Chicago’s The Addisons recently released their debut single, called So American / Standing Outside Your Door. The band features Tom Counihan and Dave Lysien of Not Rebecca, and this project marks the first time that the two have worked together in over ten years. Their lineup is solidified by bassist Rick Uncapher, (Textbook, Noise By Numbers) and drummer Daisun Derrijk, (The Sonnets). The band recorded their introductory release in October of last year with Jeff Dean at Million Yen Studios. We’re streaming one of the tracks below, “Standing Outside Your Door,” and the single can be purchased via Bandcamp here. Also, be sure to catch The Addisons on Friday, January 20th when they play Livewire Lounge with Sweet Figurines, The Cells and Farewell Captain. The show starts at 9:00 PM and costs $10.
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…
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”]Boss Tuneage Records – Release Date: 7/11/11
Textbook has been together for over ten years, perfecting their own style of alternative rock that’s influenced by everyone from The Replacements to Naked Raygun. Fronted by former Not Rebecca singer/guitarist Dave Lysien, Textbook has released a total of four full-lengths, and the band’s continued development is clearly apparent on Out Of My Universe. The EP was recorded by Matt Allison at Atlas Studios and sounds reasonably polished, yet retains the right amount of energy and edge. The first song, “Crowding”, is an urgent, fast-paced rocker with classic Midwestern punk inspiration, and it’s followed by “Please Reconsider”, which is a concise, melodic tune that clocks-in at less than two minutes. The title track is up next and it evokes The Hold Steady in terms of its guitar work and enjoys an extremely infectious chorus. “Laugh Out Loud” is a melancholy, mid-tempo song with a slight country influence, while “I Can’t Take You Anywhere” is pure power pop and absolutely the catchiest song on this record. The final entry, “Who’s Sorry Now”, is a fitting conclusion as it showcases nearly all of Textbook’s finest attributes. Such traits include; creative songwriting, earnest lyrics, an ample amount of backing vocals, skilled musicianship and a knack for blending various genres into a unique sound. Out Of My Universe is recommended for fans of Husker Du, Lucero, Gameface or anyone searching for quality, pop-infused rock this summer.
Textbook UK tour dates with The Magnificent:
July 16 – Leeds @ The Well
July 18 – Brixton @ The Windmill
July 19 – Cambridge @ Portland Arms
July 20 – Derby @ Victoria Inn
July 21 – Sheffield @ The Red House
July 22 – Manchester @ Gulliver’s