14 May 14

Two shows ...one fun adventurous night on the town...

 

Hey, blogspot readers, it’s a music takeover within the heart of Rogers Park! Recently, at Mayne Stage, SouthSide’s good friend (and local icon) Michael Teach and his staff at CAU (Chicago Acoustic Underground) had full run of the entire venue – Act One Pub and Mayne Stage to showcase rising singer/songwriters and bands. The Mayne Stage lineup featured the touring duo Sister Speak (with its band) along with The Aldermaniacs and Barrett’s Hidden Agenda. This reviewer arrived in time to check out the middle performance of Barrett’s Hidden Agenda in which she liked the rockin’ vibe felt from this local band’s funky musical fusion of bluesy Americana with an urban sound. This group had soul ...had a swingin’ beat you could tap your toes to ...it had a fantastic rhythmic floetry to make each song and its picturesque lyrics pop with life. She loved how his combined use of storytelling and contemporary music created a pleasant musical atmosphere for all to enjoy, blogspot readers, including the rockin’ Zydeco encore. However, there were a couple of things this reviewer didn’t enjoy during Barrett’s set. First, he could have engaged and/or interacted with the audience more in between songs (especially while tuning the guitar) instead of creating moments of “dead air” silence. Second, it would have been nice if he mentioned a few of the songs that either were performed or about to be performed for those (like SouthSide) who aren’t familiar with them. It would have been nice to include or at least mention one or two for inclusion in this review (for example, like the one song sung by the bassist). What SouthSide is suggesting – Barrett’s Hidden Agenda needs a little more work on its stage presence so everyone (including this reviewer) could feel “included” during the set like Barrett’s family and fans loudly sitting behind her.

 

“Chicago is one of my favorite places in the world...” ~ Sister Speak

 

 

SouthSide highly recommends checking out the duo (with its touring band) known as Sister Speak for its emotional yet soulfully dynamic sound not only heard in the vocals but also within the music itself. It was like seeing two performances tucked inside one rockin’ set, blogspot readers, in which Sister performed a mixed of acoustic as well as alternative rock for its audience. However for SouthSide, it was Sherri Anne and her soulful vocals that got her hooked when opening with a very subtle yet lively toe-tappin’ acoustic sound featuring some sweet heat from the blues harmonica (by Graham). That’s when this reviewer knew she was in for a fun time, blogspot readers. Performing songs off the new album, Sister Speak had this calming music atmosphere even while rockin’ the stage with some of its livelier and up tempo songs such as “Mountain Song” and “Lose Control” where both feature Sherri wowing the audience with her vocal range of being soulful, sultry and energizing at the same time. Meanwhile during songs like “Lady Love” and “Say You Will (Be There)”, we got to hear the vocal power behind the emotions in her voice that not only lifted the lyrics but shook the roof a little. And to say she and the band had the entire audience captivated throughout Sister’s performance would be a gross understatement. Sister Speak had everyone spellbound (except those rudely ruining this reviewer’s music enjoyment, blogspot readers, with loud conversations). Though, sadly, this reviewer wasn’t able to stay until the end but she did enjoy what she heard from this touring band and highly recommends blogspot readers attending a Sister Speak performance. For more information, visit http://www.sisterspeakmusic.com.

 

 

After playing another round of “CTA Mad Dash” to travel from the far northside to the near westside of Chicago, SouthSide arrived in time to experience her first Danish invasion at Cobra Lounge for the Leaether Strip performance, blogspot readers. The electro-industrial duo were locally supported by opening bands JILT and Cyanotic which this reviewer extends her apologies for missing. But soon she felt right at home ...soaking up the intense industrial sound, heart-pounding electronica rhythms (by this silence synths/keyboardist partner) and Claus Larsen’s raw, venom spewing lyrics as well as the fans in motion moving to the beat of aggression and hate. You could literally feel the aggression/frustration dripping over the mic in lyrics like “...once you start, you can’t stop me...” or “...I’m dreaming what you’re not suppose to be dreaming...”  Plus definitely connected with this crowd when touching on other subjects like pain and being persecuted. From the first moment he stepped on stage to the last dying synth sound, this performance was everything this reviewer expected ...and then some. What she wasn’t expecting was Claus (during the middle one song) telling two (loudly) chatting females to move away from the stage, blogspot readers, because their conversation was seriously overshadowing his performance. Yeah they were shocked and pissed but Leaether Strip fans cheered him for doing that. After all, it’s his show and we all came to see him not hear them talking. Anyway, this reviewer enjoyed how he trapped the crowd within his “hate” or disdain for societal rules placed on us in which he speaks so eloquently well, blogspot readers. And his fans respond to by fist pumping or head banging to the incredibly fast-paced, hardcore industrial sound and lyrics. Believe, SouthSide when she says – there’s no standing still while amidst in Leaether Strip’s music. You either dance to the intense beat or head banging ...or a combination of both. It was ...wow, what else can SouthSide say about Leaether Strip without giving too much away in this review? Perhaps she’ll end with – it was a wild time and she highly recommends attending his next performance, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/leaetherstrip.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

02 Nov 13

***sincerest apologies for the lateness of this review***

Did you know there's no dark side of the moon? Yep, it's all dark, blogspot readers. Recently, SouthSide wrapped up her long Halloween celebrating with a special performance presented by CAU (Chicago Acoustic Underground) and CAU Dog Records at Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe. Bridging the gap between artists (locally, nationally as well as around the word) and music fans, this organization has been producing downloadable live music podcasts and interviews featuring over 400 singer/songwriter artists for nearly six years. On this night, he put together a rockin' lineup which included alternative/folk rock by goodbyehome and folk funk by Beacon James (MN) with Jack Salamander and its cover of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. And speaking of Beacon James, blogspot readers, this group is a nearly acquired act under the CAUDog Records label ...one of many exciting things happening for Michael Teach and his staff. On November 27, CAU will be taking over Mayne Stage venue (located in the Rogers Park neighborhood) for a Black Wednesday showcase in which artists like Joe Taylor, Hannah Frank, The Lauren Wolf Band and many more will performing on either the main stage or the Act One Pub stage. Due to CAU's unique relationship and partnership with Mayne Stage, be on the lookout for something like this to happen on the 2nd Wednesday of every month throughout 2014 ...more details about that as soon as it comes to SouthSide's desk.

Opening this fantastic night of music was the rockin' folk alternative band - goodbyehome in which the Hard Rock audience was entertained by their hip-shakin', toe-tappin' rhythmic sound, blogspot readers. Led by front man/guitarist Greg Combs, his voice propelled a heartfelt falsetto tone onto lyrics (even while amongst vocal harmonies with the other band members) during songs like Apache Hotel (a haunting downtempo ballad) and Groomsmen (a goodbyehome oldie but fan goodie). SouthSide enjoyed the slightly upbeat song featuring some sweet harmonica melody as heard in new one Kenosha (it's all about the town and his love for its cheese curds ...it's a Wisconsin thing, blogspot readers). Yet it wasn't all alternative folk rock during goodbyehome's opening performance. The band did spice things up with a touch of hardcore electric rock to give their Americana sound a nice yet gritty edge thus also bringing out the emotions in Greg's voice especially when singing "I'm along again" - definitely could feel the pain not only in his voice but in the words. The dark moody tone brought out by the electric side to goodbyehome (in this particular song) could be found in the electric violin that adds more a creepiness as well as darkness to the song's sound. After seeing how deep and dark this band can get, blogspot readers, it was time to rock out the Hard Rock Café with some Vampires ...and no, these aren't the ones who shine or sparkle either in which features the violin and bass duet playing off each other at the song's bridge. SouthSide highly recommends checking out goodbyehome and their eclectic yet vibrant tone of folk alternative rock at their next show. For more information about this local band, visit http://www.goodbyehomemusic.com.

Hailing from Minnesota, this band not only featured a unique combination of folk rock and funk but 5-part vocal harmonies which blew this reviewer's ears away, blogspot readers! She can see why Michael Teach and CAUDog Records had to sign this band to the label ...they were more than just awesome to watch. And if there's a word better than "awesome" to describe how Beacon James rocked the stage, SouthSide will certainly attach it to the band's description. It didn't take them long to get this audience hoppin' to the rhythmic folk sound or be instantly drawn to their energetic momentum when opening with songs Move On and Cass - and this was where the funk side came into play, blogspot readers. When Beacon added the funk side to their folk rock sound, in one word POW - you felt the jammin' saxophone heating up the lively upbeat swing thus sparking more vocal umph in the band's harmonies especially during Like Smoke. It may have been a downtempo song but it retained a lot of that energy as well as highlighting the vocal emotions and mood of the lyrics. Also featured during Beacon's performance was montage of three songs - Lydia, Sons and Dogs and Good Girl where you as the listener get to hear three different sides to this band. In Lydia, there's a 4 part vocal harmony to which you're meant to feel the haunting sad words before slightly livening things up in Sons and Dogs and then lastly getting your pseudo religion on with Beacon's gospel sounding Good Girl (vocalized by Marie). This diverse setlist, blogspot readers, wonderfully spotlighted the band's vocal talents from emotionally dynamic and soulful to raspy heartfelt falsetto tone ...and when you put all 5 vocals together - they become one amazing dynamic powerhouse of voices popping the words to life behind the incredible combination of music. To say this reviewer was impressed is a gross understatement. She was literally hooked by the time Beacon performed For Wings and Goodbye To Us (a sad duet in which gradually builds to a trio then quartet before ending with all five harmonizing acapella) before closing out with Rock Salt and Nails. Dancing is strongly encouraged when seeing  Beacon James rockin' the stage live, blogspot readers. They want you to have a good time while enjoying their folk funk sound. For more information about this band, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/beaconjames.

"...can someone turn the record over..."

Most know that SouthSide is a Pink Floyd fan. And she has heard this legendary band's icon songs and/or albums covered as instrumental to classical orchestrations as well as by a local bands. So she was totally ready to scrutinize Jack Salamander's covering the entire iconic album Dark Side  of the Moon to which she knows it's no easy task, blogspot readers. Because he would have to recreate each and every song, sound effect, vocals etc to appease the diehard Floyd fans (like this reviewer) attending the Hard Rock Show. Even though Michael Teach promised SouthSide she would thoroughly enjoy Jack's homage to this album ...she did have her doubts. Did he pass? This reviewer will answer that question at the end of the review. After opening with a classic John Lee Hooker blues song Baby Talk to warm up the late night Floyd fans, the bewitching hour had arrived and it was time to rock out with Dark Side of the Moon. Jack Salamander, using bits and soundbites from the album (for Speak To Me, Time, and Money), also had help from members of the bands that performed earlier to aid in this special performance. He and his core band didn't skimp anything. They nearly recreated the album as close to perfect as they could get, blogspot readers, even right down to the train announcement during On The Run. It was quite mindblowing hearing all of the songs covered note by note ...chord by chord but it was also creepy since she had never a band perform it so well. What they needed was the Wizard of Oz playing, or scenes of space from the Hubble Telescope or a laser light adding to the psychedelic trippiness of Great Gig In the Sky, Us and Them and Any Colour You Like. Yes, blogspot readers, Jack Salamander (with some help from friends like Greg Combs of goodbyehome on guitar and vocals for Us and Them, Jessica, Marie and Britta on vocals for Brain Damage and Eclipse) successfully recreated a wonderful live version of Dark Side of the Moon proving this Floyd fan wrong. With a little substitution here and there, all the correct elements of what made this album so iconic were still there to enjoy ...nothing was taken away from Floyd's psychedelic/progressive rock wizardry for one moment. And if he had time, we could have heard Floyd's other iconic album - Animals. Jack Salamander had everyone fired up for more Floyd. However Lem (front man/guitarist of Jack Salamander) gave this hungry late night audience some hot Frank Zappa after shouts for Comfortably Numb, Echoes and a selection of Robin Trower could be heard. It was truly one memorable performance, blogspot readers, and SouthSide's looking forward to the next time Jack Salamander performs Floyd again. For more information about this band, visit http://www.jacksalamander.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 May 12

"If you don't stick around for The Future Laureates, I'll wrestle you..."
Cobalt and The Hired Guns


There's no other like your own mother ...so treat her right

Hey, blogspot readers, this busy mom's rockin' out her Saturday night with not one but TWO shows! Tonight, SouthSide's hitting the streets going to two hot spots within Chicago's vibrant local scene where she celebrated a record release and then danced with the fashionable vampires til sunrise. And what an exciting (as well as busy) night it was during this latest On The Town adventure. First, this reviewer rocked Wicker Park's other hippest venue (that was once a Capone spot complete with hidden access tunnels), SubT (or Subterranean) while attending CAUDog's show featuring the release of The Future Laureates' Fortress Sessions CD. This amazing venue boasts a "crow's nest" view of what's happend on the main floor especially if reviewing the night's lineup performing on stage or if you want to get away from the crowd below. That's where you can usually find SouthSide, blogspot readers, up in the balcony and tonight, she was alongside with her longtime friend, Michael Teach of Chicago Acoustic Underground (http://www.chicagoacousticunderground.net).

CAU is every music fan's source for original indie music from across the United States and around the world. Michael and his hardworking staffers connects fans to the artists and vice versa through podcasts as well as music downloads, CDs and sponsored shows like tonight's. CAU's shows has showcased some of the best from singer/songwriters to full bands rockin' the local stages around Chicago like Brian Walker, Crystal Bowersox, Goodbyehome, The Future Laureates and more. Saturday's show was a record for SubT and CAU - a near soldout crowd thanks to hard work of the bands promoting this particular show. Also on the lineup in support of The Future Laureates' big occasion was Tree and friend Cobalt and The Hired Guns. SouthSide highly suggests rockin' the ears to the hip sound of "new" country/rock by the band - Tree. Lead by a dynamic female vocalist on guitar, this reviewer enjoyed the way this lively group rocked and rolled the packed main floor with upbeat tempos, rhythmic music and vibrant bursts of energetic momentum. Their style of country-folk mix brought a taste of hot summertime fun to SubT on a rainy night which also had this crowd demanding one more song when Tree's set was finished.

Then, SouthSide's friend, Cobalt and The Hired Guns continued with the night's rockin' theme of fun during their performance of alternative/pop/rock featuring an array of instruments in the band set up. The lively rhythms off the cello (at times), horn section and digital programming added those moments of boisterious music to pop the band's core alternative sound alive and kicking. However tonight, Cobalt added a female vocalist to the mix to counter as well as complement Tom on main vocals during certain songs featured off their upcoming new album. SouthSide, though couldn't physically hear her sometimes since she was overshadowed by the music, liked how her dynamic voice had the right range to be paired with Tom's heartfelt falsetto style during one particular song featuring a ballad-love song. The touching sentiments in between pockets of energy even while at the bridge where the music was intense to match the song's mood and tone could be felt besides being heard. Yet watch out, blogspot readers, when Cobalt and The Hired Guns truly get into the party mood while performing Of Summer. There's a wave of electro-energy and momentum flowing across the stage and into the crowd as they kicked up the vibrant bursts of music amidst an eclectic mix of alternative/punk rock sound. Yet what really surprised this reviewer was the band's switch out of their comfort zone into trying to be a straight rock band. And yes, Cobalt can actually be and have an ordinary rock band and sound when premiering a new new song as a test on the audience. Sans the horns and cello ...even without the digital programming, this band proved they can still rock the stage like a hardcore guitar rock band which also opens the vocals more. You can feel the emotional spite and fire especially Tom sang "...you never called at all..." - it was powerful but dynamic tone that gave SouthSide some shivers. SouthSide suggests rockin' the ears to More Than You Know and Like You Like Me Like Me as well as seeing them perform live again at Metro during their CD release show on June 16. This show will also feature friends How Far To Austin, Midwest Hype and Band Called Catch ...it's going to be hot 18+ show, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.cobaltandthehiredguns.com.

After introducing Ellis Clark (producer of many CAU Dog Records artists' albums including TFL's Fortress Sessions) to the crowd packing the main floor, Michael Teach then introduced the honored guests of the night - The Future Laureates, blogspot readers. Even before hitting one note, the band first honored their own moms and other moms as well as thanking everyone for out to the show. Then, finally - they got down to the business rockin' out their headlining show with a BANG of music that featured an Irish whiskey song (Moonshine) and guests musicians like Christina on violin and Joe Redman on guitar. SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant bursts of TFL's momentous sound (and there were plenty, blogspot readers) that kept everyone whether they were crowding around the balcony or on the main floor deep within the band's alternative/pop sound. And not only does this band excite musically but also vocally as proven in the opener Galahad's Song which ended in a round robin-like of harmonizing vocals seperately then together. Even the crowd has their favorite TFL band member to which they started chanting "James" during certain songs like Escape From the Shadows (featuring his bass solo). SouthSide doesn't know where to begin to say about the band, its music and/or the show because there were SO many fantastic moments that happened ...and she's amazed that she was able to jot notes and rock out with them at the same time. To fair, she did pick a few highlights that she feels were special in her opinion. For example, when performing Carry Me Away and Kingston Blues, TFL wonderfully demonstrated their bluesy side of their music via a ukelele inside a downtempo groove and intense falsetto vocals. Both songs not only had them dancing a tiny jig here and there but also had many in the crowd joining in the fun alongwith them, blogspot readers. TFL boasts an infectious rhythmic beat and upbeat tempos that will instantly grab you especially when adding some pseudo ska into the rhythms (Kingston Blues). And then having the crowd doing reggae moves (how low can you go under the limbo bar), this record release turned into a wild party! The next highlight came when the audience of voices joined with the band during their cover of Tom Petty's American Girl. Though this wasn't the only moment where you heard the crowd singing (Creative Differences), SouthSide picked this moment because of the heartfelt vocals on the lyrics while in a livelier upbeat tempo than its original counterpart. Still it was something to witness when hearing 99% of the entire venue in one voice singing this classic Petty song shaking the chandelier rafters of SubT. You had to be there, blogspot readers, to see and hear this moment. The other audience participation moment came during Crooked Third Wheel and the special hand clapping at the intro of the song ...plus more sexy dancing on stage. This reviewer will stop right here - she doesn't want to give too much away about TFL and their show. She does recommend rockin' their next live show and snagging a copy of Fortress Sessions. For more information, visit http://www.thefuturelaureates.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide