Thursday, July 31, 2014

26 Jul 14 - The PBJs

Continuing her journey meeting visiting bands currently on tour, blogspot readers, SouthSide's next adventure took her back to Lakeview's Elbo Room where the duo, The PBJs (The Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwiches) were acoustically rockin' the upstairs lounge while the main lounge was preparing for the I AM Fest Battle of the Bands finale! It was definitely looking to be one exciting night of music at this popular venue. At the end of this review, SouthSide will reveal the winners of the battle of the bands who are vying for a chance to perform as opening acts at I AM Fest 2014 happening at House of Blues Chicago on Saturday August 16th.
 
When SouthSide arrived, this acoustic duo, Nalani and Jason, were already settled into their opening act as they performed a lively selection off their current 20-track CD, I Wonder If This Is How Dogs Feel ...songs, according their Facebook page, "...that will melt your heart..." Well, blogspot readers, that part was actually true. While reviewing their Chicago performance (after having performed at a festival earlier that same afternoon), SouthSide enjoyed fun splashes of imagery that had a touch of vivid realism within the lyrics amidst the vibrant twang of indie folk pop heard throughout the music. For instance, take their song "Road Trip" in which the upbeat tempo had you picturing life on the road traveling to parts unknown with The PBJs. To this reviewer's ears, it sounded like an adventure she wished could have been there to experience with them.

Then there were also moments during this opening performance when the music was a little more melodic and less poppy which was done to spotlight their vocal dynamics to the audience, blogspot readers. SouthSide liked how the change in the music helped to compliment the unique vocal pairing while mellowing out either the energy in the tempo and/or acoustic sound so Nalani's voice could take center stage. Taking a listen to their CD, this reviewer recommends checking out "It's The Way You Look At Me" - a tender ballad that will definitely get you melting due to the heartfelt emotions being expressed not only in the lyrics but also in the music itself and the confidence-builder "Love Yourself". The entire album was a joy to listen to but those two particular songs had SouthSide's feeling the love and melodic vibe from The PBJs. There was something else that she immediately got from their set.  During their Chicago performance, the duo demonstrated they were more than just two musicians performing together on stage. She doesn't know if her inklings are correct but they mesh so wonderfully as a couple that it definitely made observing their live show even more enjoyable to behold.

SouthSide highly recommends checking out The PBJs as they currently cruise along on their "Road Trip" to a venue near you, blogspot readers. For more information, visit Nalani and Jason at http://www.thepbjs.com.


SouthSide wasn't able to stay for the I AM Fest Battle of the Bands finale, blogspot readers, however she would like to congratulate Delilah and Steady Echo for winning the extreme to open the upcoming one-day music and art festival at the legendary House of Blues Chicago. This reviewer is looking forward to reviewing your sets as well as the rest of the lineup on August 16th.  Tickets are still available and it's all ages. For more information, visit http://www.iamfest.com.









Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

25 Jul 14 - Dylan Jakobsen

Seattle ...it has the iconic Space Needle ...Starbucks on every corner ...and is birthplace of the 90s Grunge music scene. However, according to this artist, he mainly drinks water instead of Starbucks. "...there's no other place like it in the country," says Dylan during the interview with SouthSide, because it has "...the sea ...mountains ...seafood and a diverse music scene..." This particular Northwestern city known for its "...folk indie hipster scene..." has a growing underground country/rock scene too, blogspot readers. Something SouthSide didn't know until she met touring singer/songwriter Dylan Jakobsen. This artist, armed with his trusty acoustic guitar and fine selection of harmonicas, recently stopped in Chicago to not only celebrate his birthday but also to perform a one-night  opening set at Uncommon Ground (the Devon location). This reviewer highly recommends getting acquainted with this musician while he's currently on his east coast tour before returning home to record his next album.
 
After opening his set with a heartwarming yet lyrically vivid song about childhood, "Kids", Dylan easily captivated this reviewer with his acoustically melodic style which sometimes featured harmonic rhythms and a point of view where he's merely not just singing the song but actually immersing himself in the characters/people he's sings about. According to Dylan, he enjoyes "...painting a vivid picture..." for his audience because it's "...what inspires and/or encompasses what I do as an artist..." It's something rarely seen by SouthSide from other singer/songwriters, blogspot readers. Not only did he sing about their live but also added a touch of realism into each one to convey a complete story to your ears. During "Kids", you immediately got the sense of Dylan reliving his childhood through the wonderfully usage of vivid imagery and wording. Even while performing other songs like "One Day At A Time" or SouthSide's favorite "Working Man", this singer/songwriter painted profound picturesque scenes of a man (though still in pain) emotionally getting over a broken relationship and demonstrating the willingness to do whatever it takes to survive and provide for his family. All through either downtempo rhythm and/or heartfelt deep falsetto vocals that certainly brought out realistic emotions off the lyrics, blogspot readers. Yet it wasn't always a mellow rhythm with this artist. Dylan also delighted the reviewer with an upbeat, foot-tappin' song title "Cheating Rain" but still retaining some of that realism in this particular song's lyrics as well.

Besides, wowing her ears with his heartfelt originals, blogspot readers, Dylan performed a few cover songs as part of his set list for the evening. Again, he didn't simply sing the covers. No, this artist and his voice emphasized the realism as well as accentuated the heartfelt emotions hidden amongst the famous lyrics. For example, he didn't perform the cover version of "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" as done by the Eli Young Band but as it was originally performed by Will Hoge. It wasn't done to spite the younger band's version yet if you heard it the way Dylan sung on Friday night, blogspot readers, you would understood why he chose to the original rather than spotlight the cover version. With the rawness heard (and felt) from Dylan's voice, you immediately got the sense of heartfelt emotions being projected not only from the original composition yet also from within the musician himself personally. SouthSide literally felt the tender sadness in the words as the emotions continuously poured out of the singer/songwriter. And that wasn't the only time she felt this from Dylan when performing his fine selection of covers. Try not getting a little teary-eyed when he performs the 90s hit "Iris" by Goo-Goo Dolls or Parmalee's "She Feels Like Carolina".

The highlight of the night of Dylan's performance came when he shined covering the popular Tom Petty song "Free Falling". Yes, SouthSide has heard other bands and artists cover this particular song however not done in the way this singer/songwriter covered it, blogspot readers. This cover version literally sent chills down her spine as his deep voice touched each and every word of this song ...instantly emitting the right amount of emotion while immersing himself into the "bad boy" main character. It was touching especially when he had the men in the audience sing backing vocals (when the moment called for it). During the interview, Dylan stated he would like to collaborate with Tom Petty "...hands down..." saying it would be "...really cool to do Free Falling with him..."Why? Because he enjoys what this legendary singer/songwriter brings to the table with his songs unlike other artists and "...puts feelings into the instrumental music instead of his lyrics only..." Something to which this reviewer instantly noticed throughout Dylan's own performance, blogspot readers.

Blogspot readers can look for his new singles "More Than You Know", "Love of Mine" and "Working Man" to appear in his upcoming album that he will begin recording in the fall after the tour is over. And speaking of his tour, Dylan wanted to say the following to his fans "...it's Day 5 [at the time of the interview] and it's going okay..." but you have until August 10th to catch him on the road. "...expect to hear 'Working Man' and 'More Than You Know' and a couple more..." during his live performances.

For more information about Dylan Jakobsen and where he'll be performing next on his tour, visit http://www.DylanJakobsen.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

August 2014

It’s the dog days of summer, blogspot readers, with PLENTY of things to do ...to see and to fun left before autumn winds and weather roll into town. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the following shows/event that will be rockin’ Chicago and elsewhere this August.

Please note, many are listed as 21 and older unless otherwise stated.

Also music festivals listed are AA unless otherwise stated.

July 31 – August 3:
Pilsen neighborhood – celebrate Fiesta Del Sol

August 1 – 3:
Den Theatre Studio 2A – it’s the world premiere of Alyssa Zaczek’s play “Real People”, a story about an American writer who travels to England to find his muse.
$15

August 1:
Whiskey Trust Tavern & Distillery (3206 N. Halsted) – it’s the debut of an all new drag show “Mannequin” by Sissy Spastik happening every 1 st Friday of the month which will feature JoJo Baby, Ruby Dee, Anita Borshen, Miss Tosh and DJ  Adam Black.
Space is limited so arrive early.
9p / after party at Berlin

Elbo Room – hey, nerdy and gamer fans, it’s Nerd Night at this venue featuring Dr. Who themed rock by Time Crash, Final Fantasy metal by Knight Of The Round and Video Game rock by Arc Impluse.
$10

Abbey Pub – it’s The Coop sharing the stage with EGI and The Funky Nuggets.
$10 adv / $12 dos

Cubby Bear – Pale Horseman will be celebrating its album release featuring Sacred Monster, Shifting Totem and Central Disorder in the lineup.
$7 adv / $10 dos

The Bluebird Theatre (Denver, CO) - it's Rowdy Shadehouse's CD release party featuring Eldren and Champagne Charlie

August 2 & 3:
Logan Square neighborhood – it’s Taste of Latin America

August 2:
Roosevelt University – attend the Youth Hearing on Police Violence
2p / FREE

Aragon Ballroom – Marin Garrix with special guest Chromeo (DJ set) at the official Lollapalooza after show.

Elbo Room – check out Shapes & Colors sharing the stage with Kobrakai, Manhattan Chess Club, The Golden Rule, Flashwave and Jack Rabbit.
$10

Reggie’s – it’s Lynch opening for Blue Coupe (Al & Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult and original Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway)

Navy Pier (The Land Shark Beer Garden) – get saucy with The Hot Sauce Committee here. Also check out the band’s site at http://www.thehotsaucecommittee.com for other August show dates.
AA / 5:30p

August 3:
R Place (Forest Park, IL) – it’s “Say My Name, Chevy Debbie” birthday and comedy show!
6p

McHenry County Fair Grounds (Woodstock, IL) – check out live music performances by Ruine The Lion, Deb Firak, Tim Merkel, Melissa DeGott and many more.
For more information and tickets, visit http://www.mchenrycountyfair.com.

The 2040 – Juventud Podrida (from Panama) along with Pleasure Industry (from New York), Poliskitzo and Rayos (both from Los Angeles) and Rumores will be performing here.
$8 / AA / BBQ at 3p / Show starts at 7p

August 4:
Empty Bottle – The Grisly Hand (Kansas City, MO) returns to Chicago promoting their latest release “Country Singles”.
FREE

August 5:
James Park (Evanston, IL) – dance to the music performance by Los Vicios de Papa.
7:30p / FREE / AA

Elbo Room – check out Wormwood Collective Poetry night. Join others for a night of open mic spoken word action with some of Chicago’s most dedicated poets. Then it’s followed by Wiretripped (around 11p) featuring DJ Circutry and Peter Propaganda.
NO cover / sign-in starts at 7p

August 6:
Livewire Lounge – it’s another edition of The Devil’s Playground featuring host David Bates (of Sinister Bates) along with burlesque performances by Misfit Dolls Jezzibel and Cherries Jubalie, Millie May and Shirley Knot
FREE

August 7 & 8:
Casa De Linda (Custer Park, IL) – it’s the Beard Metal Fest 2014 featuring performances by No Conviction, The HYSS, Pale Horseman, Relentless and more.

August 7:
Red Line Tap – check out Malcolm Holcombe (from North Carolina) will be performing tracks off his current release, “Down The River”.
$5 adv / $7 dos

Reggie's Rock Club - Romiti along with Logan, YP, Saint Millie, Natureal and many more will be rockin' the stage here.
18+ / $10

August 8 & 9:
Signal Ensemble Theatre – it’s Produce-Final Season featuring dance/movement sets by Ashley Deran and dancers along with The Special Movement Project, Door Ascender’s Merkaba and more. Saturday’s performance will feature an after party with DJ Wak spinning from 9p – 12a

August 8:
Logan Square Auditorium – Cuba’s most popular band Me Dicen Cuba will be performing an exclusive Chicago concert along with Alexander Abreu and Havana D’ Primera.
GA $35 adv / $40 dos
VIP (reserved tables) $50
There are limited “meet and greet” VIP Gold packages available.

The Mid – it’s Mayhem featuring DJs Emba, Mr. Carmack, Vindeta and Zebo.
Visit http://www.themidchicago.com for information and tickets.

Elbo Room – SoundPrism presents Digeometric, Business As Usual, Red Rose and My Boy Elroy rockin’ the stage.
$10 adv / $12 dos

Mojoe’s (Red Room) – rock out with It Lies Within, Curses, Wicked Deception and Dark Entropy.
AA / 21+ to drink

Hard Rock Caf̩ (Chicago) Рrock with Ignescent and Shannon Richardson Band

Township – Cooler By The Lake will be celebrating their latest release “Summer’s Over” (on vinyl and CD)

The Mutiny – rock with Filter Free Rodeo (from Milwaukee, WI) touring in support of their latest release “Local Motives” along with Aircobra. Airraid, and Blind Martyr.

Double Door – attend this performance featuring Simpleton & Cityfolk, Burnside & Hooker, Taylor Page and Western Automatic
7:30p doors / $10

Door No. 3 – it’s Interstellar Beats featuring Radius and DJ Moppy with special guests TBA
FREE / 10p

Fuller’s Pub (3203 W. Irving Park Rd) – attend Mike Felten’s “No 2 nd Rides” CD release show.

Hattrix Baby! (Kenosha, WI) – rock with Thunder Driver, Indonesian Junk and Self Destruckt here
$5 / 9p

Goose Island Wrigleyville Brewpub – Villains unite when V Is For Villains share the stage with Colonel Gunn’s Wild West Music Show, Sneezy and Next 2 The Tracks at this venue.
$8 adv / $10 dos

Cubby Bear – Calm Like A Bomb and 311 tribute band From Chaos rockin’ the stage.
For tickets, visit http://www.cubbybear.com.

Gallery Cabaret - Bullet Called Life will be headlining this lineup featuring Night Cleaners and The Smoking Section.

August 9 & 10:
Lakeview neighborhood – attend the annual North Halsted Market Days

August 9:
South King Drive – it’s the annual Bud Bullliken Parade & Picnic (held at Washington Park afterward).

Foundation Room (House of Blues Chicago) – attend Aryk Crowder’s “2x4” Vol. 1 release party featuring Angela Anise and DJRC. Please be advised, there’s a strict dress code – NO baseball caps, NO tank tops, NO shorts and NO open-toed shoes.
$12 adv / $15 dos

Door No. 3 – Akasha presents Simmer Down Sound Jamaican Independence Day Celebration featuring special live performances by Mobile Disco Unit and guest selection by Rickshaw.
FREE

Another Hole In The Wall (Steger, IL) – attend the Once In A Lifetime tour featuring performances by Axe Man’s Bridge, Steadfast, 3 Hour Catalyst, Masquerade and many more.
$10 adv / $15 dos / AA

Ye Olde Town Inn (Mount Prospect, IL) – it’s Sinister Fate rockin’ the stage with Marked 4 Deletion, Now I’m Nothing and TBA
$7

Concord Music Hall – Riot Fest presents “She Sells Sanctuary” rockers The Cult!
AA / 5:30p

August 10:
Overflow Coffee Bar (1550 S. State ST) – it’s time to Break All The Chains celebration and learn how be revolutionize the way society treats women.

Lizard’s Liquid Lounge (3058 W. Irving Park Rd) – rock with Vintage Blonde while the band performs 2 sets here.
7p / NO COVER

August 12:
Twiggs Park (Evanston, IL) – DJ Rob featuring Yemi, Marie and TL Williams performing here.
7:30p / FREE/ AA

Tonic Room – check out Glostik and Fresh Shaped Metric Grooves (featuring members of Fresh Hops, Shapest Colors, Digeometric and Family Grooves Company) rockin the stage here.

August 13:
Mayne Stage – CAU presents Common Shriner’s “Social Mediasochist” video release featuring Jeff Brown & The New Black (“Cutting Ties” EP release) and Brittany Moffitt.
$5 / AA / 7:30p doors

Aftershocklive Musicvenue (Merriam, KS) – rock with One-Eyed Doll, Adriel’s Tragedy, Kill The Lights, The Fludist and Jericka & Johnny

Door No. 3 – it’s FABITAT 1st anniversary! This LGBTQ event for those in the community and their supporters will feature DJs Adam El and Ldy Prblms.
FREE

August 14 – 25:
Chopin Theatre – Aloft Circus Arts presents Dinner Of Our Discontent, a contemporary circus show about terrible people.
$25
For tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com.

August 14:
Elbo Room - check out FLINTface (from PA) when Joe and the band performs tracks off debut release - HOPE. SouthSide recommends listening to  "Army of Rejects" and the title track.

August 15 & 16:
Gulch Road (Dixon, IL) – it’s 2 Days and 2 stages of rock and metal performances by headlining band Generation Kill (with Rob Dukes, former member of Exodus, and Rob Mashetti, former member of Pro-Pain/M.O.D.) along with Armored Assault, Spyderbone, Redneck Remedy and more at Beaman Fest Annual 2014.
For more information and tickets, visit http://www.beamanfest.com.

August 15 – 17:
Rogers Park neighborhood – it’s the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest featuring after parties at Red Line Tap with live performance by The Mudflapps, The Future Laureates, Simpleton & Cityfolk, The Outlaw Family Band and more.
visit http://www.redlinetap.com for more information.

August 15:
Abbey Pub – NSP Live presents The Mahones sharing the stage with 6’10 (with Tobin of Flatfoot 56), Dead Town Revival and Night Cap Night Cap.
$10

Tonic Room – SoundPrism presents Half Baked and Deuce Funk Monsters.
$8

The Mutiny – attend the Queer Fest America Benefit featuring Ziggy 2000 with Stardust The David Bowie tribute band, Big Sur, Jollys and more.

Ravinia – it’s the Midwest Young Artists and Lang Lang International Music Foundation Young Scholars concert.

Goose Island Wrigleyville Brewpub – rock with Saved By The Belvedere and Luke Schmitt.
$5 (BOGO free – bring a friend for free when ordering tickets online) / $7 (BOGO not available at door)
visit http://www.ticketdriver.com to get tickets online.

The Throne Room - Polarizer will be headlining this lineup featuring Ferris & The Wheels, Black Cat Heart Attack and White Heat.
$8

August 16 & 17:
Navy Pier – it’s The Great American Lobster Festival featuring music performances by Local H, Akasha, Jackpot Donnie, Paper Thick Walls, Trippin Billies, White Mystery, Bailiff and many more
GA $10 adv / $15 dos
GA with lobster meal - $35 (by Aug 12)
For more information, visit http://www.americanlobsterfest.com.

August 16:
House of Blues (Chicago) – it’s the annual I AM Fest featuring Trainwreck Symphony headlining featuring Battle of the Bands winners - Steady echo and Delilah opening along with RayIsDude, Avon Dale, Pirates!! and many more. The after party (at Elbo Room) will feature Moon and DJ Kings (21+)
AA
For more information, visit http://www.iamfest.com.

August 17:
Grandbar – it’s Faster Pussycat along with Black 4, Ironfinger and El Segundo.
$10 / 7p

August 19:
Centennial Park (Evanston, IL) – check out Nelson Gill and the Caribbean Rhythm Band performing here.
7:30p / FREE / AA

Hard Rock Caf̩ (Chicago) Рrockers Adora will be performing here.
FREE

Double Door – rock with Romantic Rebel opening for Bobaflex.
$10 adv / $12 dos

Cobra Lounge – rock with GRENDEL and Ludevico Technique when their tour comes to Chicago.
$17 adv / price increases at door dos

Elbo Room – check out touring band The Adarna (from Seattle, WA) when they perform here.

August 20:
Elbo Room – Free Spirited presents a night Free of Hate. This event is dedicated to speaking out against hate, violence and everyday darkness encountered within our lives featuring live performances by The Walking Shadows, Lokk Boxx and The Golden Rule.
$10

evilOlive – Rouge! Chicago’s premiere night of Electro Swing turns 1! RSVP at http://www.Do312.com/Rouge for free entry and a chance to win FREE stuff. This party will feature special guests South of Roosevelt along with Lady Lenux and resident DJs Vourteque and Mr. Automatic
10p

Concord Music Hall – check out PROPAGANDHI with Rvivr, War On Women and La Amada
AA / 6p
For tickets, visit http://www.clubtix.com.

August 21:
Lincoln Hall – check out M.P. “Pulp” release show featuring Fletcher Rockwell, Andrew Faker & Sons and Leonum

Schuba's - singer/songwriter Brandon Cunningham will be celebrating the release of his EP here.

August 22:
Double Door – it’s Ideamen and Get Up With The Get Downs (James Brown tribute band) rocking the stage.
$6 / 8p

Red Line Tap – it’s Rikk Agnew Band along with Vortis, The Headspins and Modem Advances.

Cobra Lounge – Riot Fest presents Zero Boys along with The Brothers Gross, Flesh Panthers and Yeowulf.

Tiger O’Stylies (Berwyn, IL) – rock out with Mobcore 666 featuring Sir Vixx, tooth_eye, Idiom, Benzo live, Common, Dominator and Pink Abduction Ray ...plus Darkmatter Soundsystems and Diskore.
$5

ToucheChicago – it’s Holidays in the Sun, a night of everything punk rock with DJ Germ of Modern Day Rippers and Brickwall Vultures.

NiteCap – it’s Sinister Fate with Rue The Day, Approaching Dawn and 29 Needles rockin’ out this Portage Park neighborhood bar.
$6

Cubby Bear - Hero Monster Zero with 8090 will be sharing the stage with Bury Me In Lights, Derek Boyke and Seth Mercer.
$7

Schuba's - check out Todd Kessler & The New Folk's new single and video "Exactly Where I Should Be".

Uncommon Ground (on Devon) - Bassel & The Supernaturals along with Mike McKay and River Rising will be here.
AA / $10

August 23:
Metro – Deer Tick with The Weeks will be performing here.

Double Door – it’s the Midwest Ska Fest featuring Green Room Rockers, The Crombies, On Your Marx, Los Vicios de Papa, Run & Punch, Something To Do, The Bishops and Malafacha
5p / $12 adv / $14 dos

Reggie’s Music Joint – Scottish artist Dave Arcari will be performing here as part of his 30-date US tour.

Elbo Room – check out this 5 th Element movie reference band – Leeloo Dallas Multipass rockin’ the stage at this Lakeview venue.

August 25:
Elbo Room – legendary guitarist Eliot Lewis of Hall & Oates and Live From Daryl’s House will be bringing his tour to Chicago featuring opening act Robby Celestin.
$15 / 9p

August 27:
Double Door – T-Pain performs with a live band featuring special guests Snootie Wild, Bando Jonez and Mykell Vaughn plus David Lopez.
$25 GA / $35 balcony / $75 seated VIP
VIP “meet and greet” packages:
$125 Artist package 1 (GA ticket, t-shirt, poster and photo)
$250 Artist package 2 (stage access, GA ticket, t-shirt, poster and photo)
7p doors

August 28 & 29:
Elbo Room – check out the Atlantic Sound Music Fest featuring Dubliners Cold Comfort and The Hot Sprockets performing both nights.
$20

August 28 – 31:
Millennium Park/Cultural Center – check out Chicago’s Jazz Festival featuring legendary performances by Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Cecile McLorin, Prism and many more.
FREE

August 29 – 31:
Union Park – it’s North Coast Music Festival’s 5 th Anniversary featuring headlining acts Snoop Dogg (on Sunday), Kid Cudi and STSS (on Saturday) and Bassnectar (on Friday) along with Adventure Club, Boombox, Papadosio, Midnight Conspiracy, Milk-n-Cookies and many, many more.
Visit http://www.northcoastfestival.com for more information and tickets.

August 29 – September 2:
Jefferson Park neighborhood – check out Taste of Polonia

August 30:
Quimby’s Bookstore – attend “Twelve Gems” book release and launch party with cartoonist Lance Milburn.
7p / FREE

27 Live (Evanston, IL) – indie folk/rock group Twin Brothers will be here in support of upcoming albums “Swallow The Anchor”

Drunken Donut (Evanston, IL) - it's Muddy Diggs, a flea market, vintage/antiques and so much more.
$3 to vend / 1p

August 31:
Schuba's - check out Julian Velard (NYC) sharing the stage with local Jake Foy.
 
 
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Friday, July 25, 2014

22 Jul 14 - Blackburner


Their performances have been known to be "...high energy and unpredictable...", blogspot readers with their true identities completely hidden behind creepy "Frank the bunny" (think Donnie Darko) masks.
 
Welcome to the dark EDM world of Blackburner (from Los Angeles, CA) who recently performed in Chicago at Wicker Park's Debonair Social Club. It wasn't SouthSide's first time seeing this band ...she remembers first reviewing them when they performed as an opening act for The Ministry a couple of years ago. What a creepy, smoke-filled then as it was again tonight, blogspot readers. Yet, in SouthSide's opinion, that's what draws fans to their shows. During an interview with Skyla, he told this reviewer that they like to do things differently or "...see where the night takes us..." calling themselves "...'old' rock-n-roll guys still running around the stage..." However Chaz, in between loading their equipment added "...I'm the younger one..." And with that, SouthSide was off to a good start in her long evening hanging out with the duo, blogspot readers. But for the guys, they were getting "...out of the DJ booth..." and "...doing more of a show..." featuring tracks off their fourth release, "From Dusk to Dub". "...we're halfway into our tour with 5000 more miles to go..." which will end on Aug 3rd at Atlanta before heading back to Los Angeles.
 
Although it was a dismal showing by fans in Chicago, blogspot readers, the lineup, also featuring DJ acts by K Beeta (http://www.kbeeta.com) and Blaqout (http://www.soundcloud.com/blaqoutdubstep), rocked Debonair Social Club with wide variety of EDM music styles that included the energizing, bass-heavy beats and dark laden dubstep sound before the dark masked-wearing duo Blackburner took over the stage. "...besides the show we put on, we like to mix it up with different genres..." That part about Blackburner is definitely true, blogspot readers. One minute there might be metal ...then it might switch to heavy dubstep ...or then you might be rockin' out with remixed beats and/or songs. That's where the unpredictably about this duo shines during their performances. Who knows where they might take you during an intense 45-minute performance. And it's completely amazing that these "old" guys have that much stamina while donned in their "Donnie Darko" masks. At first, those who were in attendance (other than the other DJs and their guests) at the Debonair were a bit freaked out by Blackburner's sudden masked appearance but quickly warmed up to the duo once they really got into their set. It wasn't simply contained to the stage unlike their show at Vic Theatre. Oh no, this time they had the chance to move about the club ...rocking on the black monitor stands or sitting at a table for a couple of minutes. They certainly made thing very interesting for us tonight ...kept SouthSide on her toes as she snapped photos.
 
Even music fans can be unpredictable too. Still Blackburner was unpredictable ...not only with their music but also with their stage presence. There were selfies taken of themselves ...dazzling the club with laser light and puffing blasts of smoke from the fog machine. Someday, this reviewer is going to ask how they drink beer with those masks on just for fun. Yep, it was just two giant bunnies hopping all over the stage and club floor simply rockin it out. Performing tracks off their current release From Dusk to Dub (which according to Skyla was created while traveling on the road like most of their other songs), it was suggested to this reviewer that fans check out the following tracks - "Butterfly Ghost" and "Hotel Bitches (featuring Lil Wayne)" because they demonstrate where the band has progressed to ...for now. They perform while in Chicago some of their heavier stuff and awesome Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" remix, blogspot readers. Overall, Chicago, you missed an exciting show with this masked duo! Lastly before leaving, the guys would like to say "...see us on the road ...and check out the new album..." Hopefully they will return soon for another wildly intense set with heavy dubstep, industrial and more. In the meantime, visit Skyla and Chaz aka Blackburner at http://www.blackburner.org for music and tour information.
 
 
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
 
 
KBeeta


Blaqout