Archives:
Colossal – “The Serious Kind”
Next month, Asian Man Records will release Colossal’s debut album, Welcome the Problems, for the first time on vinyl. The label initially released the full-length on CD in 2004. Colossal formed in Elgin, Illinois in 2001 and at the time of this recording their lineup consisted of singer/guitarist Pat Ford, guitarist/singer/trumpet player Jason Flaks, drummer/singer Rob Kellenberger and bassist Eli Caterer. When asked as to why this album is now being re-released, label owner Mike Park said “People kept asking me about it. The band never said a thing. It was strictly folks messaging me and asking if it would be released on vinyl. Originally, I didn’t do the vinyl for this. A small, now defunct label called Grey Flight Records did, so I wanted to have this in our discography.”
As part of this re-release, the record was fully remastered by Carl Saff. A total of 600 copies were pressed, with 300 on white vinyl and 300 on black. When speaking about why this album is special to him, Park said “Because I slept on it. When I first put this out, I wasn’t a big fan to be honest. I think I mostly originally put this out just because of my relationship with Rob Kellenberger and Slapstick. Basically, any member of Slapstick I would say ‘yes’ to whatever they brought to the table. And so that was the case with Colossal. I didn’t love it and that makes me angry because I listen to it now and go ‘geez…this shit is insane.’”
We’re streaming the album’s second track below, “The Serious Kind,” which exemplifies the band’s progressive arrangements and penchant for melody. Pre-order the record here and expect it to ship by mid-October.
Rapids – “Coroner Bar”
Rapids are releasing their debut EP this Saturday, called Traction. The relatively new band features members of Slapstick, Colossal, Dead End Days, The Love Shots and others. Their EP was recorded last winter by Chris Heilemann in Elgin, IL and its cover art is by Jason Swearingen. Beginning this Saturday, the EP can be downloaded at Rapids’ Bandcamp page. Rapids are also playing the very same day at Quenchers with Two Houses, Nervous Passenger and Costanza. The show starts at 10:00 PM, is 21+ and costs $5. Check out an exclusive stream of one of Rapids’ new songs below, called “Coroner Bar.”
Ground Control Restaurant
Photo by Katie Hovland
Several months ago, Ground Control opened on the western edge of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. It’s owned by the husband and wife duo of Dan Hanaway and Carrie Haase, and fans of Chicago’s punk rock community may recall Hanaway as a member of bands such as; Slapstick, The Broadways, The Honor System, Ratasucia and more. Ground Control’s menu is entirely meatless, though they don’t necessarily go out of their way to promote themselves as a vegetarian restaurant. Many of their entrees feature tofu or seitan, and they serve a variety of salads, sandwiches and pastas, plus appetizers and desserts. We met with Hanaway and talked about his inspirations for wanting to open a restaurant, as well as what it took to get Ground Control up and running, where he’d like to see his business in the future and more. Continue Reading…
Slapstick
Photo of Brendan Kelly by Katie Hovland
Slapstick was one of the definitive ska/punk bands of the ‘90s. They were together from ’93 to ’96, and after disbanding its members went on to either play in or form bands such as; Alkaline Trio, The Lawrence Arms, The Honor System, Tuesday, The Broadways and more. They reunited briefly in ’97 for a pair of benefit shows, but didn’t perform again until the summer of 2011, when they headlined the opening night of Asian Man Records’ 15th Anniversary Festival in San Francisco. Last month, the band played Riot Fest in Chicago and we spoke with singer Brendan Kelly a week or so later. We discussed Slapstick’s recent reunions, their relationship with Asian Man, future plans and more. The band’s lineup is completed by guitarist Matt Stamps, bassist Dan Andriano, drummer Rob Kellenberger, trumpet player Dan Hanaway and trombone player Peter Anna.
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds
Photo by Katie Hovland
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds unveiled their debut full-length a short time ago, entitled I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever. It marks Brendan’s latest musical project and sounds distinctly different from his primary band, The Lawrence Arms. We spoke with Mr. Kelly about the album’s unique style, what inspired some of its lyrics, the manner in which it was recorded and more. Pictured above with Brendan is Nick Martin, who played a variety of instruments on the album. Continue Reading…
Slapstick, 6/15/11
Photo by Katie Hovland
Asian Man Records
For the last 15 years, Asian Man Records has been synonymous with do-it-yourself ethics and a fan-friendly approach. Such methods have earned the label a sizable and devoted fan base, as well as a reputation for prioritizing its ideals over any kind of business plans. Owner Mike Park founded Asian Man in 1996, after parting ways with his first band, Skankin’ Pickle. Along with Skankin’ Pickle’s other members, Park had previously run Dill Records, but after leaving the band the time was right for him to start his own label. Since its formation, Asian Man has grown significantly, issuing more than 200 releases and achieving both national and international acclaim. This June the label will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a five-day festival in San Francisco, which will encompass ten shows and over 40 bands. The event will not only celebrate Asian Man’s past accomplishments, but also serve as an affirmation of its plans to continue releasing music for many years to come. Continue Reading…
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