Filtering by Category: Gigs

Julia Jacklin Hooks Lincoln Hall Crowd With Haunting Vocals and Warm Tones

May 14, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

Julia Jacklin had the Lincoln Hall crowd wrapped around her finger by the end of her 8-song set this past Saturday night. Kicking off at 8:30PM, Jacklin immediately snagged the audience’s attention during the initial song, “Hay Plain.” The song starts off slow and creeping, adding vulnerability to Jacklin’s haunting vocals, but eventually builds up towards the later half of the song. The crowd began to sway along as the set moved right along into “Leadlight,” one of the singles from Jacklin’s 2016 debut album Don’t Let The Kids Win. “Thank you for coming early. That’s really kind of you,” Jacklin humbly told the crowd before diving into the next song, “Motherland,” another one that begins more stripped back, eventually adding additional layers.

As the set reaches the halfway mark, Jacklin’s band leaves the stage for her to perform “LA Dream” solo, her candid lyrics, rich voice, and her guitar playing mesmerizing the audience. Jacklin introduced her band at this time, mentioning she’s played in Chicago once before, but there were “400 times more people” there than the last time. The mood remained mellow and slow for the next song, “Eastwick,” but the pace immediately picked up with the entirety of the band in full swing for Jacklin’s latest single, “Coming Of Age.”

Jacklin thanked Andy Shauf before playing her debut single, “Pool Party,” one of her singles that she’s also directed the music video for (the other being “Leadlight”). The beautiful performance closed out with the title track from Jacklin’s album. Live, Julia Jacklin executes her warm and full tone flawlessly. If you missed the stunning show last night, keep an eye on her upcoming tour dates here. You can also listen to Don't Let The Kids Win in full below.

Thumbnail photo by Nick McKinley

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categories / Gigs, Reviews
tags / Julia Jacklin, Live Show, Review, Australian Bands, Lincoln Hall, Andy Shauf

PHOTOS: Doug Tuttle, Glyders, and Bunny at Hideout Inn 5.12.17

May 14, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

The Hideout hosted an incredible lineup this past Friday night, featuring Chicago's own Bunny and Glyders warming up the crowd for Doug Tuttle's headline slot.

Listen to Doug Tuttle's new album Peace Potato below, and check out his upcoming tour dates here.

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categories / Gigs, Photos
tags / Doug Tuttle, Bunny, Glyders, Chicago Bands, The Hideout, New Music, Live, Photos, Concert Photography, Rock, Indie

PHOTOS: Ron Gallo at Terminal West 5.11.17

May 12, 2017 / Liz Mouw

Photo Gallery of Ron Gallo at his Shaky Knees Late Night Show, 5.11.17

Check out Ron's debut album Heavy Meta below. Chicago, you can catch him at Lollapalooza later this summer, but check out all of his tour dates here.

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categories / Photos, Gigs
tags / Ron Gallo, Liz Mouw, Photo Set, Concert Photography, Photos, Live Music, Twin Peaks, Fidlar, Shaky Knees

Five Acts Worth An Early Arrival at Hangout Fest

May 12, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

At most music festivals, the headliners are typically the acts that draw you in, getting you to invest your time and money into watching two or more days of live music in some of the most random locations around the world. However, festivals are also all about discovering new music, and yes, that means getting there early. Take a peek at our short list of bands playing earlier in the day at Hangout Fest that you absolutely cannot miss...then come find us at the festival and dance with us during these sets.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise

As the old saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. You also shouldn't judge a band by its name...at least in this case. Hailing from Boone, North Carolina, Rainbow Kitten Surprise blend unique vocal tones with infectious, melodic riffs for a sound completely different than what you'd expect based on their band name. And man, do they know how to put on a live show. Catch them playing Fitz's Stage at Hangout Fest on Saturday at 2:30PM.

For Fans Of: Lewis Del Mar, Alt-J, Modest Mouse, Sir-Sly

Start With: "Cocaine Jesus" and "Devil Like Me"

A R I Z O N A

Having only been around for about a year, this trio of producers from Jersey are blowing everyone's expectations out of the water. With catchy choruses and their clean production style, the band has earned their huge streaming audience (they have over 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify). A R I Z O N A's debut album actually comes out the first day of Hangout Fest, so they're sure to pack even more energy into their set than usual. Get to know more about this new band by checking out our interview, then go see them at Hangout on Saturday at 1:30PM on the BMI Stage.

For Fans Of: Kevin Garrett, FRENSHIP, LANY, Jack Garratt

Start With: "I Was Wrong" and "Oceans Away"

Strand of Oaks

The multi-talented, singer-songwriter and producer Timothy Showalter, (AKA Strand of Oaks) leaves his stamp on his diverse and dynamic songs with his distinct voice. With some songs that lean more towards the folk realm, and others like "Everything," with its amped up guitar layers, Showalter's set will be sure to have a little something for everyone. Make sure you get down to the Mermaid Stage at 2:45PM on Sunday to catch him! Get ready for the show by listening to the newest album, Hard Love.

For Fans Of: The Lumineers, Big Thief, Band of Horses, Bright Eyes

Start With: "Radio Kids" and "Shut In"

Foreign Air

The somewhat mysterious duo Foreign Air craft hypnotizing tunes with infectious melodies that will be sure to have you moving. With a debut EP, called For The Light, and a new single under their belt, there's no telling what will be in store for Foreign Air once they release their debut album. Head down to the BMI Stage on Friday at 4PM to dance on the beach to the sweet sounds of Foreign Air.

For Fans Of: Glass Animals, Foals, Local Natives, Sylvan Esso

Start With: "In The Shadows" and "Call Off The Dogs"

White Reaper

Louisville, Kentucky based rockers are taking 2017 by a storm with their new album The World's Best American Band. Live, the band exert incredible energy, putting everything they've got into delivering an unforgettable rowdy and electrifying performance. If you want to blow off some steam with some good ol' fashioned Rock'N'Roll, go see them at The Mermaid Stage at 2:30PM on Friday.

For Fans Of: Twin Peaks, Ty Segall, The Orwells, Fidlar

Start With: "Judy French" and "The Stack"

Check out the full Hangout Fest line up here, and make sure you follow us on all our social media to get real-time updates next weekend!

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categories / Gigs, Festival
tags / Hangout Fest, White Reaper, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Foreign Air, A R I Z O N A, Strand of Oaks

Catfish And The Bottlemen's Triumphant Return to The Rave on 5.9.17

May 11, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Tuesday evening, Catfish And The Bottlemen rocked the stage at The Rave, returning for their third visit to the Milwaukee concert hall. The set kicked off with "Homesick" from their debut album The Balcony, the crowd instantly echoing the lyrics back to the four piece group, and the energy only accelerated from there. The band released their sophomore album The Ride just about a year ago, but the majority of their 14 song set was composed of songs from their debut album.

Lead singer Van McCann kept the classic songs fresh by alternating the lyrics in "Business" from how they read in the studio version, and the band all worked together to amplify the live version of every song, feeding off one another's and the crowd's energy. During the mid-set performance of their single "Twice" from The Ride, McCann and lead guitarist Johnny Bond (aka Bondy) played their guitars back-to back. The pace only slowed down towards the later half of the set, when Bondy, bassist Benji Blakeway, and drummer Bob Hall left the stage to leave McCann to perform their acoustic track "Hourglass" solo. The audience added a choir-like effect, singing the words back to McCann as he performed the stripped back song.

The energy skyrocketed for the last few songs of the evening, which included the single "7" and the iconic track "Cocoon." Just after McCann expressed his gratitude for the audience and their support act, The Worn Flints, the crowd began a chant for "Rango," a track from The Balcony. Unfortunately for the diehard "Rango" fans, the band did not oblige and moved straight into the final song of the set, "Tyrants." Drawn out and dynamic, the live version of "Tyrants" goes above and beyond the studio version, making Catfish And The Bottlemen one of the best live bands around. If you get the chance to see them perform, do not miss out!

All photos by Rachel Zyzda

The Set List

1. Homesick

2. Kathleen

3. Soundcheck

4. Pacifier

5. Anything

6. Business

7. Oxygen

8. Twice

9. Fallout

10. Outside

11. Hourglass

12. 7

13. Cocoon

14. Tyrants

Check out the official video for "Twice" below, and stay in the know on all updates from the band here.

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categories / Photos, Reviews, Gigs
tags / Catfish and the Bottlemen, Milwaukee, The Rave, Photos, Concert Photography, Photo Set, Live music, Live Review

Trophy Dad Kicks Off Tour With an Incredible Hometown Gig

May 11, 2017 / Morgan Winston

Trophy Dad brought warm, indie jams to the High Noon Saloon last night in Madison, WI. Known to many in the Madison area, Trophy Dad drew a large and rambunctious crowd of friends and fans, despite finals week.

The audience was warmed up after three openers. “Theme From Trophy Dad” opened the set, flawlessly transitioned into fan-favorite “Louis Sachar”. Abby Sherman and Jordan Zamansky share the main vocals, with each of their voices bringing something different to the table. When they sing together it is a wondrous combination of deep consistency from Jordan and lilting, higher notes from Abby.

After debuting an unnamed new song, the concert’s energy peaked during “Trichotillomania”, my personal favorite from this band. It emphasizes catchy guitar lines and amazing lyrical work from Abby. Abby was the star of the show, both interjecting playful remarks about Jordan’s new nickname, “Buzz-lord Jarvis”, and professing her love of Guns N’ Roses.

Trophy Dad closed their planned setlist with “Addison”, a single off of their Dogman EP. The band was coaxed into playing an encore, despite some hesitation. The concert concluded with an electrifying rendition of “You Never Responded and I Made Up Wild Stories in My Head That Turned Out to Be True”, a song off of their album Shirtless Algebra Fridays. Guitarist Henry Stoehr provided an amazing amount of drive for the song, ending the concert on an exceptional note.

This show acted as Trophy Dad’s tour kickoff. They will be in Chicago tonight at Beat Kitchen; go check out their exceptional live show. Grab tickets here.

All photos by Morgan Winston

Listen to Trophy Dad's new EP Dogman below, and keep up with all their latest news here.

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categories / Reviews, Gigs, Photos
tags / Trophy Dad, Madison Bands, Tour, High Noon Saloon, Morgan Winston, Photos, Portraits, Concert Photography

PHOTOS: Sundara Karma at Elbo Room 5.8.17

May 11, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

Sundara Karma put on an incredible show at WKQX's Queued Up Artist Showcase earlier this week. Check out our photo gallery from The Elbo Room on 5.8.17

The Set List

1. A Young Understanding

2. Olympia

3. Freshbloom

4. Flame

5. Great Heights

6. She Said

7. Deep Relief

8. The Night

9. Happy Family

10. Loveblood

Listen to Sundara Karma's debut album Youth Is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect here:

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categories / Gigs, Photos
tags / Sundara Karma, Photo Set, Photos, Concert Photography, WKQX

PHOTOS: Kirin J Callinan at The Empty Bottle 5.3.17

May 10, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

Photo Gallery of Kirin J Callinan at The Empty Bottle 5.3.17

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categories / Photos, Gigs
tags / Kirin J Callinan, POND, The Empty Bottle, Concert Photography, Photo Set, Photos

PHOTOS: Yoke Lore at Schubas 5.4.17

May 10, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

Yoke Lore mesmerized the sold out crowd at Schubas this past week. Check out our photo gallery of their powerful performance.

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categories / Photos, Gigs
tags / Yoke Lore, New Music, Overcoats, Chicago, Schubas, Live Music, Concert Photography, Photo Set

Thalia Hall Crowd Marveled by Lewis Del Mar, 5.6.17

May 09, 2017 / Rachel Zyzda

Around 9:15 this past Saturday, Danny Miller and Max Harwood of Lewis Del Mar took the stage at Thalia Hall with their band to an endless echo of welcoming cheers and applause. Kicking off their 14-song set, the band began to play “Such Small Scenes” in front of a video backdrop, which changed throughout the night during each song. “I feel fucking fearless right now,” Miller says as they finish the first song to even louder cheers than when they made their entrance. Miller also mentions that this show is the most people they’ve ever played to at a headline show the band dives into the next pair of songs, “14 Faces” and “Wave(s).”

Before the next song of the evening, Miller mentions that he wrote it after visiting the town where his parents met, Puerto Cabezas. As the band members transition from “Puerto Cabezas, NI” into “Memories” from their debut EP, they deliver an elaborative jam session. During the jam session, Miller, Harwood, and their band mates all have the biggest smiles on their faces and it’s clear they love what they do. Miller gives more of an insight into the formation of Lewis Del Mar before they perform the song “Islands,” which he says is the first song he and Harwood ever wrote together. During the performance of “Islands,” Max had moved off drums, slowing down the pace of the evening. The mood remained mellow for the following tune, “Live That Long,” but the energy immediately amplified during the single “Painting(Masterpiece).”

As the set came near an end, the energy and the crowd response only escalated, especially during “Malt Liquor” and “Tap Water Drinking,” which both had the crowd dancing and clapping along. Before playing the latter, Miller took a moment to introduce the band and articulate how appreciative he and Harwood are to be a part of such a diverse community each night on tour. The band delivered an explosive finale of “Tap Water Drinking” before leaving the stage for a moment, with cheers and applause reaching a peak point of the evening. Following a deafening few minutes, Lewis Del Mar returned to the stage with their excellent support act, Anna The Wise, to perform a perfectly executed cover of “Runaway” by Kanye West. After the collaborative cover performance, Miller took a second to humbly address the crowd again, saying that they’ve had a hell of a first year as a band. He mentioned that after this tour they’ll be working on new music, but emphasized how grateful he is to do this with his best friend every night. The incredible evening wrapped up around 10:30 with Lewis Del Mar’s viral single “Loud(y),” which had the whole crowd loudly singing along.