Those who braved the snow were taken on a thrill ride last Wednesday night at Double Door where Earth Program blew minds, Evil Beaver melted faces, and Polysics made us all dance like maniacs.

It’s true. We crossed more than musical borders at Double Door; we crossed cultural borders with 3-D glasses, gold pompoms and one screaming, feather encrusted bass. This unlikely line-up pulled from the four corners of the globe made for one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

Earth Program, one of our Top Ten Bands to Watch in 2010, was the first to take the stage. These eclectic, psychedelic, indie rockers opened with a new, tighter set, but kept all the old stage antics that fans know and love. They captivated their fans and made others stand up, take notice, and even dance a little bit. It was a brilliant show that made me want to dance and watch old sci-fi movies all at the same time.

On a special side note, Michael Signal – drummer – had his mother come to the show, and any mother who is willing to rock out at Double Door is a truly awesome mom. The Earth Program has really stepped it up with the details, but still maintains their own, truly unique sound. And with bands like Polysics inviting them to be the opening act, The Earth Program is about to blow the roof off the Chicago music scene. Contrary to their song lyrics, yes, Earth Program we really do like you.

I’m going to have to say that I didn’t expect all that I got with Evil Beaver. Not only was I blown away by the sheer power of the sound produced between Evie Evil and Jojo “Beav” Jones, but the fact that Evil does it entirely on a bass elevates her to genius levels. A little metal, a little 90′s fem-hard rock and a whole lot of attitude filled every corner of Double Door, making for a cantankerous and highly impressive set. Evil rocked severely hard, making her bass sound like a true metal god (or should I say goddess) guitar, thrashing away with hard-core solos and screaming choruses.

The only time she stopped was to check the set list she had written on her forearms. It definitely takes a very special man to keep up with Evil, and Jones made it look easy. With Evil screaming, “You suck! So what?” at the audience, Jones complimented her perfectly with a hard, crashing beat on his drum set. Evil Beaver floored the audience and left them wanting more. It was epic.

The pinnacle of the night was Polysics. There was a tension that enveloped the audience the moment the lights went down. It was the kind of thick anticipation where you know the show is going to be an experience and it was phenomenal. It all exploded when Polysics came bouncing on stage, donning orange jump suits and black, rectangle glasses with a giant banner hanging behind them claiming, “Polysics or DIE!!!!” The second the show started it was a level of the highest energy that can only be imagined, unless actually witnessed.

Editor Richard Giraldi was right. They are a massive sugar rush in musical form. Guitarist and lead singer, Hayashi, fronted this eclectic, happy, hardcore punk quartet and took us all on a non-stop, super-sonic speed ride. He included lots of audience interaction, giant balloons and even spoke to us in broken English about the snow. Synthesizer and vocoder mistress, Kayo, donned gold pompoms and a dead pan, robotic look. While bass player Fumi matched the energy of Hayashi with synchronized dance moves and endless head banging. Drummer Yano, although in the back of the stage, still made all the efforts of putting on an over the top show while keeping pace with Hayashi.

I’m sure most audience members had no idea what the lyrics were, but it really didn’t matter. We all just wanted to dance. Just at the moment when it looked like they would collapse, the main set ended. But after a few moments of rest, Polysics were back on stage again for an encore. Polysics truly is something that needs to be experienced and not just listened to.

This was the type of show where I would have gladly paid double the cover. Although this particular line up may not be seen for some time, any of these bands could hold their own and make for a spectacular show.

Earth Program -- “Eat Your Makeup”

Evil Beaver -- “Hands of Fate”

Polysics -- “Electric Surfin’ Go Go”

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Catch Earth Program Tuesday, February 16, at the Darkroom!
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