete work and will be remembered for years to come. It’s also unquestionably one of the best records of 2010.
Dirty Tactics @ Atlas Studios
Photos by Katie Hovland
Atlas Studios
Growing up in a musical family from Rockford, Illinois, Matt Allison began his path to becoming a producer while playing guitar and bass in various high school bands. He later moved to Champaign, Illinois to pursue an English degree, yet his passion for music remained. Allison continued playing in bands, but also took interest in recording demo tapes for his and his friends’ bands alike. “I kind of realized you could really exercise a lot of whatever creative urges you had via recording music, while at the same time making a much better living than you possibly would as a musician,” he said. “In some ways it was like hedging a bet, career-wise, but on the other hand I never have been interested in being a touring musician. Working in a studio is something I really enjoy doing.” Allison and a friend eventually constructed a small studio in the attic of the home where they were living, though it soon became apparent that Champaign was simply overcrowded with studios and under-populated by bands. This revelation is what ultimately led Allison to migrate to Chicago. Continue Reading…
The Scissors
Darren Vorel of The Scissors by Katie Hovland
Since forming in 2002, The Scissors have continually labored to hone their sound and expand their following. In late March of 2010, they released their third album, You Can Make It Dangerous. Recorded by Matt Allison and produced by Grammy-nominee Tom Higgenson, this record is somewhat of a star-studded affair, but most importantly, it’s got the songwriting chops to back it up. Taking more of a pop direction than their previous efforts, You Can Make It Dangerous finds The Scissors experimenting with new sounds, but also maintaining their longstanding punk undertones. The album is further augmented by the group’s most solidified lineup yet, and with any luck The Scissors will soon be one of the biggest names in Chicago punk rock. Continue Reading…
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