07 May 09

Hey, Fearless fans, there only could be one crowned as number one! It was the Metromix’s annual Rock “n” Vote for Chicago’s favorite local band. Held at the recently opened LaSalle Power Co, fans cheered and text their votes for one of the four bands performing on stage. Past winners of Metromix’s Rock ”n” Vote have include bands like White Hot Knife and JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound. This year’s final four were Cobalt & the Hired Guns, Pet Lions, The Loneliest Monk and I Fight Dragons. So who was crowned as the winner? The answer to that question is revealed within the review.

Cobalt & the Hired Guns got the night off with a rockin’ bang. The band impressed this reviewer with their unique spin to Americana music. What was performed on stage wasn’t your ordinary brand of folksy music. It was Americana with a punk twist that had the audience moving to the beat. This unusual sound was energetic, fun and, Fearless fans, Southside liked it! Even while taking the energy down a peg to a more relaxed atmosphere, Cobalt never lost the momentum with its fans. They were too hyped enjoying the guitar solo which was the highlight of their show. Rowdy, foot-stompin’ honky-tonk music closed out this set leaving everyone hungry for more. If you’re looking for a cool twist to Americana music, SouthSide recommends checking out Cobalt & the Hired Guns at their next show. For more information about this band, visit them at www.cobaltandthehiredguns.com or www.myspace.com/cobaltandthehiredguns.

When seeing this next band, think Beatle-esque, Fearless fans. Pet Lions rocked the stage without any gimmicks and flash …just good old fashioned music that had fans dancing. It was the perfect eclectic sound to spice up a wonderful evening. Though a bit slower than Cobalt & the Hired Guns, SouthSide enjoyed the Lions’ brand of easy-listening music. At times the keyboard rhythms gave their sound some energy and fire. Yet, the lack of audience interaction between songs had this band performing a straight set of songs. Plus there was some difficulty hearing the bassist on vocals above the music during their performance. Fearless fans looking for some clean cut rock music should take a look at Pet Lions. For more information about Pet Lions, visit them at http://www.petlions.com/ or www.myspace.com/petlionsmusic.com.

This next band brought something totally different to the stage that was worthy of a SouthSide review. The Loneliest Monk performance had this air of mystery mixed with theatrical pop. In other words, this is what music would sound like if Mozart was alive today. This reviewer loved the hidden romanticism felt between the duo on stage which created the awe-inspiring atmosphere for their set. It was like watching the Phantom and Christine (of Phantom of the Opera) performing instrumental music of the night. At first, SouthSide thought the audience wouldn’t appreciate such beautiful imagery. Yet to her delight, the masses were completely soaking every minute of it. There were rhythms and melodies tucked inside The Monk’s songs that might seem familiar to classical music lovers. During one song, SouthSide distinctly heard the melody from a famous Beethoven sonata. Meanwhile in another, there was a sweet lullaby carrying the tune. Fearless fans, don’t fret. You don’t have to be a classical pop fan to enjoy this flavorable music. The Loneliest Monk did wow the audience with some rock and techno pop songs such as If We Played in Colors and Easy Breeze. This talented duo won 2nd Place at the conclusion of the Metromix Rock “n” Vote show. SouthSide highly recommends checking out The Loneliest Monk on June 19th at Schubas. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/wearetheloneliestmonk or www.kilorecords.net.

Announcing the winner of the 2009 Metromix Rock “n” Vote show – I Fight Dragons! Yes, Fearless fans, this was one wild show! The popular NES band rocked out this show with lots of energy. Compared to their other shows reviewed recently, SouthSide enjoyed this one better despite having a shorter set time. Still, the band packed a lot of fun for everyone to enjoy. Performing songs like, Heads Up, Hearts Down and No Likes Superman Anymore, excited IFD fans danced and sang along with Brian and the band. SouthSide noted they took her suggestion about adding the video to Money as part of the other videos played during the set. Don’t worry, Zelda fans, a worthy knight quickly saved the Princess from doom to close out the show. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the world’s only NES band when they make an appearance the Apple Store this Friday. Or see them at the I AM Fest happening Saturday, June 13 at the Congress Theatre. For more information about I Fight Dragons, visit them at www.ifightdragons.com or www.myspace.com/ifightdragons.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support your local artists and music

Peace
SouthSide