Golden Birthday

1. Golden Birthday manage to combine tension-riddled art-pop and dreamy retrolectro into wild but quite melodic pieces. Their latest, Illusions, plays like a John Hughes soundtrack bathed in acidic tape hiss. LISTEN: “Beyond It”

2. Pilsen’s Valis utilize gritty samples for a sound that’s part trance-y electro and part Robocop. Dark, edgy and bleakly futuristic work in synch for a dense and intriguing sound. LISTEN: “Black Carbon”

3. Are you Jimmy Ray? No, it’s actually K Records’ Jeremy Jay that will bring his moody and smooth tunes to the Burlington tonight. Taking more from new wave and folk than the ever popular chillwave, Jay spices his tunes with cues from ’80s synth-pop while letting his subtle croon set the vibe. LISTEN: “Wild Orchids” – That is what I had written for headliner Jeremy Jay, but unfortunately, he had to cancel his performance tonight. But DJ Lightfoot will be there and maybe someone else. So, head on over and rock with some locals, yo.

9:00 p.m. Tuesday, 2/7. The Burlington. 21+. $7 donation.

1. We try to stay ahead of the curve most of the time, which is why Radar Eyes appeared on our 11 Chicago Bands To Watch in 2011 list. That’s not to say they didn’t have a grand 2011 as they released a 7″, played HoZac’s Blackout Fest, opened for Wild Flag and more. But 2012 is shaping up for be the breakout year for the melodic static-poppers seeing how tonight finds them finally releasing their debut full-length on Chicago’s HoZac Records. And based on the few jams we’ve heard scattered around the indie blogopshere, the record’s release is definitely an occasion worth celebrating. LISTEN: “I Am”

2. Speaking of HoZac, record releases and our band lists, wouldn’t you know it, Bare Mutants, one of our 12 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2012, is also dropping their 7″ tonight. The band, practically a Chicago indie-scene “supergroup” featuring members of The Ponys, The 1900s, Mannequin Men and Derek & the Musicians, brings forth ramshackle rock and roll that features some psychedelic, drone and pop elements. LISTEN: “Inside My head”

3. Opening are the third HoZac band of the night, Outer Minds, who will no doubt thrill with their spooky take on melodic, psychedelic garage pop. And to not be outdone by all this new music being released this evening, Outer Minds also have a new LP set for a March 5 release – another we’re highly excited about! LISTEN: “Conversation”

9:30 p.m. Monday, 2/5. The Empty Bottle. 21+. FREE!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbHTaPk8Qmk

The Chicago indie rockers released a trailer on their Facebook page this morning announcing their new LP, Beware and Be Grateful, which is set for a US release on Tuesday, April 17.

The trailer is quite an intriguing one that features a coffee-drinking, suited man dramatically describing a car accident from afar that may or may not have happened. Near the end he opens a door to a club that also allows our first listen of Maps & Atlases’ new material.

Judging strictly on the few seconds of music available, it’s apparent that Beware and Be Grateful is probably more akin to the melodic, groove-laden approach on their 2010 release Perch Patchwork than the twitchy guitar-tapping from their 2007 debut, Trees, Swallows, Houses.

Watch the Beware and Be Grateful trailer after the jump as well their newly announce UK Tour Dates.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=llGfT2KC-xM

Maps & Atlases UK/European April Tour

16 Mon UK BRISTOLCooler
17 Tue UK LONDON Garage
18 Wed UK MANCHESTER Night and Day
19 Thu UK GLASGOW Nice ‘N Sleazy
20 Fri UK LEEDS Brudenell
22 Sun Belgium BRUSSELS Botanique
23 Mon Netherlands AMSTERDAM Paradiso
24 Tue Germany COLOGNE Gebaeude 9
25 Wed Germany HAMBURG Haus III&70
26 Thu Germany BERLINBi Nuu
27 Fri Germany FRANKFURT Das Bett
28 Sat France PARIS Fleche D’or

Hay Perro

1. Hay Perro play the kind of old school metal slash hard rock that offers absolutely no hidden agendas. Their chugging, Motorhead-esque riffage, aggressive vocals and wailing Thin Lizzy leads would go just right with downing cheap beers and shots of Jameson. LISTEN: “No Visons”

2. Yes, locals Knife Of Simpson did take their from OJ’s murder weapon. Utilizing a more early ’00s FM-metal tone with flourishes of AC/DC blues rock, their sound is very in your face. Plus, with song titles like “Rave un2 the Ghetto Fantastik” and “Coke Stroke in Vegas,” these dudes obviously know how to party. LISTEN: “Rave un2 the Ghetto Fantastik”

3. Today’s My Super Spaceout Day have technically been around since 1995, but after numerous lineup changes, the original band ended in 2001. That is until last year when the dynamic alt-rockers got together at a friend’s memorial and decided to reform with the classic line-up of Rick Nitz, Eric Anderson and Tony Jeswald. The music follows the lead of loud-quiet-loud rockers from the mid-’90s and features a major dose of Sunny Day Real Estate-like guitary emo. LISTEN: “Sipp Flippy”

9:30 p.m. Tuesday, 1/31. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $8 or free with and e-mail to rsvp@theemptybottle.com

While the EP isn’t set to drop until April 10, late last week the band unleashed the Ataraxia/Taraxis track “Lathe Biosas” in all it’s monster-riff glory. The tune is a nearly five-minute rocker that’s pure guitar porn for those who are headbang-starved.

And there are plenty of Pelican’s patented dynamic shifts here as the song ducks along into some tense but melodic axe work in between the epic walls of crunch. This track bares no signs of additional use of the studio as a compositional tool, which Pelican promised in a press release. So for now “Lathe Biosas,” simply acts as a reminder of just how ferocious Pelican are. Listen to “Lathe Biosas” at the top left.

The band are currently slated for a European tour this April, but there’s a good bet a Chicago date will pop-up sooner than later. We’ll keep you posted.

1. Tijuana Hercules is the new project from John Forbes, whose Chicago band connections date back to ’80s and early ’90s. Not only is Forbes putting his own stamp on Hercules via the goofy cartoon squiggles scattered on the band’s website and facebook, but his throaty, croaky vocals lead the way. And the music combines rumbling blues rock, kitschy lounge and quasi-gypsy flourishes for a sounds that’s both festive and quirky. LISTEN: “Quicksand Passin’ Through”

2. Local folksters The Canoes quite impressed me with their 2011 LP, Roger, because it it’s playful ability to balance between warm folk-pop and garage rock antics. And though Roger carried the “bedroom recording” sound (which is understandable as it was recorded there), the band’s clever Midwestern and adolescent-base lyrics keep it youthful and fresh toned. LISTEN: “American English”

3. Wouldn’t you know it. Only two bands tonight, so we’re in bonus video time. Luckily I found a good one of The Canoes covering Gin Blossoms’ “Allison Road” at the Bottom Lounge last September. Oh yeah:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io8_lrPSJ4M

9:00 p.m. Monday, 1/30. Panchos. 21+. FREE!

Photo Credit: Carrie Musgrave - livebabylive.com

There are thousands of great local bands playing every week in our fair city. Some you might know and some you might not. Seeing as it’s the beginning of a brand new year, we thought we’d point out some local bands who we think you might want to keep your eye on in 2012. And isn’t it always cool to say you were a fan of popular act back in the day when they were playing for eight people in a crappy dive bar? Yes, it is always cool. (Ed. Note: Although numbered, this list is in no particular order)

1. BARE MUTANTS

The latest of the Chicago scene cross-pollination projects is Bare Mutants, which features members of The Ponys, The 1900s, Mannequin Men and Derek & the Musicians. The good news is that their songs seamlessly integrate touches of their members’ collective backgrounds to create mature but compelling and engaging rock and roll. It’s music that easily ties together a variety of sonic approaches including hazy drone to quasi-psych flourishes and ringing guitar-pop. The release party for their debut HoZac 7″ goes down at the Empty Bottle on Monday, February 6. (Richard Giraldi | Photo Credit: John Sturdy)
Must hear: Inside My Head

2. MAGIC MILK

Most love-at-first-sight stories don’t begin with the guy strutting around in his underwear after knocking back some cheap champagne straight from the bottle, but luckily, we’re talking about Magic Milk and not Fabio. Magic Milk take its fun garage rock revival sound and rough it up a bit with some crackling distortion. The gang just released a three-song EP called Deep Stuff vol. 1 and have plans to release a full-length later this year. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Light’s Out Party!

3. THE RUNNIES

There’s not much to dislike about The Runnies. The band released its latest album You Can’t Win for free via Candy Dinner back in December. Frontwoman Mary McKane commands attention with her endearingly scratchy vocals that echo back to another force of nature Chrissie Hynde. When McKane’s not pulling double duty with 60s throwback psych rockers Outer Minds, she is leading this jangly rock trio with energetic organ embellishments. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Easy

4. DASTARDLY

Dastardly is the definition of an all-purpose band. Whether you’re into strong storytelling, gorgeous harmonies, background music for a hoedown, or bands that don’t take themselves seriously while simultaneously taking their craft very seriously, Dastardly is the band for you. The Americana group just released its second EP Bury me in the Country and are planning a follow-up to last year’s riotous comedy and musical spectacular at the Hideout. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Exercises in Self-Loathing

5. BIGCOLOUR

BIGCOLOUR separate themselves from the garage-pop pack with crooked howls that someone manage to end up more akin to motown soul than indie rock yips. Their extensive use of reverb on both instruments and vocals create a sea of echo that’s quite provocative. After a brief break, the band is regrouped and will be playing a number of shows next month and are prepping something a bit longer and more substantial than the two warbling and melodic singles released last year. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Lampshade Talker

6. SUMMER GIRLFRIENDS

2012 is Summer Girlfriends’ year. The cheery garage poppers have a new band mate, a new music video for their track “Shockwaves” (on the way) and a highly-anticipated full-length debut coming out later this year on Addenda records. That’s enough good news to keep Summer Girlfriend’s music upbeat and dreamy for years to come. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Shockwaves

7. ANATOMY OF HABIT

Anatomy Of Habit would rather frighten the listener than pummel them. A metal band in the loosest since of the word because they incorporate very non-metal elements like ambience and psychedelia, Anatomy Of Habit conjure up some very dark and eerie foundations for their long and winding pieces. Once sucked in, they unleash grinding riffage and heavy grooves. The band will soon be hitting the studio with acclaimed engineer and Tortoise member John McEntire – a collaboration which already has us salivating. (Richard Giraldi | Photo Credit: Mariah Karson)
Must hear: Torch

8. THE CELL PHONES

Some bands just plant a smile on your face so big, it needs to be slapped off. The Cell Phones are that band. The Cell Phones just kill with their abrasive bass-heavy punk (think Yeah Yeah Yeahs meets Death From Above 1979) and ultra-fierce ‘tude. The trio has plans to release a follow up to its recent Hospital Spaceship EP and I literally cannot wait. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Spoiler

9. SWIMSUIT ADDITION

The dream of the ’90s is alive in Swimsuit Addition. It’s hard not to compare them to alt-nation heroes The Breeders or the Pixies with their bouncy and crunchy riffage. But the band avoid the angst by integrating melodic surf-pop leads and punky snarls from lead singer Jen Larson. They’re poised for a big 2012 as their debut EP Kitty Hawk drops in late February. (Richard Giraldi | Photo Credit: Daniel Schuessler)
Must hear: GhostEd

10. HEAVY TIMES

It was only two months ago that Chicago’s Heavy Times unleashed its very solid Hozac Records debut LP Jacker on the masses. The album is an unrepentant tidal wave of gritty, lo-fi punk ditties with just a hint of infectious pop structure. If you have the chance to catch the group around town in 2012, take it. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Skull Hair

11. CROSS RECORD

The only non-band on the list, Cross Record is the project of local singer-songwriter Emily Cross. Fans of Cat Power and Feist will feel right at home with her warm, reverbed vocals. Yet what’s truly captivating about Cross Record is her use of tense but lush song arrangements that incorporate strings, clarinets and the occasional ambient soundscape. She released two exceptional EPs last year, but is currently requesting a little help to make a full-length record. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Black Cat

12. T’BONE

Somewhere lodged between the couch cushions that are math rock and punk rock lies a smirking T’Bone. Their five years in the making debut, Mt. Trashmore, would delight fans of Polvo and Don Caballero as much as it would dedicated viewers of Harvey Birdman. Rattling riffs, boogie down bass and bombastic rhythms make them not only an incredibly fun listen but a live force as well. The band are prepping a studio return (hopefully it won’t take half a decade like last time) and will be rocking Treasure Town with White Mystery next month. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Doored By A Cop

Loyal Divide's Stolen Van (2000 Ford E350 Super Duty)

It’s unfortunate to report but the most recent theft cases involve psych-poppers Loyal Divide and indie rockers Scotland Yard Gospel Choir.

According to the Bloodshot Records website, the members of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir were throwing a going away party for band member Elia, who is bolting for NYC, at The Whistler in Logan Square this past weekend. While the event, which was a charitable one with proceeds going to Dave Egger’s literacy project 826, was going on, SYGC violinist Ethan had a number of musical instruments stolen form the trunk of a car.

Even more recently, Loyal Divide took to their twitter on Monday to announce that their van (a 2000 Ford E350 Super Duty – photo of which is at the top left), was stolen, and asked if anyone is willing to rent them a van for their February shows. If you or someone you know has any information on the van, please contact the band.

And below is a complete list of all the gear stolen from Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, if you have any information regarding these stolen instruments, please e-mail their managers: pragmaticrt@gmail.com, deutch@gmail.com or press contact: marah@bloodshotrecords.com.

The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Stolen Gear List

Fender Telecaster, black with white pickguard, made in Mexico. Has a chip in the finish near the bottom strap mount.