26 Mar 10

"...it's my hair causing that feedback..."

"...how many bass players does it take to turn on an amp?"

Holding Mercury


Hey, blogspot readers, it's Friday night and this reviewer's ready to par-ty! Tonight's adventure had her checking out the happening buzz at the new Lincoln Hall. SouthSide had heard plenty of good things about this Schubas off-shoot. Since opening last year, many of her friends (i.e Lucid Ground, On The Run, Hey Champ - to name a few) have already graced its stage. This time, the all-star lineup was no exception featuring performances by Holding Mercury and The Assembly with The Visitor opening.

Yes, blogspot readers, this venue did live up to its buzz worthy hype and expectations. SouthSide loved the spacious size of the balcony auditorium which is separate from the restaurant/bar area. Bars are fan accessible and located in both levels. This reviewer suggests picking a perched view along the balcony seating. It's an awesome hundred eighty degreed view of the stage and the audience below. One thing which made this place extra special was the handicapped accessibility to the main floor (a ramp) and balcony. Simply ask for Dave for a unique ride in the lift elevator. The Lincoln Hall staff were quite helpful and friendly. Another thing you should know about their drink policies during certain shows. If attending an 18 and older show (as SouthSide did), be warned you're only allowed one drink per person at a time from the bar - with a wristband, of course. For more info about this venue, visit www.lincolnhallchicago.com.

SouthSide highly suggests checking out The Visitor for its rockin' guitar/pop rock sound. Fans will enjoy the lively riffs and rhtyhms off the keyboard as well as the energetic feel vibin' within the music. This type of music certainly had the audience groovin' and having fun throughout their set. And the surprising fact about this performance was that it was The Visitor's first official show. SoutSide suggests checking out songs, and Untitled (no real song title as of yet) for the hard hitting riffs and pop/techno momentum. For more info and where they're rockin' the stage again, visit www.myspace.com/thevisitormusic.

It's been quite a while since last running into this rock band which is why SouthSide was excited to see them again. There was a few new faces on stage with Holding Mercury as well as new songs off their upcoming album. Yet, blogspot readers, the same rockin' music didn't change. Not saying Holding had lost its rock edge or this reviewer found their music to be lacking. On the contrary, she noticed there was more life and sound attached to the "new" Holding songs. She suggests checking out Love In The Information Age (off the new album) about finding and meeting that special someone online. For this song, the band flipped the pop/rock vibe for something a little more hardcore in the guitar riffs. Not their usual sound but the harder guitar sound certainly popped and rocked the stage ...so much so that they blew a bass amp. Also listen to My Personal Hell and Stuck In A Box which can effectively describe hating your job and/or present love life. SouthSide personally rocked out to her favorite song, Let It Go.

Remember SouthSide mentioning that they blew an amp. This unfortunate happening set up the Holding's high point of the night. It's a rare opportunity to hear an acoustic version of Anchors Away that spotlighted the emotional power and feel of Matt's (the front guy on guitar) vocals. Don't think of this solo performance of slowing down the rockin' momentum. It was somewhat mellow as well as symbolic hearing HM fans singing along to close out the song. After closing with their single (also off the new album), I Wait For No One, fans were pumped and ready for one more song. Sadly, blogspot readers, they were denied an encore. Don't fret, Holding Mercury will be rockin' another stage soon. For more information, visit www.holdingmercury.com or www.myspace.com/holdingmercury.


Tomorrow night, it's the fun and music for SouthSide. First, she's attending the Model Stranger (formerly known as Reverie) CD Listening Party at the Elbo Room. Then it's a quick "L" train ride to the Cubby Bear for the Chicago Roots Collective show featuring Makeshift Prodigy.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide