The Whigs - April 23, 2010

The Whigs dipped into local waters for opening acts. Old Fake took the stage first, with a hard-charging sound that perfectly balanced punk and blues that made them an ideal opener for the Athens trio. The trio's sound had a lot in common with The Whigs, if you stripped away the southern influences. Keep an eye for them on upcoming shows in the area, and get there early because they are definitely worth your attention. More established Chicago act, Empires followed with a solid opening set. Their sound was a bit hard to peg, for better or worse, pulling at the corners of classic rock, alternative, adult contemporary, and even metal at times. Their intriguing blend of influences was not enough to stop from wishing Old Fake and Empires were reversed on the set.

The Athens, Georgia rockers took the stage to the Braves’ “Tomahawk Chop”, with the crowd happily joining in on the arm-swinging action. The trio took on light-hearted, keyboard-laced “Nothing Is Easy” first, giving long-time fans something to swoon over before hitting the new material hard. The set was dominated by the band’s two most recent efforts, with the easier-going material from their debut feeling a bit out of place at this point compared to the grittier sounds that followed.

The loose, jangling riffs and thumping bass line of “I Am For Real” served well as a bridge to the edgier rock that would follow. The trio jumped back to Mission Control for the hard-charging “Hot Bed”, showing off the tight sound of the trio and, front man, Parker Gispert’s energetic performance as he strutted across the stage to the beat. This is a band much larger than the stage they were playing. The set dove head-first into a handful off their fantastic third album, In The Dark, only slowing down for the clunky psychedelic clutter of “Dying”. The Tim Deaux’s rolling bass line and the frantic beat of Julian Dorio showed the band to truly be a three-man show.
Gispert’s grizzled vocals on “So Lonely” colored the song wonderfully before they busted out the album’s lead single, “Kill Me Carolyn”. The fluttering rumble of “Black Lotus” closed the pack of new material well, with wiry guitar blaring through. Gispert praised the enthusiastic crowd at the end, calling Chicago “the liveliest big city – New York and LA are a bunch of stiffies”. It felt a bit ironic, given the city’s reputation for standing motionless, but the band’s raucous rockers and no-nonsense attitude brought out the best in the crowd. The rippling beat of “Like A Vibration” led off a string of fan-favorites, leading into the stomping rhythm of “Production City” and explosive, anthem-ready “Right Hand On My Heart”.

Gispert’s move the keyboard took some air out of the set for “Half The World Away”, but the move served the band well; giving Deaux, now on guitar, and Dorio a chance to rock out a bit, and providing the calm before the storm. Shout-a-long epic, “Naked” served as the highlight of the night, where the slow-burn mystery of the verses played great against the snarling, empowering hook. The swaggering “Already Young” closed the regular set, and the band returned to the stage again to the “Tomahawk Chop” for the encore. The easy-going “Say Hello” from their debut kicked things off slowly, but the trio finished strong with southern-tinged, conscious-conflicted “Someone’s Daughter” and thrashing “Need You Need You”. Having seen them previously at Lollapalooza, we confidently say that they have never sounded better, and are a must-see band at this point. Consider yourself lucky if they are coming through your town and there are tickets still available.

Upcoming Shows - Week ending April 25th

Thursday, April 22nd - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $13

Headliner: The Antlers

Opener: Phantogram

We begged you to catch, electro-pop duo, Phantogram when they played Schubas a few months ago, warning you that it would be a rare chance to catch the rising stars at a smallish venue. Now they are at the larger Lincoln Hall opening for, fellow buzz-band, The Antlers. It will not be long before venues this size will be a memory for them too.

Thursday, April 22nd - Congress Theater - 7pm - $25

Headliner: Passion Pit

Openers: Mayer Hawthorne & The Country

Having sold out Congress Theater earlier this month, Passion Pit return for what should be another sold out performance. Get your tickets while you can, as word of just how great their dance-happy, synth-fuelled rock is spreads.

Friday, April 23rd - Bottom Lounge - 8pm - $15

Headliner: The Whigs

Openers: Empires, Old Fake

You have a choice tonight, but one listen to the latest album from, Athens-based grunge rockers, The Whigs and the decision becomes clear. Blending blues and classic rock with their affinity for nineties grunge this time around works wonders for their already great sound. Get an early listen to a band you should not miss at Lollapalooza this year.

Friday, April 23rd - Park West - 8pm - $27

Headliner: Martin Sexton

Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton provides a great back-up plan for those who will get shut out of the sure-to-sell-out Whigs show. His amazing vocal range, heartfelt songwriting, and music that blends soul, blues, and roots rock is sure to please.

Sunday, April 25th - The Vic - 7pm - $21.50
Headliner: Sia

Sunday is a tough decision, sure to spread concert-loving Chicagoans across a few venues. There is no wrong choice here, and Australia's Sia certainly is a very good one. Her sound is pop, but is as unique, varied, and refreshing as her collaborations – which recently have included appearances on The Flight Of The Conchords' sophomore album, writing songs for Christina Aguilera's upcoming album, and laid down guest vocals on the David Byrne and Fatboy Slim album.

Sunday, April 25th - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $14
Headliner: The Album Leaf
Opener: Sea Wolf

We do not normally recommend heading out to shows to see an opening act, but Sea Wolf is not normally an opening act. We love the gypsy-flavored acoustic rock of Sea Wolf more than we can possibly explain here. There is nothing quite like them in music today, and Alex Church Brown's knack for storytelling in the lyrics is just as gorgeous as the music. On album, Sea Wolf are a tranquil beauty. Live, they are an indie rock party. If you have never seen them live, you need to be at Lincoln Hall on Sunday night.
Sunday, April 25th - Metro - 9pm - $13
Headliner: White Rabbits
Openers: Here We Go Magic, Pet Lions

All you really need to know about White Rabbits can be seen in the clip of them playing "Percussion Gun" on Letterman last year. Soulful vocals, two drummers, and a ragged, heart-pounding indie rock sound make them a must-see band. Add in Chicago's own up-and-coming indie pop sensations Pet Lions, and we are not quite sure how there can possibly still be tickets available.

As Tall As Lions and Bad Veins - February 6, 2010

It is becoming too rare a feat to find tours with openers and are worthy of your attention. The one-two punch of this spring's As Tall As Lions tour is such a line-up.

Cincinnati's Bad Veins warmed the crowd with a powerhouse half-hour set. The two-man-and-a-reel-to-reel band kicked off their set with the sparse rat-a-tat beat marching in the hazy, horn-laced "Found". The reel-to-reel, affectionately known as Irene, handled the portions of the wonderfully crafted songs , front man, Benjamin Davis and, drummer, Sebastien Schultz could not recreate on their own. With Schultz emphatically tumbling his way through the beats and Davis belting out the vocals and dividing his time between the guitar and keys, 'Irene' colored in the horns and strings. The lethargic, sloshed vocals of "Gold And Warm" contrasted the frantic beat. It was a risk that made the fantastic love song sound fresh and dramatic.

The duo continued down the set list, matching the order of the album, with the passionate "Crosseyed" before breaking order into "Afraid", where they provided enough energy and personality for a band double their size. Davis used the phone attached to 'Irene' to add a layer of distortion to his vocals on "Falling Tide", where the rumbling bass and killer beat turned it into the danciest of their set. The only slight issue with the duo is that Irene leaves them no room to do anything outside of the planned setlist. Thankfully, they are good enough performers on stage to make it feel fresh every time out, but it would be nice to suddenly hear them blast out something new that they are working on. Until they shed Irene, or expand the band a bit to a three or four member experience, that is unlikely to happen. As lush and gorgeous as the songs sound, they are good enough to stand on their own in a live setting without the orchestral bits. Regardless, by the end of the too-short set, it was clear they had converted more than a few fans asking 'Who is this?' at the start.

As Tall As Lions seemed to squander the energy provided by Bad Veins' lead-in, with a forty-minute set change that dragged on and finally taking the stage after a minute of Oukast's funky "Spottieottiedogaliscious". The muddled sound of "In Case Of Rapture" left you wondering what all that time tuning instruments and running through sound checks was for. The poor sound mix buried Dan Nigro's vocals beneath a clumsily tangled web of guitars and percussion, turning what should have been one of the most enthralling songs of the night into a cluttered mess. Thankfully, Nigro's move to keyboard for "Go Easy" found a better mic and allowed the soundboard operator to fix the balance, allowing his amazing vocals to shine. The band's use of an extra percussionist on tour paid off, turning the song into a more beat-driven affair that almost sounded like the Latin remix.

Nigro's to-the-rafters vocals on "Circles" showed that you really need to try to bury his voice, as the band continued the string of energetic rockers. There is a dreamy element to much of As Tall As Lions' material on album, but they are definitely a rock band live. Pulling material exclusively from their two most recent full-lengths, the set list was a fantastic showcase of what an excellent live band they are. Even awkward album tracks like the staggering piano-led "We's Been Waitin'" sounded great live. If you went in unsure about You Can't Take It With You, you came out of it with a new appreciation for it. Sounding like a Timbaland collaboration on-disc, "The Narrows" was one of the stand outs of the set; culminating in a killer drum-off between, drummer, Cliff Sarcona and, touring percussionist, 'Scotty'.

Nigro introduced "Song For Luna" claiming, "This is about singing to a girl, who is also the moon", adding, "It's so deep, I don't even understand it". Meaning aside, the fan favorite was one of many dazzling songs off their lush self-titled effort. The spangled guitar and great vocals of "Ghost Of York" proved Nigro's voice the kind you need to hear to believe. Bassist, Julio Tavarez's falsetto showed that Nigro is not the only one in the band with talented pipes, delivering a 'post-sex cigarette' version of the jazzy ballad "Duermete". The band capped off the regular hour-long set with a solid three-song encore, starting with the trippy, Tavarez-sung "You Can't Take It With You". Long before the end of, soaring love song, "Milk And Honey" it was clear As Tall As Lions are a must-see live band. Do not miss your chance when this line-up rolls through your town.

In Case Of Rapture
Go Easy
Circles
Song For Luna
A Soft Hum
The Narrows
Duermete
Stab City
Where Do I Stand
Ghost Of York
We's Been Waitin'

You Can't Take It With You
Maybe I'm Just Tired
Milk And Honey

Upcoming Shows - Week Ending March 14th

Got plans this weekend? You might want to rethink them…

Thursday, March 11th – Lincoln Hall – 9pm - $12

Headliner: We Were Promised Jetpacks

Openers: The Lonely Forest, Bear Hand

The latest Scotland sensation, We Were Promised Jetpacks returns to Chicago for a show at the wonderful Lincoln Hall. With a sound full of ragged, restless riffs and some amazingly gut-wrenching lyrics, they have a buzz around them for a reason. Their cathartic debut release was among the best we heard in 2009, and think you would have to have a screw loose to miss the band live. If you only see one show this week, make it this one!

Friday, March 12^th – Schubas – 7pm - $12

Headliner: David Ford

Openers: Brent Puls

If you manage to make out to just two shows this weekend, we highly recommend UK singer-songwriter David Ford at Schubas. Singer-songwriters may be a dime-a-dozen, but Ford's unique one-man-band show, looping all the pieces together live on stage, is truly something you need to see to believe. Add a fantastic voice and brutally honest lyrics, and you have a can't-miss show.

Friday, March 12^th – United Center – 7:30pm - $40 – $60

Headliner: Muse

Openers: Silversun Pickups

If you are in the market for something much, much bigger, head over to United Center for two stadium-ready bands – Muse and Silversun Pickups. We normally ignore the United Center shows here, but having witnessed first-hand the brilliance of both bands, we find this one a great exception.

Friday and Saturday, March 12^th and 13^th – The Vic – 8pm - $50, $100, $250

Headliner: Jeff Tweedy

The Wilco front man puts on these annual benefit shows once a year, so this is your limited opportunity to catch Jeff Tweedy in a solo setting. The price may be a little higher, but it is not like you are going to be catching Wilco in this intimate a venue anytime in the near future.

Friday, March 12^th – Beat Kitchen – 9pm - $12

Headliner: Pelican

Openers: Piebender, Follows

This would be an easier recommendation if it were not for all else going on this night. The good news is, you can probably catch the molten instrumental metal of Pelican after heading to Metro to see Mustard Plug.

Friday, March 12^th – Metro – 6:30pm - $19

Headliner: Aqua Bats

Openers: Mustard Plug, Plunket

If you are in the mood for some horn-happy ska, Mustard Plug might be just the ticket on Friday night. Go skanking!

Saturday, March 13^th – The Bottom Lounge – 7pm - $15

Headliner: Ted Leo And The Pharmacists

Openers: Title Tracks, The Chicago Stone Lightning Band

Ted Leo And The Pharmacists head to Chicago on the heels of releasing this week's The Brutalist Bricks. We recommend heading out and finding out and hearing their energetic balance of punk and pop live.

Saturday, March 13^th – The Aragon – 6pm - SOLD OUT

Headliner: Flogging Molly

Openers: Frank Turner And The Architects

This eclectic fusion of traditional Irish music and punk rock is playing at a venue as large as The Aragon for a reason. It's not quite St. Patrick's Day, but why not get the week off to a Guinness soaked start?

As Tall As Lions Announce New Headlining Tour Dates

New York-based indie darlings, As Tall As Lions are set to embark on their first headlining tour since releasing 2009's You Can't Take It With You. Lucky for us, the tour kicks off in Chicago, with an April 6th stop at Bottom Lounge. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 5th, with special pre-orders available to fan club members at their site; which comes with the added bonus of reduced service fees and a special edition poster signed by the band. No word yet on opening bands, but all you really need to know is that they are a fantastic, psychedelic-tinged indie rock band definitely worth your attention live.

06-Apr Chicago, IL The Bottom Lounge
07-Apr Minneapolis, MN The Varsity Theater
09-Apr Kansas City, MO Record Bar
10-Apr Denver, CO Marquis Theatre
13-Apr Tempe, AZ Clubhouse Music Venue
14-Apr El Paso, TX Club 101
16-Apr Indio, CA COACHELLA
19-Apr San Francisco, CA Slim’s
21-Apr Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater
22-Apr Seattle, WA Neumos
23-Apr Boise, ID Neuorlux
24-Apr Salt Lake City, UT Club Sound
27-Apr Dallas, TX The Cambridge Room @ HOB
30-Apr Orlando, FL The Social
01-May Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
02-May St. Petersburg, FL State Theatre
03-May Atlanta, GA Vinyl
05-May Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
06-May New York, NY The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza
07-May Baltimore, MD Sonar Club Stage
09-May Cambridge, MA Middle East (Downstairs)