Top 5 Bands of 2013

As 2013 winds down into history, blogspot readers, SouthSide was challenged into getting off the fence by embarking the most difficult task ever in her reviewing career - picking her Top 10 bands of the year. For the record, she has long avoided doing these kinds of lists because she might either forget a band or two OR (finally) admitting which bands she enjoyed the most. Peeking inside the mind of SouthSide is not an easy task ...so that's why it was so difficult picking a Top 10. So to be fair, blogspot readers, she resorted to doing a Top 5 by grouping them in the following categories - Local, National and International. All shows (127 completed and still counting at the time of this post) featuring the following bands were  the tops during the 2013. Enjoy.

Top 5 Local:

5. (tie) - I AM Fest / Honey & the 45s ...SouthSide picked I AM Fest due its unique lineup which featured a strong variety of musical acts from electrifying pop/rock (Energy Commission) to hip hop/lyrical rap (RayIsDude) as well as  two female powerhouse vocalists (Leah Druzinsky and Kelsey Montanez) in the middle and more this year. There was something for everybody to like and enjoy during this one-day music festival. 

Honey & the 45's rocked the Cubby Bear earlier in the year with a one hot performance which was sexy, "in your face" funky kind of groove during a chilly winter's night. Never had this reviewer sweat to the groove (except when Bernie Worrell came to town years ago) along with many others around her to songs like "Got The Need" and the James Brown classic "I Feel Good". SouthSide will be seeing this band again at Metro coincidentally on the same date (Jan 11) when she first saw them.

3. DJ Scary Lady Sarah ...she's a fixture in the local scene by playing the best of industrial/post industrial/shoegaze/and more as well as keeping it alive for over 25 years with such events like NOCTURNA (held once a month at Metro or sometimes Bottom Lounge) and MACHINA (she dj's on the 1st Wednesday every month at Smartbar). Besides that, she has her own band - The Bellwether Syndicate ...dj's time to time in support of other shows ...and now working hard Convergence 20 Chicago First & Last & Always (occurring in April 2014), blogspot readers.  SouthSide is quite honored to know her as a friend and artist.

2. Social Focus ...after accidentally "discovering" this band's CD laying around the Elbo Room one night, then taking a listen and immediately liking demo sample (especially Merry-Go-Down), this reviewer had the extreme pleasure of watching this local band grow from obscurity to releasing a full self-titled album and rockin' out a crowd at House of Blues during I AM Fest 2013, blogspot readers. She hopes 2014 brings more exciting things for the members of Social Focus.

1. Makeshift Prodigy ...another local band SouthSide accidentally "discovered" back in 2009 when she was reviewing another band at Metro and soon got caught in this band's awe-inspiring music that instantly blew her away. She watched the members and music grow and evolve to what it is today ...still mind-blowing, motivational, inspirational symphonic rock to which they had a chance to tour and share with others on both sides of the coast ...and rockin' the crowd at Lollapalooza 2013. This band has a bright future ahead of them, blogspot readers.

Top 5 National:

5. Captured By Robots (CA) ...it's one of those bands you have to see to believe, blogspot readers, where's a lone human on guitar surrounded by a band of animatronic robots performing on horns, guitars and drums. The entire show itself was weird ...psychedelically trippy ...mind-bending as if you have taken acid before the show but nonetheless a fun time while absorbing the strangeness that was this band, blogspot readers. SouthSide can see why Captured has a strong fan following in Chicago...

4. Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs (TX) ...this reviewer highly recommends rockin' to this Texan band's glitter glam/punk rock at their next show, blogspot readers. They love to have fun and be sure to sing Cherry Bomb with them on stage. She hopes they return in 2014 to rock Chicago again (as well as munch on deep dish pizza and Chicago style BBQ).

3. Esh the Singer (WI) ...in word - WOW. This soulful sister will blow your mind with her voice. She can be dynamic as an R&B/Soul vocalist but also can rock hard like Stevie Nicks when she covers classic rock songs, blogspot readers. SouthSide had the pleasure in seeing her bring the audience to their knees by pumping so much emotions (from heartache to anger) into her lyrics during an acoustic set as well as when she's amplified with the full band. You heard it here first - she's better than Rhianna.

2. Hellions of Hollywood tour (CA) ...this tour featured Dawn of Ashes and Psyclon 9 rockin' the stage at Livewire Lounge after when a heavy downpour soaked Chicago, blogspot readers. Thanks to her friend, Tom George of Tag Publicity, SouthSide had the extreme pleasure interviewing both bands before they rocked and shocked their fans with intense headbanging thrash/dark electronica metal rock full of Hollywood glam and glitz all night with local band JILT opening for them. Yep, SouthSide got her metal on that night ...and lost her hearing too - now that's a good show.

1. Revel Without A Cause tour ...this tour featuring The Relapse Symphony (Washington D.C.), Fearless Vampire Killers (UK), Davey Suicide (CA) and William Control (WA) recently rockin' the Bottom Lounge on Black Wednesday night. Before the show (and thanks to her friend Tom George), she was lucky enough to do interviews with William Control and Fearless Vampire Killers as well as hang out with Davey Suicide (whom she interviewed when he was in Chicago with Blood On The Dance Floor a year ago). The lineup had the Chicago fans rockin' and dancin' as well as begging William for "one more song" to which he obliged giving them two more before having to finally end the show. If you there, yes, you caught this reviewer amongst the crowd dancing.


Top 5 International:

5. Anna von Hauswolff (Sweden) ...along with Noveller accompanying her and the band during their first U.S. tour, SouthSide highly recommends getting very acquainted with both and their instrumentally night music. You will be left in silent awe when listening to the melodic sounds. Also read the review recently posted on this blog.

4. Robert Plant with Sensational Space Shifters (UK) ...there's no better way to enjoy (free) music in the park during the Taste of Chicago than basking in the Led Zeppelin glow of this legendary rocker with thousands of other Zep fans (young and old) around you, blogspot readers. Plus she even got a chance to meet him for a few minutes after the performance. SO not worthy...

3. Dope Stars Inc (Italy) ...these Italians headlined at Cobra Lounge rockin' the stage with their 80s rock and much more, blogspot readers. Though the weather was a little too cold for them, they did enjoy Chicago when SouthSide got a chance to interview this band. She hopes they return in 2014 bringing the entire band this time.

2. The Red Paintings (AU) ... rock music and performance art ...nothing new for SouthSide but add the lead guitarist/vocalist dressed in a Russian hat and coat and his violinist in a kimono as well as two visual artists (one having a live model being painted) creating art during the band's opening set. This reviewer was totally blown away when they performed the title track - The Revolution Is Not Coming with such angered fervor and intensity. Check them out when they tour again in 2014.

1. Ian Anderson (UK) ...Thick As A Brick 1 & 2 - seeing this not only once but twice three months apart, blogspot readers. And SouthSide enjoyed both instances but loved it a second time due to the many Tull fans treating the performance more like a rock concert than a musical theatre. They were shouting ...cheering and rockin' out when Ian and the band performed Locomotive Breath during the encore - still that wasn't enough for them. They wanted "one more song" ...if he had the chance, SouthSide would have been shouting "Aqualung" at the top of her lungs. This reviewer would like to thank her good friend Anne Leighton for setting her up with tickets for both performances. SO not worthy but ready to see Ian Anderson again in 2014.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Sept 13

Even a sudden torrential storm (and then street flooding) can't stop the local scene from rockin' the night away, blogspot readers. Tonight, SouthSide's getting industrialized with a touch of Hollywood at Livewire Lounge. This popular venue for metal/punk acts featured local trio JILT opening for touring bands Dawn of Ashes and Psyclon Nine (both from CA) to near-packed crowd of fashionably dressed industrial fans. Besides the intense energy of music and aggressive theatrics dominating the stage, there was also seductive burlesque and DJ music to keep the atmosphere going in between sets, blogspot readers. Hope you have your earplugs handy ...it's about get EXTREMELY loud in this review!

Every band can't have a perfect show ...and this was one of those nights for local band JILT. With certain streets and viaducts flooded and having to end the closing number earlier than expected (due to a fuse blown), this trio lead by Peter "Ming" Propaganda thoroughly warmed up the crowd by terrorizing the venue with a ferocious  blend of industrial/metal rock. And only given a short time for their set, they wasted no time in giving them lots of thrilling guitar riffs coupled with programmed industrial tracks to balance out the razor-sharp rock sound. Underneath the creepy red lighting, blogspot readers, the fiery hue was quite powerfully effective in adding to Peter's mysterious stage persona as he pumped vocal aggression into the lyrics especially during the band's opening song. He sent waves of chills down SouthSide's spine since it was meant to feel the spite ...the angst ...and more while capturing the frustrated mood of the generation from each word spewed over the microphone. Giving the ears a touch of raw screamo from time to time amidst the electrifying thrill of the riffs, this reviewer could see some head banging action amongst the crowd, blogspot readers. Yet, it wouldn't be a JILT show without being surrounded by the sparkly glow of grinders lighting up the stage and front area to which SouthSide experienced up close and personal until suddenly ...blackout on stage. Oops! Sad to say, they weren't able to continue due to time constraint. However that shouldn't dissuade you from checking out JILT at their next live performance, blogspot readers. For more information about this band, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/jilt. 

Before rockin' out their Livewire performance, SouthSide was lucky enough to spend some time with Kristof, lead vocalist/songwriter/producer and more of Dawn of Ashes within Livewire's underground lair. He described the band as an "...industrial act [evolving] into a metal horror..." show adding the band name itself means "...beginning of the end ...end times ...end of happiness [with] hints of shock rock..." Definitely sounded like a show SouthSide could easily get into, blogspot readers. And he wasn't lying when telling her that DoA's shows featured "...lots of energy ...aggression..." and that he channels "...as much psychotic energy on stage..." as he possibly can. When Kris and the band stepped on stage, he certainly didn't waste any time spewing upon the crowd that intense energy and aggression (off his raw, animalistic styled vocals). Yet, DoA also added one more element to their Chicago performance to which SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed - the dramatic theatrics and terrifying persona. Kris confided to her that he feels his soul is somewhere else while performing ...and it does feel that way when he's channeling such rage and frustration  towards the crowd especially those closest to the stage. Watching him work the stage was mesmerizing, blogspot readers. Each arm movement and/or stance seemed carefully choreographed (despite obviously trying not to appear that way) to further heightened Kris' intense anger making you feel it dripping off his lips. *shivers*

Though the crowd may have appeared somewhat subdued, there were visible signs of agitation and random head-banging as a response to DoA's thunderous guitar  riffs and boisterous programmed sound thoroughly added to the band's heavy use of dramatics. However this reviewer was wise to stay a few feet away from the angry moshers blowing off steam in front of the stage. According to Kris, it's the main reason why their fans keep coming back for more Dawn of Ashes, blogspot readers. "...we put a lot of aggression and theatrics..." into the band's shows as well as mentioning that the new album contains "...topics fans can relate to ...[that] fans can connect to their music..." For this lead vocalist, he feels that's important since there are a lot of kids who have emotional disorders. Believe it or not, a lot of musicians have the same problem too. He also commented that "...music has negativity as well as positivity..." side. Speaking of songs, Kris personally recommends listening to DoA's new release Anathema especially the Poisoning the Steps of Babel (features Nero of Psyclon Nine), Sex, Blood & Black Magic and Insidious of the Judas Breed but one song he told this reviewer is a "...personal track about me ...about a kid with depression and emotional..." problems. That particular song, blogspot readers, is titled Scars on Scars to which Glitch of Psyclon Nine joined the band to rock it out with them. "...music speaks for itself ...[can] feel the energy..." And it honestly does. Scars on Scars was the band's most emotionally intense  song performed during the entire set that this reviewer did feel a connection not only to the music but to the lyrics. It was a haunting yet a dramatic way to end their performance, blogspot readers.

So when the tour is over, what will Dawn of Ashes be doing next? "...getting back in the studio to record new album Entering the Vortex.." says Kris but also mentioning there's no real set date for its release, blogspot readers. But look for Dawn of Ashes to invade Europe with a few dates, a music video and another possible tour. Yep, he's certainly staying busy, isn't he? "...[I'm] always going to be busy ...this is what I do..." About touring, he did comment it's not "...simply party and fun.." as people may think that's all a band does while on the road. "...it's harder than most would realize..." From driving for hours and getting to the venue on time to lack of sleeping and eating (he almost fainted once on stage due to exhaustion), it's tough being on the road especially if you have a girlfriend or fiancee (like he does) who may raise an eyebrow or two when fans tag photos of them on Facebook. According to DoA's lead vocalist, "...it's worth it..." And to their fans, the band wishes to express their appreciation for sticking with them for 12 years (something SouthSide couldn't believe). "...honestly, it's just the beginning for us..." As DoA keeps bringing new material, they only request you "...keep supporting us..."

For more information about Dawn of Ashes, visit http://www.dawnofashesofficial.com.

Headlining tonight's awesome lineup was Psyclon Nine, blogspot readers, but before performing a rather dramatically intense show of theatrics and music, this reviewer was granted an exclusive sit dow with Nero (and bandmates). Sitting comfortably on the leather couch, this charismatic lead vocalist gave SouthSide her first ever Haiku when describing the band. "...If I did no do / Psyclon Nine / I would probably / be dead..." quoted Nero the poet before stating how the band is "...bringing rock music back to when it was exciting ...like glam..." He also commented that after glam and 80s pop had died, there was the grunge movement and that was "...boring..." Psyclon Nine according to him is a glam band of "...sewer rats from Los Angeles with feathers..." "...we make brutality look pretty..." quipped another band member. And Nero agreed. "...that's what we are ...a bunch of glitter punks putting rock back [in music]..." It was certainly the case, blogspot readers when Nero and the guys took over the stage in such of a glamorous yet thunderous fashion.  It was fun seeing him glam up the stage in his fine costumery to which the crowd instantly went wild in response especially while performing their new song Shadows Unveiled (of new album Order of the Shadows: Act 1 coming out November 1st). SouthSide enjoyed how Psyclon Nine's stage presence could be not only powerfully intense but also commanded your attention that you didn't want to miss a single moment of Nero's antics. Whether he's interacting amongst the band members or with those standing in front of the stage, there's something always happening, blogspot readers. For example, besides the occasional head-banging, beware of bouts of rough moshing and/or wild dancing ...fist pumping and more that may occur during a Psyclon Nine show. These fans were feeling what Nero and the band was feeling the raw angst and spite off the lyrics. 

During the course of the interview, Nero suggested to SouthSide (as well as those not very familiar with this band) to listen to  other songs like Suicide Note Lullaby and the title track off the album We The Fallen and Parasitic (from Crwn Thy Frnicatr) ...just to name a few, blogspot readers. This reviewer was told they create a combination abrasive electronic/metal rock music which she definitely felt within the hardcore riffs and the rising crescendos tucked inside the instrumental bridges before smacking your face with more edgy sound. Sometimes you might get the feeling the abrasive side to Psyclon Nine will tend to get too chaotic for your ears (or music taste) but that's just what this band wants you to feel, blogspot readers. It's that chaos which fuels their theatrical drama while on stage. And it's the same chaos in which fans to respond and react wildly out of control to the music when listening to Nero's raw angst spewing over the microphone amidst the gritty guitars or edgy synths rhythms. By the time it was mid-way of the performance, Nero was already baring his chest strutting around owning the stage while basking in the glam glow of his fans enjoying themselves. Sorry, ladies, he's taken but very hot to look at. Even though experiencing minor technical problems (involving their tracks not coming through clearly), these fans were enjoying every minute of edgy glam rock music eve n while given a taste of what the new album sounds like live. However Nero did state earlier to SouthSide the band "...is always evolving ...constantly changing..." stating they're like a "...dirty petrie dish ...growing like mold..." and how "...fans expects us to be different each time they see us..." So in other words, don't expect the same show like the one witnessed in Chicago happening when Psyclon Nine comes to your town, blogspot readers.

So when the tour is over, what's next for this band? Besides a new album coming out soon, Psyclon Nine has a few appearances scheduled that will included tours for late 2013 and/or early 2014. "...it's one of our DIY [Do It Yourself] tours..." says Nero where the band will be rockin' out smaller venues like Livewire Lounge. Yet this isn't their first Chicago appearance either, blogspot readers. This glam band has played at other venues around town like Double Door and The Abbey to which he told this reviewer about an incident when some of their fans lit a garbage can on fire because Psyclon could only performed a shortened set. He doesn't cite the venue as being at fault ...it was more of "...a miscommunication with the promoter..." And like what Kristoff mentioned to SouthSide about touring, he also agreed "...it's worth it..." despite the long hours traveling and lack of sleep. This reviewer could tell each member of Psyclon Nine enjoys doing what they do so well ...rocking out venues and interacting with their fans. And to that, Nero wanted to say to Chicago fans "...you should be here..." but if you couldn't, it was probably because of a flash flood.

For more information about Psyclon Nine, visit http://www.psyclonnine.bandcamp.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide