-
20
Jan
[caption id="attachment_5725" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="Photo Credit: Carrie Musgrave - livebabylive.com"]
[/caption]
It's that time again! 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 year, we thought we’d point out some local bands who we think you might want to keep your eye on in 2011. 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)
There’s no doubt that groovy psych-punks Rabble Rabble had a great 2010. The Chicago quartet released its latest album Bangover, documented the tour that followed on video, and played countless shows around town, including our own Beats & Blogs back in December. That could be enough for most bands, but Rabble Rabble has no plans to slow down in 2011. Look for the rockers to release a live EP this February via its own Commune Records and a 7” single on Gimme That Sound Records later this spring. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: $300 Hoodie
Even though Panda Riot released the beautifully crafted Far & Near EP last May, they show no signs of slow down. On nearly any given weekend in Chicago, you can catch the indie-pop quartet's killer live show, which has gained a reputation through endless gigging, or find them releasing demos of brand new songs to fans via their Facebook months ahead of an official release. In 2011, Panda Riot guitarist Brian Cook says to look for the band to release several EPs of new material and hit the road. If at least one of the new EP's is as good as Far & Near, then that itself will be quite an accomplishment. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Motown Glass
These electronic, indie chill-wavers came out of nowhere to take Chicago by storm with their swirling, effervescent sound. The boys signed to Carpark Records before the release of their first album Apparitions. Light Pollution has set a bar for the chill-wave scene and could easily take the stage with bands like Grizzly Bear, Arcade Fire and Animal Collective. Live, the band is breath taking in sound and they are a constant blur of movement and dance on stage. After packing 12 shows into their 2010 SXSW schedule, Light Pollution will be back again in the 2011 SXSW lineup. Until then, they have shows coming up with dream-pop sensation School Of Seven Bells and indie rockers Free Energy. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Good Feelings
Already with a decent amount of music under their belt, Soft Speaker seem plenty poised to make an even bigger splash in 2011. You see, the band have this new album, I'll Tend Your Garden. all set for an April release, and I'll let you in on a little secret: It's totally rad. I won't say too much as a review will be coming shorty, but if you want to catch a preview you can go to their early release party at Schubas on Saturday, January 22. Excited? I thought so. Also, check out their site for all kinds of free steaming and/or downloadable music. (Ross Meyerson)
Must hear: Tennyson Tea
Experimental pysch-rockers A Lull take calm to a whole new level with its relaxing rhythmic beats and chanting and swirling melodies. The Chicago quintet shock-and-awed us in 2010 with its single “Weapons for War” back in May and the accompanying video, which our Editor-in-Chief Richard Giraldi described as "something straight out of M. Night Shyamalan’s film 'The Village'." This year seems to be the biggest yet for A Lull, with the impending release of its album Confetti in April via Mush Records. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Weapons for War
When is noisy garage rock much more than that? When it's produced by Chicago's Radar Eyes, which is why even though their Plustapes debut was covered in a lo-fi grime, it still caught many people's attention with its dark melodies and nearly pop hooks. While we're merely a month into 2011, it's already shaping up to be a big year for Radar Eyes. In an interview late last month, Radar Eyes guitarist and vocalist Anthony Cozzi stated that the band will being recording a new HoZac Records LP this winter, which they'll tour in support of after its release, and will also release a 12" EP on Rococo Records in a few months. Talk about prolific, but with Radar Eyes, that's alway a good thing. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Shakes
With just a three song EP released under Sargent House Records, Gypsyblood has already turned Chicago on its ear. Known for lively kazoo solos, growling, lo-fi vocals, and fuzzy surf-rock guitar that can suddenly turn on you into a pounding mess of passion and feedback, Gypsyblood has staked their claim as the cutting-edge of Chicago indie rock. But they deserve more than just admiration for their music, they also play killer live shows, keeping the audience guessing what they will jump off of or flip over next. Unless Chicago’s finest gets their mits on Gypsyblood for disturbing the piece (again), the band continues to play around Chicago in preparation for their SXSW showcase in 2011. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Take Your Picture
It's hard to gauge if a band will bust out and harder to quantify what busting out even means. Slowly becoming a personal favorite, Great Society Mind Destroyers might not qualify as a buzz band, but 2011 seems likely to be the year they firmly cement themselves in Chicago's burgeoning psych scene. Last year saw a split 7" with Dark Fog, but this year should see their first proper full-length I believe to be available on cassette as well as the popular CD format. So, world domination might not be in the works quite yet but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be paying attention. (Ross Meyerson)
Must hear: Divinorum
There’s no one way to categorize Chaperone’s music. However, it’s my duty to try so I’m going with “jangly, foot-tapping low-fi pop rock.” (TM) The fabulous Chicago quintet is fronted by Shaun Michael Paul, who seeks redemption all over Chaperone’s 2010 Cripple King EP. So why put Chaperone on our 2011 list? In early January, Chaperone launched its own podcast called “Chaptraxx,” devoted to all its members favorite music. The band will also represent Chicago at this year’s installment of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Plus the band hates reduced-fat cheese and that’s something we can all get behind. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Thomas
Chicago's YAWN kicked 2010 off with a bang with a free EP that was the catalyst to a nearly buzzworthy year. After its release, the electro-psych-pop quartet were being picked up on Pitchfork.com, invited to play at SXSW's Levi's/Fader Fort, opened for national acts including Yeasayer and Girl Talk, and in their biggest accomplishment, were named Loud Loop Press' top Local Music Video of 2010. Now that they've conquered all that, they've spent the past few months hunkered down putting the finishing touches on a new album that will no doubt put them in position for an even bigger 2011. But we just want to hear some new tunes already. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Kind of Guy
It only took one decision between Dexter Tortoriello and Megan Messina to change their entire course in life. In a matter of months, the ambient, indie electro-rock duo moved to rural Hawaii, lived in sustainable housing, tended micro organisms for meals, and created music by candle light. After a tough move back to Chicago, Tortoriello and Messina became Houses, signed to Lefse Records and were an instant success. The two played an impressive first gig at 2010 CMJ Festival days before the release of their first album, All Night. Now, Houses continues to play spectacular shows with bands like The Helio Sequence and local favorites Yawn all while planning a massive international tour. The duo has also been invited to play 2011 SXSW Festival. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Soak It Up
[/caption]
It's that time again! 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 year, we thought we’d point out some local bands who we think you might want to keep your eye on in 2011. 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)
There’s no doubt that groovy psych-punks Rabble Rabble had a great 2010. The Chicago quartet released its latest album Bangover, documented the tour that followed on video, and played countless shows around town, including our own Beats & Blogs back in December. That could be enough for most bands, but Rabble Rabble has no plans to slow down in 2011. Look for the rockers to release a live EP this February via its own Commune Records and a 7” single on Gimme That Sound Records later this spring. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: $300 Hoodie
2. PANDA RIOT
Even though Panda Riot released the beautifully crafted Far & Near EP last May, they show no signs of slow down. On nearly any given weekend in Chicago, you can catch the indie-pop quartet's killer live show, which has gained a reputation through endless gigging, or find them releasing demos of brand new songs to fans via their Facebook months ahead of an official release. In 2011, Panda Riot guitarist Brian Cook says to look for the band to release several EPs of new material and hit the road. If at least one of the new EP's is as good as Far & Near, then that itself will be quite an accomplishment. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Motown Glass
These electronic, indie chill-wavers came out of nowhere to take Chicago by storm with their swirling, effervescent sound. The boys signed to Carpark Records before the release of their first album Apparitions. Light Pollution has set a bar for the chill-wave scene and could easily take the stage with bands like Grizzly Bear, Arcade Fire and Animal Collective. Live, the band is breath taking in sound and they are a constant blur of movement and dance on stage. After packing 12 shows into their 2010 SXSW schedule, Light Pollution will be back again in the 2011 SXSW lineup. Until then, they have shows coming up with dream-pop sensation School Of Seven Bells and indie rockers Free Energy. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Good Feelings
4. SOFT SPEAKER
Already with a decent amount of music under their belt, Soft Speaker seem plenty poised to make an even bigger splash in 2011. You see, the band have this new album, I'll Tend Your Garden. all set for an April release, and I'll let you in on a little secret: It's totally rad. I won't say too much as a review will be coming shorty, but if you want to catch a preview you can go to their early release party at Schubas on Saturday, January 22. Excited? I thought so. Also, check out their site for all kinds of free steaming and/or downloadable music. (Ross Meyerson)
Must hear: Tennyson Tea
5. A LULL
Experimental pysch-rockers A Lull take calm to a whole new level with its relaxing rhythmic beats and chanting and swirling melodies. The Chicago quintet shock-and-awed us in 2010 with its single “Weapons for War” back in May and the accompanying video, which our Editor-in-Chief Richard Giraldi described as "something straight out of M. Night Shyamalan’s film 'The Village'." This year seems to be the biggest yet for A Lull, with the impending release of its album Confetti in April via Mush Records. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Weapons for War
6. RADAR EYES
When is noisy garage rock much more than that? When it's produced by Chicago's Radar Eyes, which is why even though their Plustapes debut was covered in a lo-fi grime, it still caught many people's attention with its dark melodies and nearly pop hooks. While we're merely a month into 2011, it's already shaping up to be a big year for Radar Eyes. In an interview late last month, Radar Eyes guitarist and vocalist Anthony Cozzi stated that the band will being recording a new HoZac Records LP this winter, which they'll tour in support of after its release, and will also release a 12" EP on Rococo Records in a few months. Talk about prolific, but with Radar Eyes, that's alway a good thing. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Shakes
7. GYPSYBLOOD
With just a three song EP released under Sargent House Records, Gypsyblood has already turned Chicago on its ear. Known for lively kazoo solos, growling, lo-fi vocals, and fuzzy surf-rock guitar that can suddenly turn on you into a pounding mess of passion and feedback, Gypsyblood has staked their claim as the cutting-edge of Chicago indie rock. But they deserve more than just admiration for their music, they also play killer live shows, keeping the audience guessing what they will jump off of or flip over next. Unless Chicago’s finest gets their mits on Gypsyblood for disturbing the piece (again), the band continues to play around Chicago in preparation for their SXSW showcase in 2011. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Take Your Picture
8. THE GREAT SOCIETY MIND DESTROYERS
It's hard to gauge if a band will bust out and harder to quantify what busting out even means. Slowly becoming a personal favorite, Great Society Mind Destroyers might not qualify as a buzz band, but 2011 seems likely to be the year they firmly cement themselves in Chicago's burgeoning psych scene. Last year saw a split 7" with Dark Fog, but this year should see their first proper full-length I believe to be available on cassette as well as the popular CD format. So, world domination might not be in the works quite yet but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be paying attention. (Ross Meyerson)
Must hear: Divinorum
9. CHAPERONE
There’s no one way to categorize Chaperone’s music. However, it’s my duty to try so I’m going with “jangly, foot-tapping low-fi pop rock.” (TM) The fabulous Chicago quintet is fronted by Shaun Michael Paul, who seeks redemption all over Chaperone’s 2010 Cripple King EP. So why put Chaperone on our 2011 list? In early January, Chaperone launched its own podcast called “Chaptraxx,” devoted to all its members favorite music. The band will also represent Chicago at this year’s installment of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Plus the band hates reduced-fat cheese and that’s something we can all get behind. (Audrey Leon)
Must hear: Thomas
10. YAWN
Chicago's YAWN kicked 2010 off with a bang with a free EP that was the catalyst to a nearly buzzworthy year. After its release, the electro-psych-pop quartet were being picked up on Pitchfork.com, invited to play at SXSW's Levi's/Fader Fort, opened for national acts including Yeasayer and Girl Talk, and in their biggest accomplishment, were named Loud Loop Press' top Local Music Video of 2010. Now that they've conquered all that, they've spent the past few months hunkered down putting the finishing touches on a new album that will no doubt put them in position for an even bigger 2011. But we just want to hear some new tunes already. (Richard Giraldi)
Must hear: Kind of Guy
11. HOUSES
It only took one decision between Dexter Tortoriello and Megan Messina to change their entire course in life. In a matter of months, the ambient, indie electro-rock duo moved to rural Hawaii, lived in sustainable housing, tended micro organisms for meals, and created music by candle light. After a tough move back to Chicago, Tortoriello and Messina became Houses, signed to Lefse Records and were an instant success. The two played an impressive first gig at 2010 CMJ Festival days before the release of their first album, All Night. Now, Houses continues to play spectacular shows with bands like The Helio Sequence and local favorites Yawn all while planning a massive international tour. The duo has also been invited to play 2011 SXSW Festival. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Soak It Up 
5 Responses to “11 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2011”
artists vs athletes
amen
Once again a bunch of shitty indie bands that will not be around next year. Get out of your “boxes” and get out and actually find some good bands. Same stuff new day. Jeeeez! “Amplifying Chicago’s Music Scene” my rear end!
maybe you’re right, but do you have any suggestions for better bands or even a link to a list you think is better? I won’t hold my breath…although I probably should since this box is really small and I’m starting to run out of air.
How about MANWOMANCHILD? They just released a record: http://album.manwomanchild.org
Leave a Reply