Simply put: 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 decade, we thought we'd point out some local bands who we think are on the verge of breaking into the big time. 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. MY GOLD MASK For a duo, My Gold Mask have probably one of the most layered, hauntingly orchestrated sounds you will ever hear. Seriously, White Stripes - eat your hearts out. Comprised of the multi-talented Jack Armondo and the seductive soulstress Gretta Rochelle, whose voice ranges from high pitched Karen O squeals to a low burning croon, My Gold Mask is set for prime time as they ready the release of their brand new EP A Thousand Voices. You can check out their record release party this Saturday at The Hideout. Must hear: Violet Eyes
2. MAKO SICA Mako Sica's debut on Permanent Record's house label was a rare treat of patience that never got boring and experimentation that never got too out there as to lose cohesion. Twenty-ten sees the band releasing a proper studio album, Dark Horizon, on La Societe Expeditionnaire. Their style might not gain them huge notoriety. But in a city willing to embrace all manners of musical expression, they're sure to be on many folk's radar. If you're a fan of genre bending experimentation and psych jam freak-outs keep your eyes peeled for Mako Sica in 2010. Must hear: Dark Horizon in its entirety
3. THE GORILLA PRESS Chicago’s experimental post-rockers, The Gorilla Press, continue to make great impressions all around the city. Since the release of their first self-titled album, The Gorilla Press has been continuously playing bigger shows, writing for a second album and working on music videos with director Ichiro Hino. Only months after releasing the video for “Abuse Your Sight”, Hino was off and running again with “Anger In The Drains” expected to be out in February. The band has decided to hunker down for the winter and work on recording their second album expected out this coming year. The Gorilla Press has grown in leaps and bounds and is absolutely a Chicago band to keep and eye on this coming year. The Gorilla Press is out now on their website. Must hear: Abuse Your Sight
4. BAILIFF Bailiff offer one of the heaviest and hard hitting blues rock sounds this side of Nashville, and their riffs, powered by guitarist Josh Siegel, often have more in common with Queens Of The Stone Age or Kyuss than Muddy Waters. Their sound is even more fleshed out now as they've finally added a bassist in Adam Schneider after a long and exhausting search, which is the excellent news for drummer Ren Mathew whose ever-so-tight back beat finally has a low end to make Bailiff's grooves even more menacing. Bailiff are making their 2010 live debut this Saturday at Lincoln Hall, so be there. Must hear: Even I Know The Rain
5. FAIR AND KIND Adorable and sparkly, Fair and Kind made quite an impression on fans with their first album A Little Past Twilight. After a summer tour filled with gorgeous mix of dream pop/shoe gaze and Arthi Meera’s perfectly beautiful voice, both Arthi and Anand Subramanian settled down for the winter and started writing again. We here at Loud Loop are poised and ready for their second album possibly titled Light Music Program. The collaboration of this brother, sister duo has made headlines more than once with us by writing songs for movie soundtracks, and becoming a part of Pandora. We expect more great things from them again this year. A Little Past Twilight is out now on Fairandkind.com. Must hear: A Fabulous Disaster
6. THE STREETS ON FIRE Never has a dance rock band sounded so sinister until The Streets On Fire came along with their highly impressive debut Hot Weekend. A bouncy rhythm section gives way to angular and frantic guitar riffs as lead singer Chadwick spouts his gnarled, rambling messages over it all. It's fun yet dark and, at times, nearly psychotic. Check out The Streets On Fire on January 27 at the Double Door. Must hear: We Play With Tigers
7. PUERTO MUERTO Twenty-ten might be the year of boy-girl duos. Another of Chicago's best is husband and wife indie-folk duo Puerto Muerto, which will release their new LP, Drumming For Pistol in February. The title track has already been released, and it's pretty epic with Christa Meyer's vocals leading the way along as Tim Kelley's big climactic guitar strums. Plus, they'll be touring North America this year with a full band, so that'll will be pretty awesome, no doubt. Must hear: Drumming For Pistols
8. EARTH PROGRAM Where to begin with Earth Program? One of the most unique, quirky, and unbelievably solid bands in Chicago’s scene, Earth Program is something that everyone can love. Although they describe their music as post-punk/indie pop, I would have to say they are a little more complex than that. They start with loads of reverb on the microphones with vocals that sound Perry Farrel-esque (only with more insanity) and then add in a little psychedelic surf rock for kicks. They continue by screaming, “You know you really don’t like me” at the audience. Earth Program displays many faces and is constantly taking listeners on a ride. Stage antics are a must for Earth Program. If it’s not costumes, then it’s wild dancing and stomping. It’s captivating and relentless and wonderful. Catch Earth Program on January 29 at Ronny's. Must hear: Eat Your Makeup
9. THE SWEEPS A little dreamy surf rock, a little power pop, the occasional waltz and lots of screaming good fun make up the sound of The Sweeps. Just coming off of their recent, massive Midwest tour, the trio is making their way in the Chicago scene. The future holds both tv appearances, and endless shows for The Sweeps. On stage, The Sweeps could never disappoint. Their songs are catchy, their stage presence is amazing and the energy from their fans is intoxicating. Check out The Sweeps on January 16 at the Double Door. Must hear: Waltz
10. WE LOVE YOU Four guys that all used to live in Ohio and one by one made their way to Chicago, We Love You play the kind of slightly off-kilter indie rock some of us grew up on. Think Archers of Loaf and you'll know what I'm talking about. In a short period, Derek (guitars/vocals), Matt (drums), Nick (bass), and Zach (guitar) have written some pretty catchy tunes and hit the local scene running. At this pace you may have no choice but to hop on the bandwagon in 2010. Feel the love when We Love You hit the Subterranean on January 20. Must hear: We Should've Known