Howl At The Moon - 20 Nov 09

Hey, blogspot readers, do you need an awesome, friendly place to unwind after a long day at the office? A cool pub for you and your friends to meet for drinks and yummy appetizers? SouthSide highly recommends spending your happy hours at Howl At The Moon. It's a great place to have zany fun while enjoying tasty treats and drinks ...and the dueling piano guys.

Recently, Arma held a "thank you" party in which SouthSide met and chatted with a few of their fans and friends. The place was already in full party mode packed all around from front to back. There were spicy tacos (chicken and beef) and rice as well as jumbo hot dogs to munch on this particular night. The bar offered a variety of mixers, drinks and beer in bottle or tap. SouthSide liked the friendliness of the staff who made everyone at Arma's table feel welcome.

Yet, the main feature at Howl was the two comedic piano performers. This rockin' duo entertained the crowd with renditions from artists like Elton John to Beyonce ...and a few classic tunes in between. On this night, Elton John and Bruce Springteen requests were very popular. The dueling piano guys truly kept this rowdy Friday audience dancing to the music. They even allowed a few to join them on stage for a couple of songs. Where else can you play a round of two of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes against your friends? Or get serenaded by your favorite song on your birthday? Nowhere but at Howl At The Moon.

Also some of the staff had their moment under the spotlight when they danced to the classic Jackson 5 song, ABC. Yes, my blogpsot readers, this reviewer enjoyed the friendly fun atmosphere this place had to offer. She along with a few others shook her groove thang to the music. SouthSide does suggest arriving early if you want to enjoy the yummy food bar the kitchen had to offer (or you can order off the menu too) and/or snagging an unreserved table near or around the piano guys.

For more information about Howl At The Moon, visit www.howlatthemoon.com


SouthSide

28 Nov 09

,,,I don't believe in bs - I read The Onion...

Hey, blogspot readers, time to work off those extra holiday pounds with Voice Of Addiction! Forget health guru Richard Simmons ...this local band will definitely get you in shape sweatin' to their punk rock sound. Recently they had The Mutiny crowd jumpin' and jivin' to the music as well as screaming for more. SouthSide does not remember the last time when she danced so hard after seeing one set.

VOA was loud and fast. They had the type of punk music which got the blood going from beginning to end. Lots of wild guitar riffs and angst to blast your ears away. There were times when this reviewer thought the riffs and percussion rhythms were off beat. Yet, she quickly learned that the mesh of confusion was what this band wanted ...sometimes. It drove them to perform wildly all over the stage and in the audience ...strumming faster and furiously. Thus it did start pockets of moshing and fan dancing near the front of the stage. Whew - it's exhausting while trying to keep up with VOA.

One interesting note Southside noticed about this band was their sound wasn't purely straight punk rock. She heard a wide variety of combinations such as reggae/ska to metal and classic guitar rock. There was also a bit of garage/grunge in their songs which kept the music energizingly fresh. Heads everywhere were banging to the fast rhythms. SouthSide suggests listening to their Empty Bottle - an excellent song to forget about your problems. She enjoyed the downtempo taken during the chorus while the lyrics were sung hurriedly as if someone was anxious or frustrated. Fans during the performance were encouraged to drink since most songs were labeled as VOA's drinking songs. Yet, this reviewer got the feeling that all the songs were drinking songs.

Besides the rockin' music, this band also provided some comedic relief and funnies between songs. While performing, VOA had their wild moments on stage that kept everyone busy at dancing or joining in the antics with them. Watch out for that final song, blogspot readers! Everyone, including the band, went out of control during System Control ..but it's all good to have a mini riot to blow off some of that mall shopping steam. This was what they're all about - letting loose and having a good time. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Voice Of Addiction at their next performance.

For more information, visit Voice Of Addiction at www.voiceofaddiction.com or www.myspace.com/voiceofaddiction.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

24 Nov 09

...or should I say blue Tuesday...



Happy Thanksgiving, blogspot readers!

SouthSide had a chance to enjoy some pre-holiday fun at the Elbo Room before preparing the turkey feast. This was the place for seeing local metal bands rockin' the stage. Fans were treated to performances by Failure Of Progress and Lollipop Factory. This reviewer, however, was intrigued by the dark mysteriousness of Sage 4 after visiting their Myspace page.

There was a creepy feeling when sudden darkness surrounded the basement lounge ...an air of mystery clung heavily as the band took the stage. With an ambient setting like that, SouthSide was ready to understand the secrets of Sage4. This local band, under the cover of blue faux candlelight, performed a rockin' metal set. This reviewer instantly liked the atmosphere created for them. It certainly gave her the chilled feeling of being deep inside her own grave. Morbid thought, she knows but how else was one suppose to enjoy a performance like theirs under the brightness of day? No, blogspot readers, the cover darkness was where you can feel right at home with this band.

The darkness also served as a perfect vice to convey the haunting vocals (by Tracy) behind the Sage4's metal sound. SouthSide could hear the pain and woe as well as fire and passion off the lyrics when she sang. Sometimes where was a bit of tortured frustration hidden in there of what love can do to a soul like hers. A good example would be listening to Am I Evil? off their current CD, Graves. A good question in which needed a truthful answer haunted by the vocals full of pain. Sage's metal sound resonates the mood throughout each song in which this reviewer was wowedy by the guitar rhythms. At times, they were dizzily swirling higher before crashing hard back to reality. SouthSide recommends listening to their Out of Body. This was the moment when both music and vocals shined together. Look for this song to be used in the upcoming movie, Evil Angel starring Ving Rhames. She also loved Everyone's A Hypocrite that had tumbling guitar riffs going so fast that it was hard to keep up with this band.

They eneded this journey with a rousing rendition of a Tool classic. You had to be there to see this band rockin' out the Elbo Room. Sage4's performance took SouthSide to a scary place where her nightmares of love lost and pain roam - and to her, that's a good thing. It forced her to face her fears ...to feel things she would rather keep hidden while letting their dark sound surround her. Think of them as Evanescence however with a harder metal sound and vocals to match.

For more information, visit Sage4 at http://www.sage4.com/ or www.myspace.com/sage4.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

21 Nov 09

Well, blogspotters, it has been one rockin' week for this reviewer. Four non-stop nights of jamming with local bands came to an end at Reggie's Rock Club. This hot spot on the southside for local music featured Wonderland Honey, Parts Per Million and Crazy 88's for the 17 plus crowd. SouthSide was ready to jam again with her friends, Nothing Forgotten. She reviewed this band during the summer when they rocked the Metro stage.

Tonight was almost like witnessing the evolution of this local band. Though the band seemed to be energized as they rocked the stage, SouthSide felt there was something missing. Compared to Nothing's show back in August, this reviewer could feel that energry between the band and its fans and vice versa. However at Reggie's, while the band took their music to a whole new level, in her honest opinion, the audience wasn't really feeling it. Whatever the reason that may be, blogspot readers, SouthSide still recommends checking out Nothing Forgotten at their next performance.

This hardcore/metal band wowed its fans with their guitar riffs and unconventional approach to the metal rock sound. For example, listen to SouthSide's favorite song, Metaphysical Girl. This was Nothing's approach to a ballad without really sounding like a love song. It combined sexiness and charm (from Jameel - the band's front man) and metal rock. There was too much hardcore guitar riffs for anyone to take it seriously as a ballad yet those soft moments does allow it to have that tenderness shine through. Another prime example would be Seeds of a Rose in which a few lucky ladies in the audience were privvied to a single red rose. Very touching indeed yet this local band's known truly for its rockin' metal sound.

Besides a little tenderness, blogspot readers, SouthSide enjoyed the head bangin' rock the most. You can hear the angst and frustration in the lyrics without having to resort to high pitch screaming. The audience merely felt each ounce of pain dripping from Jameel's voice. Also you heard that same emotion off the guitars. Their songs, Thieves and Indegenious, were good examples of hearing Nothing's angst within its metal guitar music. At one point there was some hiphop/freestyle wrapped inside this sound too.

As SouthSide mentioned earlier, this band has an unconventional approach to metal rock. It's loud, hard and sometimes full of tenderness ...definitely not your typical metal band. Nothing Forgotten will certainly get you bouncing with them.

For more information, visit them at www.myspace.com/nothingforgotten.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

20 Nov 09

...chill the [bleep] out - it's no big deal...

After an evening of relaxing fun with Arma and friends at Howl At The Moon (see review), it was time for SouthSide to dash to the Double Door. There Lophophora was ready to rock the stage in front of a Friday night crowd.

When SouthSide last saw them, she thought their set was too wild and intense but enjoyable. Now they, were somewhat tamer however Todd, that troublemaking front man of the band, hasn't changed. This time he was sporting at DOC (Department of Corrections) orange jumpsuit after getting "arrested" during the opening of the set. That's nothing new, readers, he's always in some sort of trouble with the law. And still, this was considered "normal" for Lophophora.

Lophophora's music on the other hand wasn't "normal" or one dimensional. You could say it's hard to classify their bas rock sound into a box since they borrow snippets here and there from other genres. If you want to hear that classic California rock sound with a bit of ska/reggae, SouthSide suggests listening to 1701 Passadena. Or try their Violent Eyes, a song that had a little Iron Maiden rock sound in it. That hardcore tone off the guitars had some in the front rockin' out with the band. This was Lophophora's unique way of keeping their music fresh and exciting for all. During the performance, they left some in the audience wondering "what the heck". Yet they weren't wondering for long after feeling Todd's bout of angst in It's A Lie. This was no act as he poured out his raw emotions into this song.

Though Lophophora's set did get intense during certain songs, it still had their fans wanting more. And Todd gave them what they wanted in the end. As they ended with Bottom, this front man was all over the place - on stage ...off stage - sprawled on the floor to break dancing ...going wild with angry fever. Be careful and try not standing too close either. Meanwhile this band thrilled the crowd with crazed riffs to a spectacular finish. Whew - what a rush!

SouthSide also recommends listening to Lophophora's Red Hot Betty. This rockin' honky tonk song had a raw feel to its sound with a danceable rhythm. Check out their bassist, Bob, who wowed this reviewer in somewhat keeping the band pretty "sane". And yet there were moments in which he was a little wild too.

For more information about Lophophora, visit them at www.myspace.com/lophophoramusic.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

19 Nov 09

Hey, blogspot readers, it was an all-star studded night of rockin' music! Yes, the Who's Who of the local scene graced the historical stage of Subterranean recently. Other local stars such as members of Chester and Along The Parallel were in attendance enjoying the night's lineup. Fans heard intense performances by Inn Cinema, Arma and Riot Inside. There was also a special appearance by the brother-sister duo known as Vulgarrity. And of course, SouthSide was there to capture all of the fantastic highlights.

The night was kicked off by the intense guitar rock sound of Inn Cinema. Not one inch of the staghe was left untouched after this set was finished. The instant this band felt that rock vibe flowing the more intense their music became. Inn Cinema not only wanted the audience to hear but experience each rip-roaring riff performed. My readers, it's the intensity which drove the band to rock hard as they usually do. SouthSide suggests listening to their song, Wake Up, to truly introduce your ears to their hardcore guitar sound. You'll certainly feel each riff pounding ...so intense that it will get your blood pumping. 2010's looking bright for this local band. There are plans in the works for Inn Cinema to rock the Metro stage celebrating their CD release. In the meantime, visit them at www.myspace.com/inncinema.

Currently on tour, this duo totally rocked the stage as if they were a 4 - 5 member rock band. Vulgarrity's performance took this reviewer on a fantastical journey of sound via psychedelic/rock. Fans were treated to epic and grand song intros as well as the intense energy felt within their songs. Even though the sound was a little distorted at times during the set, SouthSide was still able to experience such rhythms and more ...never thought imagined. It was like listening to the indie version of Rush after getting lost amongst Vulgarrity's trippy keyboard/guitar combination. There were moments when this reviewer had to stop writing and simply enjoy the music. The highlight of this performance came at the end as this duo performed an epic instrumental. Through the use of looping (so Tracy and Shawn could switch between drums and guitar during this song), the finale left SouthSide breathless ...and hungry for more. For more information, visit this duo at www.myspace.com/vulgarrity.

This next band had everyone listening to melodic rock as well as feeling its rhythmics beats. It was psychedelic rock taken to a whole new level. Arma's music was so intense that it had SouthSide wanting to join Taylor on stage for that tribal dance. Throughout this performance, the guitar riffs were mindblowing ...hearing chords that change from one dimension to the next. For example during Arma's In The Blacklight, the crowd heard riffs which went beyond anyone's comprehension. The song had everyone embracing its dark tone as well as feeling the uncharted melodies. Crashing back to reality when the song was finished was hard but certainly worth it. SouthSide also enjoyed the debut of the band's new song. The rising crescendo off the guitars led into a fiery burst of vocals and music. Fans instantly felt jolts of energy within this song that had them banging their heads to the music. It was even intense enough to start a mini mosh pit scene near the front of the stage. Arma really rocked the SubT with their version of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song. SouthSide suggest snagging their new CD this holiday season and get ready to experience psychedelic like never before. For more information, visit Arma at www.armamusic.com or www.myspace.com/armamusic.

Now it was time to riot with this headlining band. Not to worry, my readers, no one was hurt or any part of the SubT destroyed. SouthSide has come to understand that most music needs fire, passion and energy in which it could cause fans to riot ...but in a good way. Riot Inside and its music did just that. SubT was packed with fans ready to rumble as well as rock after waiting anxiously (and patiently) for this band's set. Nothing couldn't contain the excitement felt in the air for Riot. By now, you're probably wondering - what makes Riot Inside so special? Besides wowing their diehard fans with lots of rock and energy, there's also sexy charisma from Gary (the band's hot front man on vocals) to excitable guitar and drum solos. This band truly packed a show within a show that had the crowd (upstairs and downstairs) screaming for more. Performing songs like TYT (Take Your Time), Satisfy, and King, SouthSide enjoyed the raw and sometimes gritty rock sound and the wicked guitar riffs. Riot's closing song, Levitate, absolutely raised the roof with a surprising guitar finish at the end. This reviewer cannot tell you what happened to that hardworking instrument because that would ruin the shock value of seeing this local band live. To experience your own riot with this popular band, SouthSide highly recommends attendint their next performance in December. For more information, visit Riot Inside at www.riotinsidemusic.com or www.myspace.com/riotinsidemusic.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Nov 09

...the beginning of a wasted Wednesday... - On The Run

SouthSide's back on the beat scouting for something new and eclectic in the local scene. Recently the search took her to the Double Door for a night of psychedelic/fusion rock music. The lineup featured solid performances by On The Run, Band Called Catch, Oui Si Only You and Empra.

Southside highly recommends checking out the lively ...always friendly and funtastic band called Band Called Catch. This local band mixes rock alternative sound with lots of energy and sex appeal by the band's femme fatale, Jessica. There was plenty of band-fan interaction throughout this set especially during their Friendly Song. Watch out for the flying Frisbees heading your way in which you can win fabulous BCC prizes at the end of the show. This reviewer recommends checking out their new song, Here I Come. The title might suggest it's a ballad however it's way more than that. There was fiery passion in the music and lyrics that totally lit up the stage. Since they're "sponsored" by Axe Body Spray, BCC wowed the audience with their rendition of the company's hit commercial song. For more information about this fun band, visit them at www.myspace.com/bandcalledcatch.

This reviewer highly recommends getting to know a band called On The Run. Their music was an eclectic mix of rock/R&B/funk with a lot of soul from the saxophonist. The music had a vibin' energy of sound which kept the audience grooving to the rhythmic beat. SouthSide liked that this rockin' music was fresh ...alive that she felt certain songs didn't need any lyrics. All they had to do was let the music speak for the band. That's how fantastic OTR's sound was to her ears. Behind such great music was the powerful vocals which matched the energy perfectly. For example, this reviewer suggests their song Beautiful. Though the tempo was at a slower pace than their previous songs, it still retained its energetic momentum and fire for the fans to enjoy. Yet it was the lyrics which made you feel what their music was all about ...they simply made the song feel very beautiful for all. Another song, their new one Tango, played with a R&B and Latin rhythm within their alternative sound. Listen very carefully because that Latin beat sneaks itself in there for a brief moment before disappearing. This lively rhythm had a few in the front dancing. For more information, visit this band at www.myspace.com/ontherunchicago.com.

When seeing Oui Si Only You perform, expect the wildly unexpected, my dear readers. Your ears will definitely bleed (in a good way) from the incredible yet maddening music this local band creates. You'll hear chords and riffs never thought imagined. SouthSide wasn't truly prepared to hear such music as she so thought after the first guitar riff. It's very difficult to describe the mesh of guitar rhythms heard floating inside the venue. They suddenly began in one dimension and then crossed another that was beyond this reviewer's comprehension. In a nutshell, it was fantastically mindblowing! She loved the creepy imagery the music not only present to its audience but also the lyrics. Think of the lyrics, freestyle MC by Ben, as the current state/mood of today's society - so frustrated and angry. He perfectly voiced the angst, etc while jumping (or better yet pounding) his way around the stage. It was a journey via song and sound that dragged this reviewer into the mind of someone's feelings - each song another brick in the personal wall. SouthSide loved it! It was amazing though weird though she felt every ounce of Ben's anger in one set. Yest, my dear readers, there's a face to anger today and it belongs to Oui Si Only You. SouthSide highly recommends taking a trip into this psychedelic mind of frustration with this band. For more information, visit them at www.myspace.com/ouisionlyyoumusic.

Recent Fearless Radio studio guests, Empra presented the mellower side to psychedelic/experimental music compared to Oui Si Only You's performance. Still, there was a touch of angst in the music ...or merely think of Pink Floyd more relaxed after consuming psychotropic drugs. It might sound like a poor analogy of this band's music however this reviewer enjoyed the trippy guitar riffs during Empra's instrumentals. It also was the variety of music styles within their songs that attracted Southside the most. Each had its own defining personality. Sometimes you could hear the experimental sounds in one and then hardcore metal riffs in the next. She even heard a tender moment of flowery prose and Beatleseque sound in their music. This reviewer recommends checking out their song, Moscow Satellite for its funk/R&B/soul rock music. Meanwhile Colorado was a fast paced guitar rock song with a classic 70s psychedelic sound. Empra also premiered an untitled song for fans though slightly rough on the vocals had an interesting mix of music. Fans liked the cool guitar rhythms as they banged their heads to the hard psychedelic rock sound. This band was totally rockin' the Double Door stage until the very end. They even gave the audience a brief taste of Keith Moon (of The Who) antics when the drummer kicked over his drum kit. For more information, visit them at www.myspace.com/empramusic.com or contact them at empramusic@gmail.com.

Until next time, support your local music scene,

SouthSide.

14 Nov 09

...ya'll not ready to go home yet - we're not... - Passafire

Welcome to the islands, readers! No, SouthSide's not on vacation at the sunny beaches of Jamiaca however she didn't have to leave the states to hear the music. She soaked up the flavor and sounds of island beat from the lineup from the Beat Kitchen stage. It was the soothing yet hip music with a Bob Marley feel in performances by The Pinstripes, The Embraceables and Passafire. Each band's unique spin on the reggae/ska sound had the crowd grooving to the beat.

From Cincinnati, Ohio, The Pinstripes kicked off the night with their mix of rock and reggae. It had also a modern twist of jazz from the rockin' brass horn section. This really had the entire stage as well as crowd jumpin' to the lively beat. SouthSide enjoyed the energy in which The Pinstripes' songs brought to the venue especially during the extended instrumental jams. This reviewer highly recommends catching this band's groovy sound at their next show. For more information, visit them at www.thepinstripes.net or www.myspace.com/thepinstripes.

The next band combined soulful vocals like Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, R&B tempo with a soft reggae mix and a funky rock sound. Stir a couple of times and you'll get a band known as The Embraceables. SoutSide was completely blown away by their music that was full of heart and soul. It was the type of music which totally jammed ...something she hasn't heard in a long time especially in the local scene. The Embraceables tossed in a variety of genres into their performances keeping this packed room dancing from one song to the next nonstop. Music that made you feel the rhythms, melodies and harmonies even while taking the tempo down a notch. there was still that momentum for the crowd to groove to the soulful sound. The female vocals by Maggie (also on piano) and Emily generated plenty of sex appeal which their type of music and lyrics requires. SouthSide recommends listening to Panties in the Sink off their current CD, Stories. A slow groove with a bass and subtle xylophone rhythms coupled around haunting vocals. It was almost a lullaby with a semi-acoustic feel in the music floating inside the venue emulating perfectly the mood of the lyrics. Also she recommends checking out their vibrant closing song, Wash. This tribal tempo-sounding song which left everyone hot and sticky from its smokin' rhythm in the end. For more information about this band, visit them at www.myspace.com/theembraceables.

Closing out this fantastic night of eclectic music was the lively sounds of reggae/funk./rock fusion by Passafire. After briefly chatting with the band rep at the merch table, SouthSide learned this type of music's quite popular in Savannah, GA where the band is from. And she could see why. They had this crowd jumping to the island groove instantly on the first note. This reviewer enjoyed the unique fusion of other genres such as psychedelic rock and freestyle in their songs. During Everyone Awake, off their current CD Everyone On Everynight, she liked the creepy voodoo hoodoo intro but it also jammed with lots of wicked guitar riffs . Even their new song, Here in front of Me, was performed as a rock alternative song with that reggae rhythm as its back melody. Another fine example was Passafire's mindblowing psychedelic intro before it slipped back to their standard reggae tempo in Fade Out. It was like taking a frightening journey through someone's nightmare but still fun. SouthSide highly recommends checking out this band while they're currently on tour. Their hot version of the reggae/ska sound will keep you warm all winter long. For more information, visit them at www.passafiretheband.comor www.myspace.com/passafire.

Until next time, readers, support your local music scene,

SouthSide

13 Nov 09

...take it off...

...give me another beer then I'll take it off... - Sister Switchblade

Whoever said Friday the 13th was bad luck didn't have the luck like SouthSide did. She rocked the night away once again at the Elbo Room to performances by Dollbody Kid and Sister Switchblade. This reviewer was saddened by the fact Liquor Boxx, though scheduled to perform, wasn't there. She was looking forward in reviewing this rowdy bunch of party animals again. Perhaps, next time, there will be a full review on them.

After opening with an orchestral crescendo off the guitars, this reviewer was immediately hooked by this band. Not only for its music but for the insanity that reigned on the stage. That's how Dollbody Kid liked to present itself to the world ...as raging madmen of hardcore rock. The audience was literally sucked into the craziness of DBK's mind. And it's not a pretty sight, my dear readers. They felt the thunderous riffs and drum beats clashing together with some screamin' angst which made the blood curl. Seriously, SouthSide's blood did curl however with excitement after hearing the first song, The Grey I Find. She enjoyed the intense energy this band brought to the Elbo Room. Sometimes she found it hard to keep up with them because there was so much to see and hear. DBK prided itself in rhythms that were furious like a madman's hot tempered anger. It seemed that was the intention throughout this performance making the audience feel the frustrations as well as hear it in the music. For example, in DBK's song, Diamond Bullets, the subtle intro fooled this reviewer into thinking the insanity was over. Hardly that wasn't the case, readers. The slow tempo was merely the prelude into feeling the pain and anger off the lyrics. It felt like a ballad but not the type of ballad which seemed "sane". There's a definite method to this band's madness which this reviewer loved. At times, she thought their guitar riffs were a mesh of offbeat chords and riffs. Not exactly - the riffs intertwined somehow meeting in the middle just right. It's highly recommended to keep reminding yourself that "insanity is good" when seeing Dollbody Kid's next performance. Their music thrills with hardcore guitar rock that chills your blood ...yes, they are totally insane in the membrane! Also stick around for the entire set when they really release those crazed demons on stage. Hey, where did all that blood come from? For more information about Dollbody Kid, visit the madmen at www.reccenter.com/dollbodykidor www.myspace.com/dollbodykid.

Performing songs like Run Like Hell and Lil Miss Cocaine, Sister Switchblade slashes through its hardcore rock sound with a sharp knife. There's a lot of energy in the band's guitar riff which set the stage on fire again. Sister loved bringing their sound loud and fast - this of them as an indie version of Aerosmith mixed with some AC/DC. So watch out, my readers, this local band means business when it comes to giving what the audience demands. Sister premiered two new songs, Sweet Spot and Baby Don't Stop. Both had a raw, gritty rock sound that had SouthSide's head banging to the heavy metal rhythms. Oh what dirty minds (and mouths to match) did this band have letting loose their hot sexual innuendos onto the "innocent" world. And that's merely a sample of what Sister Switchblade offered during their performance. They're simply Fast and Easy in all things about the rock sound ...leaving the audience hungry for more. They totally rocked out the Elbo Room when closing the set with a rousing AC/DC cover. This song had the audience going wild, readers! Those who really want to rock should salute this band. SouthSide highly recommends snagging a copy of their current EP, A Dirty Mind & A Mouth To Match, as a holiday stocking stuffer. Also request their song, Eye On You, now heard on Q101. For more information about this band, visit Sister Switchblade at www.myspace.com/sisterswitchbladeor www.facebook.com/sisterswitchblade.

Until next time, readers, support your local scene,

SouthSide

6 Nov 09

....that song's about a crazy, crazy [woman]....

It's well documented that SouthSide has an eclectic ear and taste for music. From country/western to pop/rock and everything else in between, this reviewer enjoys a variety of what the local scene has to offer on any given night. Recently, she had the opportunity of listening to variations of rock alternative music at the Elbo Room. The lineup featured a band named Empire Drift and this was their last performance before taking a hiatus from the stage.

Honestly, SouthSide did enjoy Empire's set of straight rock alternative music. It had a vibrant guitar sound which wasn't too flashy or trying to impress with long introductions and instrumentals. It was quite simplistic ...easy to listen and enjoyable. At times, their songs could be raw and gritty like hot Southern rock or there would be an edgier tone in the tempo. There was a moment during the song, Ten Years From Now, when Empire's music was too serious for this reviewer. This band did bring a lot of energy to the stage however something was missing to really liven up the audience.

SouthSide noticed at the beginning of their set how very little Empire Drift interacted with its fans. It appeared they were rushing between songs until the middle of the performance did they begin to acknowledge the audience. They were also another problem as well. For a Friday night crowd, many weren't feeling the momentous vibe even after covering Sweet's Ballroom Blitz. SouthSide doesn't know if it was the lack of excitement in the vocals or what but this poorly done cover couldn't hold onto the vibe which came to a screeching halt. In SouthSide's opinion, they were either laidback or uninterested during certain songs for example, Ten Years From Now. Placing a serious song after a rousing punk classic was a mistake. SouthSide also didn't enjoy Empire's attempt at psychedelic rock during their cover of Pink Floyd's Time especially when the lead flubbed on the ending lyrics.

It's not to say Empire Drift had a bad performance at the Elbo Room but as the night's headliner, SouthSide expected something better than mediocre. She does suggest not weighing down energetic rock alternative music with a serious song that you lose your momentum and audience in one heartbeat. Also don't leave your audience in the dark - make them feel welcome to your show. Please try to remember this is one reviewer's opinion and she recommends giving Empire Drift a listen.

For more information, visit the band at www.empiredrift.com or www.myspace.com/empiredrift.

Until next time, readers, support your local scene,

SouthSide

4 Nov 09

"...i'm the social white rapper..." - Makeshift Prodigy

Hey, blogspot readers, are you ready for the revolution? A revolution involving music and sound that takes you on a spiritual journey of inspiration? SouthSide was ready ...along with many others who packed the River North club, Angels & Kings, recently. Makeshift Prodigy performed a rather intimate set during a Q101 - One Man(no) Show. Hosted by Ryan Manno, it's a free local music showcase held every Wednesday night. Visit the Angels & Kings website at www.angelsandkings.com/chicago/ for more information and when the next Manno show is happening.

How does one describe inspirational music for the soul? Good question ...SouthSide's still trying to find the right words. It's hard to exactly pinpoint Makeshift's sound because it incorporates a unique mix of genres from electro to pop and hiphop as well as rock. Think of it as a cultural melting pot of peace, love and harmony for the new millennium. During this performance, Makeshift added a touch of disco to its repertoire for their fans in a new song, Sentimental. This song had a funky rhythm in which had everyone dancing. Never had this reviewer seen a venue come to life to the sound of music like this band's. So sorry, blogspot readers, but SouthSide cannot honestly capture the mood or the melodious vibe felt without screwing it up with the wrong words. Her only solution - see Makeshift Prodigy live ...up close and personal is better.

Makeshift Prodigy took everyone on a revolutionary journey via sight, sound and music. It was an incredible ride this reviewer will never forget. In all honesty, after seeing this band numerous times, she has to say this was one of their best shows ever reviewed. SouthSide had fun enjoying this performance not as a reviewer but as a avid admirer of Makeshift's music. Though she told the band there wouldn't be a review, she was inspired by the music to write what she felt and saw. Sounds highly incredible ...that's how this band grabs you.

For example, listen to their new song, Alive. Feel the subtleness of a tempo taken down a notch but also hear the vibrant sound which kept a profound hold and excitement amongst Makeshift's diehard fans. From start to finish, everyone in the venue was totally alive ...feeling the vibe penetrating not only their ears but their hearts and souls. How could anyone not feel so alive after hearing this song?

And that, my blogspot readers, was the very tip of the iceberg of Makeshift's set. The journey keeps getting better each time SouthSide sees them on stage. Who knows what this local band will do at their next performance? And if you want to know the answer and experience this for yourself? Then head to the Enclave on November 13th for your own mindblowing trip ...witness the music revolution up close and personal.

For more information about Makeshift Prodigy, visit www.makeshiftprodigy.com or www.myspace.com/makeshiftprodigy. Also become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/makeshiftprodigy.

Until next time, support your local music scene,

SouthSide