20 July 12

Hey, blogspot readers, let’s rock the weekend! SouthSide’s hitting the streets to cover two hot shows in one incredible Friday night. First, she’s checking out part of the action at Wrigleyville’s Goose Island Pub where her frieind, Andy Metz and his Meddlin’ Kids ...yet on this night, they weren’t meddling anymore. They’re now Hero Monster Zero! Don’t worry, blogspot readers, only the band name has changed ...not the eclectic, energizing mesh of hardcore guitar rock and lyrical hip hop. Though briefly there at Goose Island before having to leave, this reviewer enjoyed the intense performance of boisterous riffs and thundering pound of percussion rhythms. Even while taking that same momentous energy down a bit, there was still plenty of energy and life to be heard as well as felt especially within Andy’s (front man on guitar) vocal tone of angst and frustration. There were fun moments of experiencing a lively rockin’ jamboree or perhaps some rock/alternative when in a downtempo rhythm that pops with vibrant sound, blogspot readers, before getting into the lyrical groove of Hero’s fusion of hardcore guitar rock and hip hop/rap – both to which was executed nicely. It’s a fast pace type of Hero show whenever the band easily flows in and out of their eclectic mesh up to the delight of their fans who get to enjoy the best of both musical worlds (and then some). Sadly, SouthSie wished she could stay til the end of Hero Monster Zero’s debut performance but she had to make the mad dash across town to Schuba’s Tavern for Xoe Wise’s headlining CD release show. For more information, visit http://www.andymetz.com.

Now at Schuba’s and rumor has it that Mayor Rahm’s in da house! Well, blogspot readers, that’s NO rumor ...Chicago’s mayor was in fact at Schuba’s enjoying the local lineup as well as snapping photos with tonight’s headliner, Xoe Wise, before her performance. This set, however, was completely different from the last time SouthSide saw this singer/songwirter. Tonight for her official CD release of Archive of Illusions, this artist performed not as a solo acoustic act but with a full band. This move definitely captured a different sound and feel of her music and vocals, blogspot reader, in front of this “standing room only” crowd. Comparing the intimacy felt and experienced when she’s performing as an acoustic singer/songwriter to what was seen tonight, this reviewer in her honest opinion sadly preferred Xoe as solo artist. Despite liking how vibrant and alive her music sounded with the full band backing her, her songs also lost the personal touch and feel from a songwriter that SouthSide enjoyed. It would have been better if there were more acoustic originals to highlight how dynamic her vocals could be yet she was sometimes overshadowed by the band. Case in point, her cover of Mazzy Star’s 90’s hit, Fade Into You. This reviewer liked Xoe’s take on this haunting melodic tune but she and her docile voice were seriously drowned out by the music as well as the idle chatter heard throughout the venue. The crowd chattering was so loud she wondered: a) how Xoe was able to hear herself sing and b) how the crowd could take notice that she was singing when no one was really paying attention to her and the band. The downtempo crawl of this particular cover song being sung as a ballad was a tad lifeless and too slow though popping with a few sparks of life at the instrumental bridge. SouthSide also wasn’t particularly “crazy” with Xoe’s other cover song performed earlier into the performance – the Blonde/Rick Springfield/Carly Rae Jespen mesh up featuring her friend Erin Walker joining her on stage. This reviewer tried her best to get into the lively switch from 80s pop to millennial pop done in a blink of an eye but it wasn’t doing anything musically for her to enjoy. Granted, SouthSide understands this was Xoe’s first performance with a full band but it was truly not her best. The CD release show though featuring lively country/folk alternative rhythms or heartfelt downtempo sound didn’t capture majority of the crowd’s attention and/or interest (SouthSide included) due to the minor miscues and song choices for her set. This reviewer still recommends seeing this singer/songwriter but as an acoustic artist only. For more information, visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.xoewise.com" http://www.xoewise.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Sofia Talvik

Hej, blogspot läsare, SouthSide vill att du ska möta en singer-songwriter som beskriver sig själv som en "...lyckligt explorer av musik i världen..."

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide wants you to meet a singer/songwriter who describes herself to be a "...happy explorer of music in the world..." This reviewer recently had the extreme pleasure of chatting with Swedish female artist, Sofia Talvik before her Chicago appearances at Elbo Room and Swedish American Museum (which happens tonight at 7p. Tickets are $15 adv / $20 at door). Some may have heard of this dynamic singer/songwriter when she performed on stage at Lollapalooza in 2008 or at this year's SXSW in Austin, TX or during the the International Folk Alliance conference in Memphis, TN. Currently promoting her fifth album, The Owls Are Not What They Seem, this artist runs her own record label, Makaki Music (with her husband) in Sweden demonstrating that "...you don't have to be 'discovered' or signed to a major label to make it in the business..."

Sofia started off the interview by saying people should check out her music because "...it's heartfelt and it sounds beautiful to me..." hoping it connects with their lives as much as it does with hers. What this reviewer enjoyed about Sofia's music (via listening to them on YouTube and her website) was that it was folk music with a melody and pop production sound unlike American folk music which has that raw or rustic feel to due to the acoustic and organic instruments used. Critics have described it as "...fresh and airy..." but this artist lovingly says it's "...a fun combination of urban pop and folk or neo-folk..." Yet one thing is for sure, blogspot readers, Sofia does bring a liveliness sound and tempo within some of her songs that has a toe-tappin' groove.  As an artist, SouthSide wondered if she preferred performing solo or with a band to which Sofia said "...both are two different things..." having two different types of performance results. Sofia enjoys performing with her backing band in Sweden that consists of four guys yet sololy, she feels a closer connection with the audience, blogspot readers. "...I'm more focus on the audience [allowing] them to be more focused on me ...I like the intimacy..." that's shared with them. It's what her performances as a solo artist - are all about - connecting with her audience. Sofia stated to SouthSide that she's a bit talkative between songs relaying the stories behind each one and it's another reason why she tends to avoid sports bars/venues as places to perform.

So which songs should one listen to by Sofia Talvik? Sofia chose three special songs which highlights the progression and evolvement of her songwriting as well as music production style. Delusional (the first track off the new album) because "...it represents [an] organic live sound and feeling like my debut album ...shows how real I am..." This acoustic album - vocals and guitars - were recorded in one session in one night, blogspot readers. For this artist, "...it was a good way to showcase your talent ...what you hear is what you get..." The next songs chosen were King Of The Willow Tree because it showcases that "...big production and world fusion sound..." and Jonestown for its heartfelt and organic live sound. SouthSide has her personal picks to add to the suggested list of songs. She highly suggests listening as well as watching the YouTube video to the emotionally heartfelt duet Sofia did with Bernard Butler (one of UK's top indie icons) titled It's Just Love (off her second album - Street of Dreams). Besides the expressiveness of the images portrayed in the video, this reviewer was moved by the vocal tone of the lyrics by both artists ...one of the best love ballad duets ever heard. Also she suggests listening to Ghosts off her debut album Blue Moon to which she found the haunting folk sound very heartfelt and emotionally expressive not just in the lyrics but also in the way Sofia performs the music.

SouthSide is always fascinated about what the music scene is like in other places especially in a country like Sweden. So, this reviewer asked Sofia if there is one, what the local/indie scene like in Sweden. The artist stated there's a lot of Swedish bands and artists however there's not enough coffee shops or venues to showcase them. "...need more to showcase more ...[Sweden's] music scene could be more alive by [promoting] up-n-coming artists and bands..." also adding "...I wish Sweden would have more open mic..." events. SouthSide told Sofia about the many venues (for example Elbo Room and Cubby Bear) that hold open mic nights for singer/songwriters and bands to showcase their music as well as the upcoming I AM Fest which will be rockin' Chicago's House of Blues on August 25th. Sofia liked both stating "...I think people in the US are more friendly and supportive than Swedish..." because they tend to be reserved. "...it's hard to reach out to people instead of people volunteering ...it's a different culture compared to the US..." It may take a bit longer to make friends in Sweden but once you have a Swedish friend, you have one for life, blogspot readers. While in Chicago, SouthSide asked Sofia what she would like to do to which she replied "...would like to see a lot of Chicago ...the last time was in 2008 [during] Lollapalooza and I didn't see much of the town..." Hopefully, this artist is able to stay for some of the fests happening this weekend such as Jeff Fest, Fiesta Del Sol (in the Pilsen Neighborhood), Wicker Park Fest, and  Taste of Lincoln Avenue - just to name a few before the return of Lollapalooza next weekend.

And of speaking of showcases, Sofia wanted to say that she had a fun time at this year's SXSW and the International Folk Alliance Conference, blogspot readers, where she networked and met a lot of people as well as attended shows especially during SXSW. "...didn't have time to be tired ...it was so much fun..." Sadly, like all other fun interviews with SouthSide, it was time to say goodbye but not before Sofia said this "...I hope to see all of you..." at my Chicago performances and "...if you do, come and say 'hi'.."

SouthSide will be attending her performance tonight at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville (locatetd 5211 N. Clark) for review. For more information about Sofia Talvik, visit her at http://www.sofiatalvik.com/ or on Facebook.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

11 Jul 12

Hey, blogspot readers, give me Thor! It's a very special music showcase at Lakeview's popular spot for local music - Elbo Room. Tonight at this weekly (FREE) event, the lineup featured a wide variety of acts rockin' the stage presented by host Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case) as well as lighting fx. Headlining the conclusion of this show was local rockers, Ideamen, before venturing out on their tour towards Las Vegas in support of their upcoming (untitled) album.

Now, SouthSide didn't know what she was getting into when deciding to review this band that features an eclectic mesh of pop/experimental sound and the strange bit of wackiness, blogspot readers. Taking one look this group crowding the stage, this reviewer thought "what a weird  bunch of players" but she meant it in a good way thus learning not to take them so seriously. The band's arrangement of dress appearance for the stage instantly told her this wasn't going to be an ordinary rock show with Ideamen. To give you, the reader of this review, an idea what SouthSide means - try to picture the front man as the following: bald, prancing around the stage like a lost flower power, hippie sha-man while the rest of the band appears as if they finished stepping off the 80s rock magazine. And truth be told, this reviewer like their unique but strange appearance ...didn't have everyone uniformed to the same look. She gathered each musician likes to be expressive in their own way.

Next - the music. Though, Ideamen performs under a piano-driven, experimental sound, the entire Elbo Room performance featured an intense experience of energetic momentum and flucuating rock genres that kept the basement lounge crowd quite hyped up for this local band. This band didn't waste one precious moment on pleasentries or unnecessary goofiness. Nope. It was a hot party atmosphere from start to finish amidst groovlicious funk and electric piano wizardry that didn't include any time to slow down to rest. They got down to the business of rockin' out their audience. And despite the very humid conditions, blogspot readers, Ideamen rocked the stage with lively combinations of pop/rock and (sometimes) a couple of 80s-sounding tones as heard in the opening song, Red in the Sky featuring a few bars of Lionel Richie's Hello. One word of caution - don't spend time nitpicking or deciphering this local band's core rock sound because it will only confuse you (and your ears) even more since they were performing new songs off the upcoming (untitled) album. What SouthSide also liked about Ideamen was the simplistic song themes that didn't over complicate or dazzle the mind. For instance, one particular song was about a party. That was it. She enjoyed the song's eclectic mesh of 80s pop/guitar rock/ disco (perhaps) amidst Matthew's lighting fx thus creating a club/dance atmosphere for the crowd. After that party, the band rocked everyone to their groovy side before wowing the ears with intense guitar rock.

SouthSide highly suggests listening Brain Child to which she found to be a unique operatic ballad almost like Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody having the haunting intro, dramatic chord changes, wild twitterpating riffs, and piano-driven rhythms before ending with a huge climatic finish (sans the gong) and a vocal aria. It's hard to describe the instensity of the music that surrounded this particular song, blogspot readers, unless you were there at Elbo Room. After that song, try Two Complaints in which Ideamen upped the tempo yet retaining the intense rhythms within a calming melody while woven inside tone of frustration and angst heard off the lyrics. To SouthSide, this particular song had all of the makings of being a Broadway musical production theme song (like Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's Heaven On Their Minds) from the how this band rocked the stage. After witnessing two completely different versions of rock operas by Ideamen, they closed out this performance with another production number but this time about the futuristic look of our society. This song, Off Is A Crime, was laced with lyrics mentioning how our food is chemically manufactured in China to Big Brother is watching us at all times ...very anti-political and more with its theme within a space-tripped out ending which left the audience wanting an encore.

Check out this traveling band as they head west to rock out a venue near you, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.iloveideamen.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

One On One with Rachel Levitin

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide wants you to meet a "...musician passionately driven by [her] emotions..."  with strong ties to Chicago's local scene though now living in Washington D.C. Recently, Rachel Levitin returned home for a performance Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville location) that also featured local band Trees on the lineup. Before her return to Chicago, this reviewer took time out from her busy schedule for a lively phone chat about her experience as a blogger, ties to a couple of local artist, music and why Chicagoans shouldn't be complaining about the public transportation system.

To understand this artist and her music, one would have to walk in Rachel's shoes to experience a few life changing events that occurred within her family ...one of them being - death. "...I experienced a lot of death in my family..." says this singer/songwriter after SouthSide asked why blogspot readers take a listen to her and her music, "...lost my father and dog within a 12 hour period ...it shocked me physically and emotionally ...never knew how close I was to him [her father] until he died..." Even though experiencing the deaths of both paternal and maternal grandmothers and other rough patches, music was Rachel's biggest and oldest friend (to which she jokingly noted that she's very single to the point of dating her music) thus having fond childhood memories of playing the ukulele. "...music is used as my betterment and it makes me happy ...and hopefully it makes everyone feel the same..." Since Rachel Levitin is a solo artist, this reviewer wondered if she preferred performing solo or with a band and she responded by saying "...I like it both ways..." This singer/songwriter likes the freedom according her "...it helps you grow ...can engage more with the audience, test new songs (without a band) and see how they react to certain ones you write..."  Plus, she likes the intimate setting you have with the audience, blogspot readers, and "...no one is going to notice if you play one more chord or two longer..." Yet on the flipside, when performing with a band, there's a different experience noted. There are some songs according to her that are meant to be performed with a full band. Eventually, Rachel plans to have a band in the future but she also says that she doesn't regret playing solo either "...it's a great learning experience..."

Before this interview, blogspot readers, SouthSide learned one interesting fact in which she shared with this artist - blogging.  So what inspired Rachel to take up blogging? Well, it first started meeting the co-owners of  We Love DC (http://www.welovedc.com/) after breaking away from another blog because they wanted to make this one to be fun. So around the Fall of 2009, Rachel started writing for them covering the National League baseball team - The Nationals even though she's a Cubs fan (and she did disclose something to this reviewer about the Northsiders chances ...let's just say, her comments weren't the usual hopeful  one heard every year). Soon she found it was good way to express her thoughts about the ins and outs of DC's local scene. "...[this] helped me to build up my networking system ...it's cool to know people and hear their opinion..." What she like most about SouthSide's blog was its simplistic format and its content. There's also longetivity too "...[that's how] people will find you..." Now, there's a Chicago connection between Rachel Levitin, the band Filligar and Tom Fort that SouthSide found interesting - they all went to high school together. One more fact -  Rachel had the extreme opportunity to open for Filligar.

Now, when talking about D.C.'s local scene, blogspot readers, it's not all go-go (i.e. E.U) or punk. And according to Rachel, there's a lot more than that waiting to be discovered but people don't realize it's out there. Like SouthSide, this singer/songwriter knows and understands that one can experience a wild, weird and crazy adventure while spending a night on the town inside the local scene. She told this reviewer about a nonprofit organization in D.C. called Listen Local First (http://www.facebook.com/ListenLocalFirst) that focuses on trying to promote as well as create collaborations and partnerships between local musicians and businesses thus creating "...additional avenues for local music exploration..." SouthSide had no idea that it's tough convinicing DC venues you're worthy to play on their stages. "...booking is a hard thing in DC ...there's so many of us..." That's how she received the chance to open for Filligar - they personally requested for her to perform at their show. "...it really pays to network and not use people..." She's a strong believer in musician karma, blogspot readers. And with that, she told this reviewer, there's also artists supporting other artists especially within the singer/songwriter genre in which they try not only supporting but also promoting each other's shows. However Rachel would like to see more collaborations to create events (like I AM Fest) as well as musically collaborating with other artists for booking shows. Yet in her case, she's surprised by the turnoout happening to her in the past few years though wishing it could be better.



As part of the pop/rock/songwriter scene, Rachel personally draws from her Blues and Jazz influences to inspire her music. Believe it or not, she was once trained as Blues performance artist, blogspot readers. "...I've learned to feed off other artists as well as feed off the history and context of our music..." Rachel did offer a selection of three songs which showcase three different yet distinct sides to her and her music. First, she said listen to Lucky Penny Blues - she opens her performances with this feel good, straight blues, whistle sandwich type of song. Then, she suggested listening to Circles (written for her 2nd album while in college) yet she performs this particular one with a full band for her new album stating "...you can see the progression of my growth as a songwriter..." Then lastly, try the song Dreaming which inspired her to write it after watching an episode of Glee (also she wrote the chord change in the bathroom "...has the best acoustics...") but it's based on a short story she wrote in 6th grade about winning Song of the Year at Grammy's. More interesting Rachel Levitin facts that SouthSide learned about her interviewee - she learned to play guitar and trumpet at 9 years old and then started writing songs at 12. Speaking of her performances, Rachel stated that her Chicago performance would have answered the question of what Alex Clare (British singer/songwriter), Fleetwood Mac and Filligar had in common - she was going to perform covers from each artist mentioned at the Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville location).

With all this talk about D.C., this reviewer wanted to know if there was anything she missed about Chicago. There are two things - being so close to the Lake (Michigan) and riding the "L" (short for elevated) in which she says the CTA runs (way) better than DC's Metro public transit system hands down. She told SouthSide a story about how the Metro shut downs its entire system when doing repair work and runs on a confusing schedule. So in other words, Chicagoans have no reason to complain about how bad the CTA is. And like all of SouthSide's One On One interviews, it was time to wrap it up. Before leaving, Rachel did leave with some parting words. "...been doing this a long time ...I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't love it..." Also, she said give her a chance and listen, blogspot readers.

For more information about Rachel Levitin and her music, visit http://www.rachellevitinmusic.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

05 Jul 12

"...we're fuckin' going to rock like it's 1999!" ~ The Prep School Tragedy

Hey, blogspot readers, it's explosive after the 4th! SouthSide and her daughter, Sunday (name changed to protect her identity) spent their after the holiday fun at Reggie's Rock Club for a little education in shoegaze/industrial rock - The Prep School Tragedy style. Though, there was a sparse number of DelinQuents (the name for TPST fans) in the audience at this early all ages show, they still rocked the stage celebrating the official release of their debut CD - It's All A Show as part of the opening lineup that  featured Blackopz, [X]-Rx with Aesthetic Perfection headlining. SouthSide, for over two years, has watched this local troupe evolve from their zombie-fied makeup to their current status as a faux prep school-looking band with cheerleaders ...and soon a new mascot (more about that in a minute). After TPST's brief opening set, this reviewer had the chance to speak with Benn "Tran Q" Guy and Michael "Ignited" Hodes - the principle leads of this school gang about the band, CD and the mascot.

So, who ... or what is The Prep School Tragedy, blogspot readers? Well, it's definitely NOT Glee or High School Musical. "...sex, drugs cheerleaders..." or how about this answer "...sexy twisted energy..." According to the guys, they're just having fun with lots of guilty pleasure. And basically, that's true if you listen closely to the songs by TPST - there's SouthSide's favorite, SeduQtion (pronounced "seduction"), their hit - Thought I Toldja (check out the awesome video for this particular song on their YouTube page),  and Phoenix In the Sky. The Tragedy shows tend to get very intense due its hardcore guitar riffs and industrial/shoegaze sound, blogspot readers as well as sexually suggested because of the tasty eye-candy, the cheer squad, dancing on stage. Then, there are moments when this band can get extremely wide if performing a full 45 minute set. So this reviewer asked the guys why release the album now and not two years ago. The reason - they jumped the gun too soon with a release put out in August 2010 and it wasn't as polished or didn't have the music sound like what they have today. Now as a solid band, TPST team has their sound to where it should be "...like a fine wine..." have to do it right.

So, what keeps the fans coming back to a TPST show? For that answer, SouthSide spoke with a fan, Aydee who comment by saying "...[was] pretty amazed the first time seeing them ...having a band from Chicago is cool ...[they] have amazing performance..." Yes, they do, blogspot readers. As this reviewer mentioned earlier, their shows are intense and wild ...sometimes can get the fans along with the crowd agitated and hyped within the electrifying rock of the industrial sound. Yet, tonight, it seemed quite difficult for the guys and the band to even a whimper out the audience. Granted it was an early and all ages show for TPST but they still went onward as if the venue was packed with screaming fans performing a short selection of songs that included Hate Everything I Do. This reviewer (as well as Sunday who says "...they're cool...") enjoyed the energetic, fast paced momentum and the rosy cheek reactions from some of the audience members upon seeing the cheer squad's racy dance moves. It's definitely not a show without the cheer squad seducing and rockin' with the band ...but what's school without a mascot? So, does TPST have a mascot? Answer is yes but they wouldn't tell SouthSide what it is. "...can't reveal for many reasons..." says Michael and Benn. They had one in mind since the band's major DelinQuent Wolfie is no longer with them. This reviewer did her best in getting you, blogspot readers, the scoop about this mascot. However the guys remained tight lipped about it.

The Prep School Tragedy, to end the interview, highly suggests blogspot readers checking out their debut album in which you can get online at http://www.theprepschooltragedy.bigcartel.com/ as well their homepage  - http://www.theprepschooltragedy.com/ and Facebook. And be the hippest DelinQuent at your school, blogspot readers.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

01 Jul 12

Hey, blogspot readers, after ending the month of June with a groovy, rockin' bang with new friends, The Luck of Eden Hall and Max Pain & The Groovies, SouthSide was ready to begin the month of July with another hot show at Double Door. Tonight's lineup featured three CD release performances by Lindsay Weinberg, Wait, What? and The Sometimes Family with friend DJRC cranking out a vibrant selection of retro to modern soul/funk/groove music to entertain the crowd between sets as well as a full set after the show.

This reviewer had mixed feelings about the opening act, Wait, What?, blogspot readers. She did enjoy this local band's lively upbeat pop/rock sound though quite heavy on the piano/keyboard rhythms (which almost at times overshadowed the entire band ...don't know if that was Wait's intention or not). Still, she enjoyed the energy present especially during the opening song since it brought out the witty fun within its tone. Even while in a downtempo rhythm for a few songs, this band had the energy and upbeat groove and sometimes the piano rhythm would take a lesser presence in the background allowing the band to shine under the spotlight. However, the piano's contemporary pop sound did make sure its presence was felt as well as heard during the instrumental bridges. Then that's SouthSide feels Wait, What?'s performance somewhat fell apart especially attempting a contemporary/smooth jazz blend when performing the fourth song of their set. She felt out of place due the lack of the band's "happy go lucky" pop feel as heard earlier ...this particular song was moodier, serious and way too melodramatic for her taste, blogspot readers. The vocal really didn't fit well with this song's tone just as the fifth song and it's dream-like trance tone too. The front man was being too hard on his own falsetto range in trying to reach those highs thus not showing any type of voice emotion off the lyrics to pop the song to life. Here's where the piano really was too much on the ears. The rhythms drowned out the band as if Beethoven was pounding out his entire 5th Symphony in anger. This reviewer understand the piano is (somewhat) the main focal point of this local band yet, it would have been nice it allowed the other members the chance to be heard in this song. The only song she could honestly say that she liked was the Wait's extra song (i.e. encore) which featured a vibrant burst of alternative music not centering around the piano one bit. Overall, SouthSide does recommend Wait, What? for their toe-tappin', "happy go lucky" contemporary pop rock sound but is a little wary since the piano does tend to overpower as well as overshadow thus creating overdramatic tones to most of the band's songs. For more information about Wait, What?, visit http://www.waitwhatmusic.com/.

There was a soulful vibe flowing around this packed venue when headliner, The Sometimes Family, took the stage to end tonight's lineup. Despite opening with a haunting yet lively downtempo, danceable contemporary beat, this local menagrie of musicians didn't disappoint their fans (and SouthSide) with a set full of energetic fire and upbeat rhythms amidst their funky R&B/groove/soul sound. This reviewer immediately liked how this band incorporate the "old school" sound (i.e. the melodic flute) into their songs such as What Am I To Do and Death's Head into their modern version of soul music, blogspot readers. You can definitely hear their Motown influences beating vibrantly that made you want to groove along them. For instance, take the song If It's Love - Sometimes' really took their soul vibe down to a slow jam (almost to a steppers' groove and feel) allowing the sultry melody off the flute intertwine with the vocals and the poetic romanticism of the lyrics. Literally, wow, in how there was a touch of dynamic soul in Rebecca's voice that turned up the heat flowing across the stage and into the crowd while performing this jam nice and slow. Also check out Pockets and Death's Head where the cool breeze of the flute's floetry will have you groove while listening to Rebecca's chanteneuse-like voice seducing the ears on lyrics.*fans self* And that was one of few moments in which The Sometimes Family enthralled the crowd with such a sultry vibe, blogspot readers. Yet, it wasn't all about how steamy the music could get with them during the entire performance. There were moments when you were caught up within the lively spirit and rhythms of their Motown-like groove which had many "getting down with their bad selves"  to the "old school" of funk/soul rhythms and the stax guitar riffs during On & On and Just A Crush. If you really want to feel that Motown empowerment anthem flow in your veins, blogspot readers, SouthSide highly suggests tuning your ears to Stand Up. This reviewer truly enjoyed how this throwback song had reminding her of Marvin Gaye and his songs (What's Going On and  Mercy Mery Me) or The Temptations' Ball of Confusion while listening closely to the lyrics. It was definitely a millennial unique way to revolutionize the masses into standing up for what's right even the crowd didn't feel the urge  to "stand up" or "get up" along with the band. SouthSide does suggest the band adding more heated spirited when trying to get the audience to repeat "stand up" and "get up" ...maybe that will help them in feeling the lyrics and tone of this particular song. Snag a copy of The Sometimes Family latest album - Fun With Heart Break or simply check out their next live performance at a venue near you. For more information, visit http://www.thesometimesfamily.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

30 Jun 12

Hey, blogspot readers, it's a double shot weekend! That's right, this busy reviewer will be doing "back to back" shows at Wicker Park's hip rock venue - Double Door. There she will be checking out the latest NoVo Arts Inc bands rockin' the stage on Saturday and Sunday nights. Tonight, it was cosmic wizardry off a mellotron amidst a groovilicious burst of classic psychedelic rock and gritty Southern Blues rock from west of the Mississippi River entertaining the audience at this FREE show. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' your ears (as well as attending their next performances) to Chicago's The Luck of Eden Hall and Salt Lake City's Max Pain and The Groovies!



Far out, blogspot readers! Let's glide on this groovy wave trip of psychedelia that will blow your mind away. Get hypnotized by the spinning wheel on stage while immersing the ears into the intense guitar riffs, mellotron floetry and lyrical poetry all co-mingling nicely within a vibrant yet at times peaceful harmonies. Immediately, SouthSide felt like a flower power child trippin' on daisy chains and love as she was being internally connected with Luck's central songwriting themes wonderfully laced inside their lyrics. She enjoyed the flowery prose that sparked image-filled words (ie she suggests listening to Jupiter and Queen Anne's Lace). However, there's a modern twist to this band's throwback psychedelic groove, blogspot readers. The band's music does contain a strong but electrifying rock background for you to band your head to.



Still when the mellotron takes center stage on the melodic harmonies to balance out the raw edginess - watch out! That's when you will totally feel the groovilicious pyschedelic rhythms and floetry all at once. Toss in Double Door's far out lighting fx and you instantly felt you're part of the hip scene from the late 60s/early 70s, blogspot readers. There's even a cowbell (gotta love the cowbell sound in any song) to add some organic percussion rhythm. It was one wild space trip! This reviewer, in all honesty, had never experienced a show like this in a long time ...not even expecting Luck to rock the stage like they did after previewing their music online. She suggests tasting the waters with Chrysalide before Using All The Colors to make A Drop In The Ocean and then ending with Luck's Velvet and Corduroy. You can find Luck of Eden Hall on Facebook and Reverbnation, blogspot readers.


Crashing hard from her psychedelic ride on Luck of Eden Hall's mothership, this reviewer soon found herself groovin' again but this time to the gritty guitar riffs of Utah's version of Southern Blues rock by Max Pain and The Groovies. Currently on tour - partying their way across America (you should have heard about their wild night in Iowa City, IA), this traveling band of rockers burst onto the Double Door stage with an explosive bang of rock and gyrating dance moves which immediately caught the audience's attention. They're definitely a wild bunch from the westside of the mighty Mississippi (River) igniting the ears (and souls) with such music fury and dazzling delights that front man Max broke his tambourine to pieces! And believe it or not, this was the band's first visit to the Windy City yet you wouldn't have known it by the way they were performing, blogspot readers. They wasted no time in getting down to the business of rockin' out Chicago under an electrifying high energy sound and momentum off three guitars for that gritty stamina amidst thunderous percussion rhythms.



Also this reviewer enjoyed Max's raw falsetto which added a touch of that rusty Blues vocal tone to each of The Groovies' songs. It was a powerful combination felt as well as heard in tunes like Raw Dog, Put Away and Off The Wall. Even  while taking the infectious energy down a notch to focus on his vocal style, there was still enough fire and grit to keep things rather hot and steamy ...and SouthSide isn't talking about the rising humidity and temperature happening outside either, blogspot readers. Max and the band certainly created their own heat to have this reviewer drenched within their rockin' hotness for this particular quick song. Watching Max literally melt the microphone with not only his voice but also his charimatic charm and stage presence was enough to set off the sprinklers inside the venue. Hot twitterpating riffs to seduce any modest virgin's soul to the gritty sound of southern rock that will set ablaze your head banging ways - this band from Utah is the one to see this summer. *fans self* Whoa ...that was a hot set! Look for Max Pain and The Groovies on Facebook, blogspot readers.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide