28 Aug 09

“…I see a lot of sexy ladies tonight…” Nothing Forgotten

“…so louder than the last crowd making my testicklies jingle…” Waste


Hey, Fearless fans, SouthSide has left her heart (and hearing) at the Metro …again! Tonight it was a special historic moment for one lucky band as they opened the lineup. It may have taken 72 Hours ten years to play the Metro stage but it was worth the long wait. However the way this band opened, you thought they were seasoned pros. Joe and the guys didn’t seem a bit nervous while rocking out the venue. It was merely another day in “office” for them giving their fans and friends one of their best shows ever. This show was a unique mix of covers and originals that spanned from rock/alternative to reggae. Performing songs like Rollercoaster and Hard For, the highlight of night came during a Kings of Leon cover. That reggae/ska sound had the entire crowd grooving to the beat. With such versatility, it's no wonder why 72 Hours is fast becoming a local fave in the scene …and that’s why the crowd wanted more. The performance ended with everyone’s favorite, Elephant Song. If you didn’t catch this band headlining during the Carpentersville Fest, SouthSide highly suggests you see them on September 26th at the Cubby Bear. It’s another Chicago Noise Machine show featuring Bullet Called Life and Along The Parallel. This reviewer guarantees to be a fun time when nine awesome bands rock the stage. Also if you’re a huge fan of the show Always Sunny in Philadelphia, there are clips of 72 Hours singing the theme song in the upcoming season’s promo. The clips (two of them) go by really fast however that’s Joe in the end doing a voicover. For more information about 72 Hours, visit them at www.myspace.com/72hours or www.72hours.us.

FINALLY! That’s how SouthSide felt after many months of conflicting schedules with this band for a review. She had the extreme honor to see and review Nothing Forgotten. And this reviewer’s glad she did. After opening with a rousing headbanging song, they wasted no time pounding the stage with hardcore metal/rock for their fans. There was some lyrical rap and hip/hop in the mix too, Fearless fans. Somewhat eclectic for a rock band however SouthSide had no problems enjoying the uniqueness this band brought to the Metro. Nothing’s set was fast …energetic and full of guitar riffs that will blow your ears away. There was no physical way to slow this band down not even while performing a couple of ballads. SouthSide suggests listening to songs Metaphysical Girl and Seeds of A Rose. Jameel, the band’s lead on vocals, tore up the stage with his charismatic charm and sexy moves. Yes, Fearless fans, ladies were swooning as he moved about seducing them with his voice. One lucky fan was personally serenaded by this smooth crooner for a couple of seconds. In actuality, their ballads really didn’t sound like ballads at all. Though the tempo was taken down a notch, Nothing’s energy and fire wasn’t lost felt earlier in the set. Yet it wasn’t all about this sexiness. There was some frustration and anger in their songs too. SouthSide recommends listening to Nothing’s Indigenous. It perfectly conveyed the feeling of being frustrated and/or struggling with problems. Overall, this was one show that left SouthSide wanting more from her new friends. This reviewer highly suggests catching this energized rock/metal band when they hit the stage again at Otto’s on September 26th. They’ll be rocking the stage with SouthSide’s good friends, Heart Set Self Destruct. For more information about Nothing Forgotten, visit them at www.myspace.com/nothingforgotten.

Ever want to hear a wide range a rock mixed with some grunge and punk? Then SouthSide suggests checking out her friends Waste. Trust her; you won’t be wasting your time listening to their hard-hitting guitar riffs and energetic sound. After getting the audience going with a couple of quick songs, the band debut a new song called Elephantitis. This reviewer enjoyed the unique blend of punk and metal in this song which had many heads banging to the beat. There was also some southern fried rock sound during the performance that had this gritty dirty feel to it. Waste loved keeping their fans on their toes with their play on music. For example, there was one song in which it sounded as the chords and riffs were mismatched. However that wasn’t the case. Somehow it worked for this band because seemingly miscues drove that fire and energy in the song. Still there was one minor miscue by Roberto during Trainwreck when for a moment he forgot the words. It was all good, Fearless fans. This gave the fans a longer guitar intro to love. Waste was rocking so hard that they were breaking guitar straps during their hit single, Heartbreak Hell. SouthSide suggest listening to new song, Whistling Dixie for its thumping guitar riffs. What a fantastic way to get your heart pumping by their dirty rock sound set in a punk tone. It was an amazing performance! Waste definitely rocked out the Metro! And this reviewer highly suggests checking them out when they’ll be rocking the stage again on October 17th at Abbey Pub. They’re sharing the lineup with Captured By Robots …should be a fun pre-Halloween show. For more information about Waste, visit them at www.myspace.com/wasterocks and www.wasterocks.com.

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

Peace
SouthSide

27 Aug 09

“…you want more …we got more…” Meqqa


Hey, Fearless fans, with uncertainty in our economy these days, it has taken a noticeable effect on entertainment. Well don’t fret because the Double Door has a fun solution that’s way better than any stimulus package. It’s called Rock-n-Roll Bailout and it won’t break your bank! During the month, certain dates are reserved as free shows to showcase fine local music. Yes, SouthSide said F R E E. This month, this reviewer attended shows that had bands like Mr. Russia and Camera performing on stage. Recently she attended another awesome rock show in which featured Low Of The Low and On The Front. Meqqa and Inn Cinema closed out the lineup for night. For more information about the Double Door and Rock-n-Roll Bailout shows, visit www.doubledroor.com.

Are you looking for something new, unique with a dark emo rock tone in the music? SouthSide highly recommends Fearless fans checking out the “new” Meqqa. She was totally impressed how they took the dark undertone of emo yet keeping that ear-pounding guitar rock. Think of a cross between The Cure (in its early days) and Evanescence when seeing this band. After rocking the Double Door stage with Equestrian and Toys, it didn’t take long for this reviewer to be completely immersed into the performance. She enjoyed the keyboard (by Matt Nelson) that added some pop sound and haunting female vocals (by Tiffany Trezzo) complimenting the lead’s. Throughout Meqqa’s set, the audience was quite receptive especially during their new song, Dragons. The highlight of the night came when they performed Fire in the House of My Father. This song literally set the stage on fire with a flaming hot guitar intro. Fearless fans, don’t let your ears be fooled by Johanna’s quiet vocals. He did deliver that emotion needed to express the lyrics at the right moment. Whew! What a performance, Fearless fans. Feel and experience the “new” Meqqa …it’s nothing like you’ve seen before from this local band. For more information, visit Johanna and the guys of Meqqa at www.myspace.com/meqqa.

After a great start to their set, the guitar suddenly died. Not to worry, Fearless fans, nothing like that could ever stop Inn Cinema from rocking out the Double Door. Minor technical problems never can stop a band giving their fans an amazing show. Once the guitar was back online, Cinema jammed stronger than ever especially during their hit, Wake Up. That’s what they did …keeping everyone awake and hungry for more rip-roaring guitar rock. During this fast-paced performance, the band debut a couple of new songs off their upcoming CD. SouthSide recommends listening to Crime of Passion. It literally ripped the stage with heart-stopping guitar riffs and rhythms. Whew – they really knew how to please this audience with that type of music. And that was a tiny sample of what Inn Cinema can deliver each time they hit the stage. This reviewer highly suggests Fearless fans checking out this band at their next performance. For more information about Inn Cinema, visit them at www.myspace.com/inncinema.

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

Peace
SouthSide

Press Release - 31 Aug 09

They plan to bare all for a worthy cause …and SouthSide means A L L, Fearless fans.

On September 5th, the band known as Reverie will perform bare-butt nude on the Elbo Room stage under one condition. She’ll get to that in one second. You see, it’s Brian Bender’s birthday bash on this date. It’s an annual fun fest of good music and shots. However this year he has one special wish – to sellout the Elbo Room. A feat never done before in Brian’s tenure at this venue. Well, that’s going to change on Saturday September 5th, 2009 SouthSide is calling all Fearless and Reverie fans` to help SELLOUT the Elbo Room! Bring your best friends and frienemies …moms, dads and grandparents …bring the entire family …invite anyone and everyone you know …hey drag a stranger off the street.

DO something …anything to help Reverie with this task. Please remember it’s an 21 + and older venue and show. Guess what – it’s only a mere $7 entry fee! You can’t get much with $7 these days but at this show, you’re going to hear some great local music. Besides bare-butt Reverie, the lineup includes Mason’s Case, Band Called Catch, and Digital Mindy. SouthSide suggests you stay for the special Chicago Noise Machine jam session to close out this birthday party. Who knows maybe Brian will be bare-butt nude on stage too.

Sorry, kiddies, this momentous event is not for your innocent eyes.

And don’t forget to bring PLENTY of batteries! Of course SouthSide will be there …you should too!

Help sellout the Elbo Room for Brian Bender!

Make this truly a night he’ll never forget.

For more information about this event, visit Elbo Room at www.elboroomchicago.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138800441424&ref=ts.

For more information about Reverie, visit this band at www.myspace.com/reverieone, www.reverieband.com or read their official blogspot at http://www.reveriebandchicago.blogspot.com.

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

Peace
SouthSide

26 Aug 09

Hey, Fearless fans, there was a time when artists like Stevie Wonder, Barry White, and Marvin Gaye dominated the music charts. Their soulful R&B/funk sound especially in love ballads was the way to get your groove on. Well, SouthSide suggests checking out her friends, lo/fi pioneer. This local band brings back the old school sound with a slight modern twist for the new generation. They have been wowing audiences around town with their smooth R&B music. Recently, they performed at the Elbo Room in a soul/rock originators show sponsored by Maven. The lineup also included Empire Drift, Hershel Abram and Purpose.

Opening with a version of Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy, lo/fi wasted no time in getting the audience in the mood for some hot soul/funk music. SouthSide enjoyed how they took this popular funk-pop hit and flipped it in a smooth R&B groove. With Aryk’s vocals, this cover took a slow ride to another plateau that was pleasing to the ears. Add part of White Stripes’ 7 Nation Army in the middle – wow, Fearless fans, it was one hot beginning for this band. Somehow that pizzazz was lost in the middle of the performance. Not saying this reviewer didn’t enjoy hearing the classic lo/fi songs such as Got to Know or Thick. She liked the extended guitar riffs and instrumentals which allowed the audience to savor each sultry rhythm.

Yet SouthSide was waiting to be dazzled with more. The more being how this funk/soul/R&B band can take their music towards the next level. She does recommend their throwback 70s ballad style in Your Man. Ladies, this was the slow jam that you need to play during those romantic winter nights by the fire. Swoon if you must upon hearing Aryk’s vocals but it will be worth the extra kisses received with this song is over. Lots of passion …pizzazz from his voice could heard in this track. lo/fi’s final song, Ready, Set rocked out their performance. This was the “more” SouthSide was searching for them. This song had lots of funky rhythms to groove that the audience was ready for more.

If you want to get your groove on with a unique modern twist, check out lo/fi pioneer where R&B/soul never goes out of style. For more information about this local band, visit lo/fi at www.myspace.com/lofipioneer or www.lofipioneer.com.

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

Peace
SouthSide

22 Aug 09

All good things must come to an end, Fearless fans. And that’s true for bands too. On Saturday, one local band performed its farewell show in front of a crowd of family, friends and fans of all ages. There were plenty of tears as well as cheers when A Birdsong Valentine said their final good-byes on the Metro stage. Also it was a somewhat joyous occasion for another band, Fearless fans. Everyone had an invite to Digital Mindy’s Nick’s wildest, non-wedding event of the summer season. It was to celebrate the release of Digital Mindy’s CD, Meet Mr. Agitator. This show also featured performances by Sinister Fate and The Glide.

SouthSide highly recommends checking the dark theatrics of Sinister Fate (www.myspace.com/sinisterfate or www.sinisterfate.com) at their next show. Everyday is Halloween with this band as the Metro stage dressed up in a cemetery theme with tombstones and heads on a pike. Though their opening performance was a tad short, SouthSide was completely wowed by it. Plan on a full review of this band in the near future, Fearless fans. Also she recommends checking out the funky disco/pop rock sounds of The Glide (www.myspace.com/theglidemusic or www.theglidemusic.com). Their having a record release show on September 19th at Reggie’s with friends, Professor Kliq (www.professorkliq.com or www.myspace.com/professorkliq), in the lineup. That should be one hot rockin’ show, Fearless fans.

Saying “good-bye” is so hard to do especially when performing your final show. A Birdsong Valentine chose Saturday, August 22 as the day to give their loyal fans and friends a fond farewell. It would be a total lost if you missed this show before they walked off the stage into history. Out of the many shows, SouthSide has seen and reviewed this local band, they truly saved the very best for the last. Performing fan favorites like Sink or Swim, The One and I Am, guest musicians like Dan Goltz (on guitar) and Leonard Warren (on drums from Lucid Ground) helped make this last show extra special. They celebrated the band’s end with a huge love fest during the final song. Then one final bow for the crowd and then it was over. Yet don’t despair, my loyal Fearless fans. SouthSide believes one day A Birdsong Valentine or a different version of it will rise again. Everyone needs to take a break sometimes and/or try something new. That’s what this reviewer believes Brian, Chris and Oscar are doing. She doesn’t want to believe A Birdsong is completely done. There are more ABV songs yet to be heard and performances to be reviewed. However, please remember, this only one person’s opinion …so she could be wrong. SouthSide personally is going to miss this legendary local band and the fun times she had reviewing and snapping photos of them. No one will ever replace the gut busting screams of Brian, Oscar’s so cool guitar riffs or Chris’ martial arts-like moves on stage while playing the bass. Thanks for the memories, guys. As mentioned earlier, it would be shame if you missed this show, Fearless fans. For more information about A Birdsong Valentine, visit www.abirdsongvalentine.com or www.myspace.com/abirdsongvalentine.

The stage was now set for a wedding. There was a best man and groom however where was the bride? Oops, she turned out to be a zombie, Fearless fans, and sadly Digital Nick quickly dumped her before the kiss. It was the wedding that almost happened as Digital Mindy celebrated the release of its first CD, Meet Mr. Agitator. Legions of their fans packed the Metro to witness the unwedded bliss unfold on screen. After the mini comic book style movie, the band got down to business by opening with the gloomy End of the World. There were random images from movies (i.e. Nosferatu and Hellbound: Hellraiser 2) and video to add more depth to Mindy’s songs. Plus there was sexy eye candy during Drama Queen as choreographed dancers charmed the stage. The highlight of the set was when Brian Bender (of A Birdsong Valentine) joined them for a couple of songs. He added some sexy moves and screams in the chorus to Popular. SouthSide enjoyed new song, Piece of Time, off the new EP as well as her favorite, Mr. Agitator. Overall this was a fantastic and fun Digital Mindy performance. Emo, vamps and tramps will love the dark ambience this band performs under in each show. SouthSide highly recommends Fearless fans checking out this band or snagging a copy of thief CD for their collection. For more information about Digital Mindy, visit them at www.digitalmindy.com or www.myspace.com/digitalmindy.

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

Peace
SouthSide

11 Jul 09

“…leave those cougars alone…” Contriband


It’s hot fun in the summertime, Fearless fans! The summer music season is high gear with lots of reviews planned throughout the month of July. From the Double Door to Elbo Room and Metro, SouthSide will be there covering Fearless bands rocking the stage. On this particular night, she was hanging out at Cubby Bear for some baseball, UFC 100 fighting and music by Contriband, Jimi Falls and From The Broken. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the electrifying guitar rock of Jimi Falls. Guitar fans will enjoy the fast paced changing cords and rhythms that had heads banging to the music. This band certainly blew away plenty of ears too with their energetic instrumentals. Jimi literally lit the stage on fire especially during their American Woman cover. This reviewer suggests listening to I’m Not Falling and Machine Head. For more information about this hot guitar band, visit Jimi Falls at www.jimifalls.com or www.myspace.com/jimifalls.

The mood at the Cubby Bear was set on party. And Contriband was the perfect opening act to keep that spirit going. When they got things rolling with Van Halen’s Jump, this totally kicked the tone of the show into high gear. Their funky fusion of hip hop, Latin and rock music had this crowd dancing nonstop from beginning to end. SouthSide enjoyed their rendition of the classic 80s hit by Hall and Oates’ song, Maneater. Dedicated to those cougars on the prowl, it was a fun and danceable number that had some singing along with the band. They entertained the crowd with their fast lyrical verses in their originals like The Sound and Chatroom. However the highlight of the night was when Contriband did a tribute to the King of Pop. Their rockin’ version of Rock With You was an excellent choice to remember Michael Jackson. If you’re a fan of the hip hop and rock fusion, SouthSide highly recommends checking out Contriband …and be prepared to party all night with this band. For more information about Contriband, visit them at www.contriband.com or www.myspace.com/contriband.

Headlining tonight’s exciting lineup was SouthSide’s wild and rockin’ friends, From The Broken. The volume was cranked up for their set as they opened with Nobody’s Perfect. This was to ensure everyone savoring each riffs during the instrumentals. It was more head banging music, Fearless fans, that totally kept the crowd energized. And for you metalheads, there was some screamin’ angst venting frustration and anger in certain songs. From The Broken also performed an extra special treat for the Cubby Bear crowd. The band saluted the life and music of Michael Jackson with their rendition of Beat It. This song absolutely had the crowd going wild in frenzy dancing and singing around the venue. Not only that, there were periods of crazed moshing and slam dancing during this performance. SouthSide had a good time watching the crowd feeding off the rockin’ vibes of this band and vice versa. The highlight of the night came when From The Broken did CCR's Mississippi Queen. This reviewer enjoyed how they flipped the original backwater blues rock tone to a more modern rock with a metal edge in the sound. It was, Fearless fans, was totally awesome! From The Broken’s wild night came to end when they performed a finale like other. Holy Driver closed with a spectacular display of stage lighting and rock music that had fans screaming for more. Whew what a night! Rock fans, unite and check out this band at their next performance happening soon. For more information about From The Broken, visit them at www.myspace.com/fromthebroken.

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

Peace
SouthSide

MOB Fest pt 3 - 20 Jun 09

“…let me know when you’re ready to rip people’s faces off with your music…” Brian Bender at sound


Well, Fearless fans, another exciting MOB Fest year came to a close on Saturday night. This year, Elbo Room hosted the industry panel sessions in which included discussions about record labels to media exposure. Panelists such as Jerry Bryant (of JBTV), Jason Silverman (ASCAP) and Chris Payne (of Q101) were on hand to give helpful advice and answers to local musicians. The music portion of this final night had performances by Blackjack Rover, Sars Flannery and Emily Mugler. Rocking the house with their NES-style show, I Fight Dragons premiered a new song and video created by a fan in Germany. Fans also enjoyed sets by Mason’s Case, The Infamous Ashley St. Ives and Fifth Story.

SouthSide caught a tiny sample of Mason’s Case with Matthew (on guitar) and David (on drums) as Matthew Alfano during I AM Fest a week ago. With the full band joining them on stage, his rock/alternative songs took on a different personality compared to the prior week. Yet one thing still remained – the set had the same rockin’ energy as before. After opening the set with Disco Ball, Mason immediately got down to business of rocking out this crowd with music that never slowed down. Fans were thrilled by the fire in guitar riffs and heart-pounding percussions. During Tin Foil, the crowd went wild for the drum solo meanwhile Miracle Man brought out the emotions in Matthew’s vocal. Mason literally lit the Elbo Room stage on fire, Fearless fans, with this one amazing set. It was hard deciding which performance did SouthSide like better – the I AM Fest or MOB Fest. Either way, both certainly had this crowd asking for one more song. For more information about Mason’s Case, visit them at http://www.masonscase.com/ or www.myspace.com/masonscase.

This was not your typical guitar rock performance since the front man was behind the band on drums. And that wasn’t a bad thing, Fearless fans. You don’t see many with the chops while handling the sticks at the same time like The Infamous Ashley St. Ives. Boy, did this band ever rock down Elbo Room with their head-banging metal sound! St. Ives’ guitar section provided all the thrilling guitar riffs your ears could possibly withstand in one setting. Feel that thumping bass rhythm ...groove to the electrics’ hardcore strings …and go nuts for drummer/front man bringing that energy. The fan momentum during this performance was set on high even while taking the fast pace tempo down for Guilty. Though a ballad, the song retained the spunk and energy especially during the guitar solos in the instrumentals. Oh yeah, watch out for the hair flying around stage if standing in front while St. Ives’ performing. SouthSide highly recommends this band for those who love pounding guitar/metal rock in their diet. For more information about The Infamous Ashley St. Ives, visit them at www.myspace.com/theinfamousashleystives.

Simply good rock music with deep, raspy vocals is how SouthSide would describe Fifth Story’s MOB Fest performance. This band didn’t need a flashy gimmick or whatnot to garner the fans’ attention. They let the music be their spokesperson for them. Fifth Story throughout the set showed how versatile they can be within in the rock genre without pegging them into one category. One minute they could turn a ballad into a sweet lullaby and in the next pounding your ears with blood-curdling guitar riffs. SouthSide suggests listening to their Southern fried rock song, Whiskey. The guitar solos during the instrumental had many in the audience dancing to the music. Yet this reviewer did have problem with the low vocals during the set. At times, the lead’s voice was too soft to be heard over the rockin’ music. Still at the precise moment, he could rip the microphone with such emotion and passion that it drove the ladies wild. SouthSide recommends listening to Fifth Story’s Lady Love in which you can feel as well as hear emotions pouring out of his voice. Another fine example would be Lake Michigan in which the softness of his raspy voice shined throughout the song. In the end, Fifth Story had this crowd screaming for more. This reviewer recommends Fearless fans checking out this unique band at their next performance. For more information about Fifth Story, visit them at www.myspace.com/fifthstory.

Well that ends another successful MOB Fest season. Lots of good music heard and discovered during those three nights. SouthSide had another fun rockin’ time attending the shows. Thanks to all who helped and hosted the bands performing on stage.

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

Peace
SouthSide