[Review] Train Company @ Subterranean
Every time I see Train Company, the end result is me sweaty, happy, and dancing my ass off. Friday night at Subterranean was no exception. Train Company shared the bill with Great Life, Shiloh, and Penthouse Sweets. It's difficult to limit TC to a single genre because they dominate many, but let's go with indie-blues-pop-rock.
I've known these guys since the beginning and, in my opinion, they are one of the hardest working indie bands in Chicago right now. They released their second full-length album "The Remains of an Effort," with an August 2012 CD release show at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The epic performance brought the album to life with a string section, horn section and vocal trio.
Train Company continues to impress me with their relentless energy, impeccable musicianship and plain-old rock and roll realness that is harder to find than you'd believe. The buzz that radiates off of the band permeates the audience, grabbing the attention of even the barflies in the back of the room. When the set winds down, the crowd literally begs for more. And when lead vocalist/guitarist, John Zozzaro, tells the folks on the floor to put on their "groovin' shoes," not many can resist. Saxophonist Mark Alletag tears up song after song with sick melodic lines and brings a palpable joy for the music to the stage you just don't see everyday. The tight, solid rhythm section that is Mike Dewitte (bass) and Rob Lejman (drums) allows each song to breathe, but with precision and grace. Then there is Samuel Wyatt on keyboard and keytar. Yup, keytar. Whenever Sam gets a chance to solo, the madness is unleashed. And when he brings the keytar out, the crowd cheers for the greatness they know is coming. John's velvety, classic voice brings it all together, drawing you in and hitting all the notes in just the right spot. There are a lot of the flash-in-the-pan bands floating around the scene right now, but you can be sure that Train Company isn't going anywhere but up.
If you want in on this awesomeness, I strongly suggest you go download their hit single, "City Down By The Shoreline," for free. It's the summer jam that will make everything better, I promise. And if you're down south, you're in luck. The guys are heading to North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee next week for a four-day tour, so check out the touring schedule-- and support!
http://youtu.be/Kb7hKIVfvTc
Those Darlins
Raw, sultry, audacious rock-a-billy indie trio Those Darlins are worth a good listen. This group of saucy southerners from Nashville, Jessi Darlin, Nikki Darlin, and Linwood Regensburg, are known to throw a party on stage. The band's early folky vibe has evolved into a spit-whiskey-in-your face experience that I definitely prefer from the former -- and not just because I love whiskey. Their latest album "Screws Get Loose," include tracks like "Be Your Bro," which lyrically paint a vivid picture: "I just wanna be your bro/ You just wanna be my boyfriend/ I just wanna run and play in the dirt with you/ You just wanna stick it in."
With Karen O-worthy screeches bumping up next to sing-a-long choruses Those Darlins' sound brings to mind a Best Coast/Yeah Yeah Yeahs mash up, but with a retro-rock edge to snag your sleeve on. Download a sampler of Those Darlins right now for free, here. But don't hesitate to donate, they are definitely worth it. And don't miss your chance to catch them live at West Fest this weekend.
http://youtu.be/0tzfzN0MyhU
[Video] Yo La Tengo: "Ohm"
Indie-rock experts Yo La Tengo delivered a new music video for "Ohm" off of their latest album Fade. The animated video starts off with a classroom figuring out the formula of Yo La Tengo and dives into a trippy, multi-colored world guided by a cigar-smoking baby, discovering the band in their "natural" habitats. Personally, I think the video is a perfect fit for the track and gets me even more excited for seeing them live next weekend at Pitchfork. Check them out, along with our other top picks for the festival.
http://youtu.be/Py2KOyrtq6o
Top Picks At Pitchfork 2013
Since 2006, Pitchfork Music Festival has been recognized as one Chicago's must-see summer music festivals, and there are several, so that's really saying something. But with more than 40 break-through artists performing in just three days, Pitchfork is proving to be the Midwest spotlight for emerging talent.
This year, with headliners such as R. Kelly, Bjork, and Belle and Sebastian, the festival is sure to wrack up huge numbers of attendees, but that goes without saying. Who I'm here to tell you about is who you probably don't know about already -- but totally should. My top picks for Pitchfork aren't household names just yet, but they are definitely cutting-edge acts that you don't want to miss.
Owen Owns At The Beat Kitchen
Owen crowded The Beat Kitchen last night with friends, fans, and family. For me, listening to Owen, the solo project of Mike Kinsella (of Joan of Arc and Owls), carries an essence of nostalgia, being that I've been a fan since I was 16. Playing favorites, such as "Playing Possum for A Peek," and "Good Friends Bad Habits," Kinsella got the crowd singing along and nodding heads in agreement, thoroughly enjoying the set. The conversation between Owen and the crowd was constant. From discussing the Blackhawks rally to asking for help with lyrics, the set felt like a group effort. It's inspiring to see such a strong bond between artist and audience.
Kinsella's latest album, "L'almi du peuple," which translates from French as "Friend of The People," is to be released this week, but is streaming and can be pre-ordered here. I was lucky enough to purchase the record last night on vinyl and have been spinning it all day. Kinsella's intimate lyrics and beautiful, highly textured guitar parts, weave in and out of each other creating a cradle of sound comfy enough to sleep in. You'll find the same warmth in this record as in Owen's live performance, but with a few complimentary additions such as strings and percussion. As of right now my favorite tracks are "Where Do I Begin," and "Love is Not Enough," two of many Owen tracks that confess the tragically hilarious truths of life as a musician, with all of its ups and downs: "Love is not enough, we need some money... may we find a place in heaven that doesn't flood when it rains."
FUN FUN FUN FEST 2013 Artist Leak II
This November marks the 8th year of Fun Fun Fun Fest, in Austin Texas. The fest is known for its crazy awesome line up of breakthrough musicians and comedians, along with food, sports, and obviously...fun!
Adding to the line up of artists that was released last week, FFF Fest just leaked another round of artists including Flag, Big K.R.I.T., Daniel Johnston, Deerhunter, Star Slinger, and comedian Kyle Kinane.
The third round of tickets for Fun Fun Fun Fest go on sale July 10th, along with the release of the remaining line up. Expect tons of indie-rock, punk, metal, electronic, and hip-hop acts, FFF8 has got you covered!
FUN FUN FUN FEST 2013
Since 2006, fans have been flocking to Fun Fun Fun Fest out in Austin, Texas and having the time of their lives. This independent festival is famous for booking some of the most dynamic, progressive musicians and comedians around. The festival also includes tons of food, action sports, and poster art experiences.
FFFF recently leaked some of the artists on this years line up which include Manimal, Judge, Ice T, and my personal favorite, The Walkmen. The official line up is dropping soon, and promises not to disappoint. Looking over the last 8 years of lineups, I can only imagine how awesome this year will be.
Some past artists include: Girl Talk, Spoon, Run DMC, The National, Big Freedia, Brendan Benson, Passion Pit, and many many more.
Passes for the fest are going faster than fast, the first two waves are already sold out but the next round of tickets go on sale in July. Go to their website to read past ffff fans' stories, see past lineups, and check out info for this year!
Nude Beach
"I don't care if you see me cry or bleed, I just need you baby."
Power trio, Nude Beach's fun, good old-fashioned, American punk-pop-rock sound will get your head bobbing and your shoulders shaking. Their classic choruses and earnest lyrics straight out of Brooklyn hit you with an irresistible catchiness that cannot be denied. There are plenty of power trio's floating around the scene but few of them bring the attitude Nude Beach does, screaming in your face and moving your feet almost involuntarily.
As Chuck Betz belts out note after note of Costello-y vocals, his genuinely restless voice, supported by bright, glaring guitar riffs, reels you in. Accompanied by bassist Jim Shelton and drummer Ryan Naideau, Betz punches out one delicious rock song after another on the group's latest album, "II," released last summer. You can listen to a couple of tracks on their bandcamp, but I would spend the ten bucks on the full album which you can find on Itunes.
The trio is due to put out a new 7-inch in July and have already leaked a preview of their up-coming single, "What Can Ya Do," which you can (and should) check out here.
And if you know what's good for you, you'll see them live at Empty Bottle next week, with Canadian Rifle and Split Feet.
Nude Beach @ Empty Bottle 6/25
http://youtu.be/MXjfSw54mc4