Able Baker Fox recently released their latest album, Visions, via No Sleep Records. We caught up with the band in late August before they played a show at the Metro and spoke with guitarist/singer Nathan Ellis. We talked about how the album was written, what it was like recording with J. Robbins, the band’s pairing with a new record label and more. Able Baker Fox features members of the Casket Lottery and Small Brown Bike, and while Visions is rooted in the melodic post-hardcore that fans of those bands have come to anticipate, there are also plenty of new and unexpected influences found here as well. Be sure to check out a video for the album’s first song, “Purple Mountains,” after the interview. Continue Reading…
Last month, The Menzingers headlined a sold-out show at the Metro, playing in support of their recently released album, After the Party. Much like the record itself, the band displayed signs of maturation throughout their set, playing to the crowd and delivering numerous fan-favorites with ease. They opened with “Tellin’ Lies,” the leadoff track from their latest full-length and quickly segued into their 2014 hit, “I Don’t Wanna Be an Asshole Anymore.” They then proceeded to play four songs from their breakout record On the Impossible Past, with “Good Things” receiving the largest crowd response. From there, they reached back to 2010 and performed “Time Tables,” elevating the amount of audience participation to another level. Additional highlights included “Rodent,” “The Obituaries” and two of the best songs off After the Party, “Midwestern States” and “Your Wild Years.” The band left the stage briefly after playing nearly 20 songs and returned for a rousing, three-song encore, consisting of “Lookers,” “Casey” and “In Remission.” In short, The Menzingers delivered an impressive and comprehensive set, leaving fans thoroughly satisfied and already anticipating the next time they roll through town. Be sure to check out their recent national television debut on Last Call with Carson Daly here.
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…
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.
In 2008, Alkaline Trio released their sixth studio album and major label debut, Agony & Irony. The following year, we spoke with singer/bassist Dan Andriano and talked about how the band partnered with Epic Records, as well as how the album was recorded and its overall style. We also discussed the reissue of their first album, Goddamnit, the unexpected passing of producer Jerry Finn, Nike’s custom Alkaline Trio shoe and more. Continue Reading…