Describing Chicago quartet Rabble Rabble’s music as “punk” is wrong. I say this not because I hold some idealized standard of what punk rock should be, but because it’s too simple to be accurately descriptive. Rabble Rabble’s music fully embodies the punk rock spirit on its latest album Bangover through frenzied, disjointed compositions while managing to incorporate blues and psychedelic rock influences.

Named for the inevitable discomfort that follows a night of extreme headbanging, Bangover captures what it feels like to attend a Rabble Rabble show. To do this, the band decided to capture a few of the tracks live in its practice space. Album opener “Doubt it,” is one of those tracks.

“Doubt It” takes the listener to that space by including the obligatory pre-show chatter that one would encounter at any show. The chatter fades as bassist Matt Ciarleglio kicks off the song with a groovy, swirling bass line. Vocalist and guitarist Ralph Darski lets out a distant, ghostly wail throughout the song. It becomes his signature as the rest of the album roars on.

Second track “$300 Hoodie” keeps the momentum going, emitting a wild psychedelic rock guitar jam – featuring guitarist and co-vocalist Todd McCafrey – that should have you swaying in your chair if not out of your seat and dancing. Songs like “Baptism,” “Cheatin’ Blues” and album closer “Take Me Home” showcase Rabble Rabble’s country-tinged blues chops with chugging guitar riffs and speedy drums beats (courtesy of Kaylee Preston).

“Romba” is the definitive Bangover song, encapsulating the entire Rabble Rabble experience into a three-minute long song. It is a multi-layered, fast-paced punk-style jam with vocalists Darski and McCafrey trilling and ghostly hollering over the entire experience.

There are no dull moments on Bangover. Rabble Rabble recreates its live experience and leaves the listener yearning to be in that room with them. If for nothing else than to show off some kick-ass dance moves inspired by the band’s frenetic jams.

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Catch Rabble Rabble on Monday, October 11 (tonight!), at the Empty Bottle. Did we mention it’s free?
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Purchase and listen to Rabble Rabble’s album Bangover at Bandcamp.com.

Rabble Rabble – “Doubt It” from Giant System Chicago

013 Rabble Rabble from Kyle Obriot on Vimeo.