09 May 09

SouthsSide felt the Earth move under her feet, Fearless fans! Fans packed the famous Double Door to see a fantastic lineup rockin’ the stage. There were good sets by Arma and The Evening Redness which kept many grooving to the beat. It was also an extra special night for the guys of Algren. This Chicago Noise Machine member celebrated its release of A Wayward Sound Floods the Street album and graphic novel. Closing out the night was another spiritual experience by Makeshift Prodigy. This was one of the best headlining performances ever witnessed by SouthSide. Words could never describe the emotions experienced not as a reviewer but as a fan of this inspirational music. For more information about this band, visit them at www.makeshiftprodigy.com or www.myspace.com/makeshiftprodigy.

SouthSide felt her mojo rising when Arma kicked off the night with a thrilling performance. This type of set had lots of energy perfect in getting the audience momentum switched on high. That same momentum also fueled Taylor (Arma’s front man) to channel his inner Jim Morrison as he moved about the sage. There was one song in which the percussion in a tribal beat had him dancing wildly. Yet it was the band’s Santana-like guitar sound that really had this audience going. The songs had a wide spectrum of riffs and chords which would have Guitar Hero fans doing their best airplay. Performing songs like In the Black Light and Carrier, Arma dazzled and amazed everyone with head-banging guitar sound. During one song, there was a wicked guitar instrumental that certainly was a crowd pleaser. If you’re looking for some mojo in your rock, Arma is definitely the band for you. For more information about this band, visit them at www.myspac.com/armamusic.

If you like a little more experimental and funky guitar riffs in your rock music, SouthSide recommends you check out this next band. The Evening Redness’ trio of guitars lit up the Double Door with hardcore sound during their set. Their fans went wild for this type of music especially during the Alice in Chins’ Man in the Box cover. Like Arma, this reviewer enjoyed the life and energy this band brought to the stage. There were more crowd-pleasing guitar solos of wild rhythms that keep the audience excited. Performing songs like Let Me Go and Take What You Need, The Evening Redness certainly were entertaining. However the band did weigh down their set with one too many covers and not enough originals. SouthSide felt their Corey Hart cover, Sunglasses, was the lowest point of their performance. The 80s song was roughly mixed with part of Eurhythmics’ Sweet Dreams at the middle throwing the entire song off balance. Overall, this band had one rockin’ performance. For more information about The Evening Redness, visit www.myspace.com/theeveningredness.

The grand moment finally arrived for this Chicago Noise Machine band. Fans and fellow Noise Machine members were on hand to help celebrate Algren’s new album release. Combining both rock and a graphic novel, their EP, A Wayward Sound Floods the Street, escalated this rock band into new heights. SouthSide’s certain that rock fans will enjoy the energy felt from songs like My City and End of the World. It was a wild ride of guitar riffs that kept the crowd energized throughout Algren’s set. Even while taking the energy down a notch during Exposed, never once did this band lose that vibe. In SouthSide’s opinion, this was one of their better shows ever reviewed. Meanwhile, graphic novel fans will want to snag a copy of the book which accompanies the new EP. The storyline is taken from Algren’s songs about the ills of society like cultural decay and consumerism. Created by writer Jason Hissong and illustrated by Brain Defferding (of Deftoons Comics and Illustration), this is certainly a collector’s must have via www.waywardsound.com or at their next show. SouthSide highly recommends catching this band along with many others when they rock the Congress Theatre stage on June 13 for I AM Fest. For more information, visit them at www.myspace.com/algrenmusic or www.algrenmusic.com.

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

Peace
SouthSide