My Gold Mask | photo by Audrey Leon

Hopefully, you have all managed to get through this blackest of Black Fridays without getting trampled upon for a $2 waffle maker, Chicagoans, because we’ve got an incredible line-up of musical acts setting up shop all round this fair city.

We’re talking Scott Lucas and the Married Men at Hard Rock Cafe, My Gold Mask at Empty Bottle, Tandoori Knights at Bottom Lounge and so much more.

Come on, Pilgrim!

FRIDAY

SCOTT LUCAS AND THE MARRIED MEN
When Scott Lucas isn’t playing and recording as part of the long-time Chicago duo Local H or mentoring young musicians with rock star aspirations, he is off showing his softer, Americana side with The Married Men. The septet is working on its follow-up to 2010’s George Lassos the Moon and have already let slip a taste of what is to come with a cover of Johnny Cash’s “(Ain’t No Grave) Can Hold My Body Down.” However, tonight, Lucas busts out his old acoustic guitar for a solo performance. Also on the bill tonight are Brit pop-inspired indie rockers Blah Blah Blah and swinging pop songstress Kirby Kaiser.

9:00 p.m. Friday, 11/25. Hard Rock Cafe. All Ages. $10.

MY GOLD MASK
I generally can’t say enough nice things about experimental dance poppers My Gold Mask. The husband and wife duo of Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo craft hauntingly beautiful pop gems that are simply inescapable and intoxicatingly beautiful. Last year the duo released not one, but two EPs that made my top ten albums of 2010 list and now that the band’s music has made its way onto the TV show Gossip Girl, I can only hope this means bigger and better things for My Gold Mask in 2012. Also appearing tonight are gypsy surf rockers La Scala and The Baby Magic, a band that somehow manages to make being singing about vulgarities incredibly adorable.

10:00 p.m. Friday, 11/25. Empty Bottle. 21+ $10.

SATURDAY

TANDOORI KNIGHTS
Bluesy 50s rock-inspired showman King Khan is making his second appearance in Chicago since this past July, now with his other dirty, distortion-laden surf rock side project Tandoori Knights. The group switches on the time machine and transports us back to a time when we’d all do the Mashed Potato with Buddy Holly and Little Richard. This bill is packed to the gills with five bands in all, including Oakland garage punks Nobunny, One-man-rock-band Bloodshot Bill, Chicago psych rockers Outer Minds, and jangly post-punks Radar Eyes. Five bands, $15? That’s $3 per band. Talk about more bang for your rock’n'roll buck.

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/26. Bottom Lounge. 17+ $15.

SUNDAY

MAGIC MILK
Party one last time this holiday weekend with the sleazy garage rock stylings of Magic Milk. The group creates sweaty, danceable grooves with plenty of ‘60s-esque metallic-toned guitars and bouncing rhythms backed by wailing, distorted vocals and bluesy harmonica solos. Magic Milk will be joined by experimental Chicago noise poppers Small Wonder and from Detroit, twinkling, melodic indie rockers PK Fire.

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 11/27. Panchos. 18+ $5.

Illustration by Johnnie Cluney

Art rockers My Gold Mask and noise-jam enthusiasts Disappears both stopped by Daytrotter to record live sessions that surfaced this weekend on the Rock Island, Illinois-based music website.

It is hard to imagine the Chicago duo My Gold Mask any more stripped down, but Daytrotter managed to capture singer and drummer Gretta Rochelle and guitarist Jack Armando’s ghostly primal essence while still sounding utterly minimalist.

You can stream My Gold Mask’s entire set right now or download it for free in 128K MP3 format at Daytrotter.com.

Alternatively, there’s no stripping Disappears of its electrical aura. The band recreates its fuzzy, distortion-laden rhythms for the Daytrotter crew. The set list spans all three releases from their debut Lux to Guider and their Plustapes cassette-only EP Live at Echo Canyon. Download or stream Disappears’ set here.

In other Disappears news, the band is heading into the studio in October to work on its new album. But before that happens, you can catch Disappears on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Hideout for A.V. Fest, along with Hum and The Thermals.

Blonde Redhead | Photo by Audrey Leon

Blonde Redhead’s frontwoman Kazu Makino cautiously and politely entered Pritzker Pavillion’s large, yet empty stage smiling and wearing what appeared to be a short-enough-to-be-a-shirt Native American-style khaki dress complete with fringe and beads. She was soon followed by twins Amadeo (guitar) and Simone Pace (drums) who wore matching black jeans and white button-down dress shirts.

Co-vocalist Amadeo won the vocalist coin-toss as the band kicked off the concert with the slow, breathy and brooding, minimalist track “Black Guitar” from Blonde Redhead’s most recent album Penny Sparkle. The group quickly followed with the Makino-helmed “Here Sometimes.” The dreamy, more upbeat pop song seemed as if it were made for an outdoor concert.

For the most part, the sound at Pritzker was nearly as lush as it appears on record. However, there were several hiccups during the set. When Makino plugged back into her guitar, no power ran through it. You could hear strumming in her microphone as she hoped it would kick back on.

The guitar was put aside while the band launched into “Spain.” More tech issues with Makino’s guitar ensued followed by Blonde Redhead pressing ahead with the Amadeo-helmed oldie “Suimasen” from 1998’s In an Expression of the Inexpressible.

Blonde Redhead | Photo by Audrey Leon

With the exception of “Suimasen,” the trio made a point to cull the set list from the last three Blonde Redhead releases 2010’s Penny Sparkle, 2007’s 23 and 2004’s Misery is a Butterfly.

The trio finished its main set with the title track off 23, a song that fully encapsulates the current musical incarnation of Blonde Redhead, a swirling mix of both ethereal and high-pitched vocals, samples and echoy guitar. Unfortunately, Amadeo’s guitar was as loud, or maybe even louder than, Makino’s vocals, almost as if the two were in a competition to be heard.

Despite the technical difficulties, Blonde Redhead came away with an impressive set that demonstrates the pop group’s ability to weather anything.

My Gold Mask | Photo by Audrey Leon

Chicago’s own art rockers My Gold Mask opened the free show at Pritzker. Singer Gretta Rochelle’s ghostly wails could be heard throughout the park. The duo whipped through songs off of its two EPs A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) and A Thousand Voices. Songs such as haunting set closer “Violet Eyes” drew fierce applause from the crowd. My Gold Mask is certainly ready for the outdoor festival circuit.

Video of My Gold Mask performing their song “All Up in the Air” from A Thousand Voices and a cover of Robyn’s “Dancing on my Own” from YouTube user “rpmime“.

Blonde Redhead’s set list
Black Guitar
Here Sometimes
Dr Strangeluv
Spring And By Summer Fall
Spain
Suimasen (In an Expression of the Inexpressible 1998)
SW
Not Getting There
23

Encore
Falling Man
Silently

Japandroids

Adios, 2010. You were a cool year. I liked when you did cool stuff like make the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup, repealed DADT and got the Reader to vote us Best Local Music Blog. You weren’t so cool when you made the Cubs crappy or made earthquakes and oil spills happen. Still not sure if you were cool for Brett Favre or Ke$ha, but it’s all good. Here’s to you, 2010.

Oh, and be sure to spend you end of 2010 or beginning of 2011 seeing music. There’s plenty of great shows tonight like Japandroids at Schubas, Local H at the Bottom Lounge, CAVE at the Hideout and more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

CAVE
If you’re into this sort of thing, our very own Cave have been gracious enough to host a little New Years Eve bash for all of your ears. I think that’s pretty generous of them. Sure, usually New Years is about a quiet evening at home, maybe watching a movie with a glass of orange juice and heart healthy meal. I realize going to a show on New Years is totally crazy. The idea of being around a bunch of folks with, God forbid, beers in their hands just sounds so counter intuitive. Trust me on this one, though. If you think outside of the box, you just might enjoy yourself, and someday you’ll have a great story for the grandkids. Think it over. That’s all I ask. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 12/31. Hideout. 21+. 10.

LOCAL H
It’s that time of year again. It’s time for Local H’s annual NYE show! The hard rocking Chicago duo of Scott Lucas and Brian St. Clair went old school with this year’s theme “Gold Diggers 2011.” According to the show’s flier, formal attire is encouraged for all you “dapper gents” and “flapper girls.” Get your Busby Berkeley on while the band conjures up a mix of old hits, appropriate-to-the-theme covers, and balls-to-the-wall energy. Loud Loop Press attended last year’s themed NYE Show “2010: The Year We Break Contracts” and were left impressed by how serious Local H takes holiday shows. Expect no different this year. (Audrey Leon)

10 p.m., Friday, 12/31. Bottom Lounge. 21+ $50.

HOLY FUCK
If electro-rockers Holy Fuck were only remembered for their masterpiece song “Lovely Allen,” they still would have cemented themselves at least a plaque in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, if that museum weren’t too busy blowing Tom Petty or whatever it is they do in Cleveland these days other than meth. BUT, Holy Fuck, yes, is the band that bring drone to rock, and makes the results a dancefest spectacular that might be the most joyous way I can think of to ring in the new year. And though electronic music can sometimes be less-than-interesting to watch, Holy Fuck plays with so much energy and excitement and, well, happiness with what they’re creating, even those wallflowers (Jakob Dylan reference of the day) that forgot their dancing shoes will be able to enjoy the craftmanship that goes into this awesomeness. (Andy Kondrat)

7:30 p.m. Friday, 12/31. Congress Theatre. 17+. SOLD OUT.

JAPANDROIDS
It’s pretty great when a band actually lives up to the hype. Japandroids’ Post-Nothing came out of the gate screaming and gnashing its way to my top ten albums of 2009, and since then the band has released a slew of 7″ to tide us over until they give us another album. But you know what’s a better way to tide yourself over until the Japandroids give us another album? Seeing them tear shit up at Schuba’s–and you know that Japandroids can tear shit up at Schuba’s–on New Year’s Eve. Fuck and yes. To make this show even better, and well worth the thirty bucks, Chicago’s very own My Gold Mask opens the Friday show. The very same My Gold Mask that made Audrey’s top ten albums of 2010? Why, yes! The VERY same! I don’t know how you can miss this one. But, if you do, first of all you’re awful, but secondly, you’ll get another chance to see Japandroids on Saturday for a little cheaper. But without My Gold Mask, and without making out with the band at midnight. Though if they still play their version of Mclusky’s “Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues,” it’ll probably still be worth it. (Andy Kondrat)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 12/31 & Saturday, 1/1. Schubas. 21+ (Friday) & 17+ (Saturday). $30 (Friday) & $15 (Saturday).

SUNDAY

BONGRIPPER
One might think I personally put this show together as it features not one but two bands that I have recently reviewed. I assure you, dear readers, that this awesomeness was not the work of these hands. None the less, Bongripper, who not only got the review treatment but also snuck into my top ten of 2010, start 2011 out with sludge and doom. Opening are Coping who also received some kind words from yours truly. In between you can enjoy the peppy sounds of Stay Ahead Of The Weather and the post rock sounds of Castevet. Sounds delicious. (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 12/2. Subterranean. 17+. $8.

10. Spoon – Transference
Britt Daniel could sing the phone book and it would probably be amazing. His gravelly, faint Texan drawl is the highlight of any Spoon record. Live, he’s as close to Mick Jagger as you‘ll find outside of a Rolling Stones concert. Transference is Spoon doing what Spoon does best: creating uncomplicated, yet memorable rock songs to which the listener can groove like “Mystery Zone” and single “Got Nuffin.”

9. Jenny and Johnny – I’m Having Fun Now
Pop darling Jenny Lewis found a decent balance between her folk stylings of late and her work with indie pop rockers Rilo Kiley on her latest album with long-time boyfriend Johnathan Rice. Jenny and Johnny’s I’m Having Fun Now features a sweet back and forth between the pair on backdrops of sinfully catchy pop rock and the occasional acoustic folk rock elements. Highlights include the Rice-helmed “Animal” and the countrified duet “Switchblade.”

8. The Maybenauts – Big Bang EP
What a year it has been. From the moment I saw The Maybenauts at the “Girls at the Garage” show back in January, I knew this band was special. The then-four piece with one male member in a panda mask had a flair for pop harmonies and flashy, glam rock sensibilities (and a penchant for wearing silver, space-themed costumes). Lead singer Leilani Frey left the band in October, but before that happened, the band created Big Bang and the magic contained therein cannot be erased. I don’t know where my 2010 would be without the infectious pop and serious lyrics featured in the song “My Head is a Bomb.”

7. Scott Lucas and the Married Men – George Lassos the Moon
No one genre hops more expertly than Scott Lucas. Whether it’s with hard rocking Local H or electro-noise rockers Prairie Cartel, Lucas’ experiments shine no matter the style. Adopting a rootsy, folk rock sound for George Lassos the Moon, Lucas combines his picturesque lyrics and soulful voice with an acoustic guitar and six-piece backing band, including horns and strings, to win the girl and the adoration of the audience. It’s a win/win situation for everyone.

6. Rabble Rabble – Bangover
Sometimes you feel like a punk, sometimes you don’t. Luckily Chicago pysch-punks Rabble Rabble combines its influences (Blues, Punk, Psychedelic rock) so well you can indulge all your schizophrenic tendencies with the group’s wild and frenetic jams. As I said earlier this year, Bangover brilliantly captures Rabble Rabble’s live show, transporting you to that room as they fill your body with their electric goodness.

5. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – The Brutalist Bricks
Most songs on Brutalist Bricks were debuted to Ted Leo and the Pharmacists fans months prior to the album’s release, including the infectious pop jam “Bottled in Cork.” Leo has always been an brilliant storyteller backed by high energy, melodic punk anthems (“Mourning in America and “Where Was My Brain”) and this record proves no different. However, Leo shows he can break from the usual on the track “One Polaroid A Day,“ which has Leo adopting a lower, seductive vocal style instead of his usual high-tension falsetto. Brutalist Bricks is Leo and Co. at their finest.

4. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
Broken Social Scene has always been a bit of musical circus and Kevin Drew is its ringmaster. It’s good to have so many talented friends to add a kind of depth and fullness of sound that other bands can only dream of reproducing live. And they can. This time around Drew and his cohort – including Chicago’s John McEntire of Tortoise and The Sea and Cake – come back swinging with aggressive horns and swirling guitars and keys on track “Forced to Love,” or throwing ambient waves at you with songs like “Romance to The Grave” or “Art House Director.” The slow, then frenzied – at times – pace of Forgiveness Rock Record fully encapsulates the necessary elements of an epic mixtape.

3. My Gold Mask – A Thousand Voices/A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) EPs
It is a cop-out not to choose just one release by Chicago’s My Gold Mask, the awe-inspiring husband and wife duo of Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo, but each EP beautifully feeds into the other. My Gold Mask are experts at creating a fuller sound with layers of haunting vocals, simple, heavy drum beats (courtesy of Rochelle) and addictive guitar rhythms (Armondo). A Thousand Voices EP and A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) EP are each exemplary works showcasing the group’s dark pop sensibilities. Singles “Violet Eyes” and “I Don’t Need the Reason” are unforgettable tunes that stick with you long after the EPs come to an end.

2. Tim Kasher – The Game of Monogamy
Tim Kasher finds a musical balance between past projects Cursive and The Good Life on his first solo effort The Game of Monogamy. Somehow, Kasher’s grudge against relationships and mortgages works. Somehow, it’s not the same trite, macho bullshit about a guy who doesn’t want or can’t handle life’s responsibilities. Maybe it’s the music that saves it; the lush horn sections that Kasher embraces on all his projects takes a well-deserved spot on center stage on certain tracks such as “Bad, Bad Dreams.” Maybe it’s the self-effacing lyrics that lend Kasher a bit of likeability and humility. Either way, all those maybes hold all the components of an extremely addictive and intelligent take on the struggles of adulthood.

1. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
I don’t think there’s a kid out there who didn’t grow up feeling bored and wildly disappointed in his/her hometown. “Maybe when you’re older you’ll understand why you don’t feel right,” Arcade Fire front man Win Butler croons on the Suburbs’ track “Modern Man.” Those same suffocating fears resurface later while on the cusp of adulthood, facing graduations, marriage and children. The music from The Suburbs is light as air with ethereal orchestration, and yet it weighs so heavily on the heart. You can’t help but feel trapped inside that damned small town again, but this time around it feels kind of okay.

Since the M in MTV stopped standing for Music ages ago, musicians have decidedly taken to the Internet when releasing music videos. Sites such as YouTube or Vimeo have opened the doors for bands who wouldn’t have even received airplay back during MTV’s heyday to create their own music videos, which can be seen by hundreds or thousands at the click of a button.

Chicago’s massive music scene features quite a few acts that still see the music video as a prominent art form. There were literally hundreds of music videos from local bands and artists released last year. Therefore, we decided to comb through the footage and choose 10 videos that struck us visually and sonically. This is Loud Loop Press’ Top 10 Local Music Videos Of 2010…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGlwopNvKg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipU9_hLNAec

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSlA7x98Yfw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgxnWHQAkYM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1LW1k7AIg0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE9gh4COMdI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtY5oi-K1Hs

My Gold Mask | Photo Credit: Drew Reynolds

Hot dog! Friday is here! Time for our picks for top weekend shows. In this edition, we talk Soft Speaker at the Hideout, Chaperone at the Metro, My Gold Mask at Schubas and a whole lot more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

SOFT SPEAKER
I think the strength of Chicago’s Soft Speaker is how hard it is for me to lazily say something along the lines of “they sound like blank fed a steady diet of blank while hinting at blank.” Well, it was easy for me to say but filling in the blanks is difficult. Let’s just say they write great songs in whatever way they desire. Cleveland’s creepy mr. Gnome, and Chicago’s semi-countrified Whisker Music open. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 11/12. Hideout. 21+. $8.

CHAPERONE
Contributor Faye Rasmussen wrote in her review that Chaperone’s latest release Cripple King was a science experiment in progress. While that very well may be true from a production stand point as the album is extremely lo-fi with much of it recorded in the band members’ kitchens and bedrooms, the songs are fun, quirky little pop pieces, and it would be cool to see how the band would sound with big production. But tonight, see them without the static and fuzz as they will be live at the Metro. Also performing tonight are the indie-Americana outfit Dastardly, whose new track “Villain” really caught our attention with its noisy, alt-country feel. Headlining the show are Chicago indie rockers Aktar Aktar and folky locals Jon Drake & The Shakes open. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 11/12. The Metro. 18+. $10.

THE MAYBENAUTS
It’s never easy going through a public break-up; no one knows that better than Jennifer Anniston. But Chicago pop-rockers The Maybenauts, like Anniston, are getting back on that horse. Come check out the new three-piece Maybenauts headline Quenchers with friends the Wanton Looks (who are also worth checking out). (Audrey Leon)

9 p.m. Friday, 11/12. Quencher’s Saloon. $5. 21+.

CALIFORNIA WIVES
Low-key synth-poppers California Wives have a way of getting under your skin. Maybe it’s the comforting, dream-like atmosphere that oozes with ease out of songs like “Guilt” and “Blood Red Youth,” but whatever it is you’ll be nodding your head in agreement and swaying to the beat. (Audrey Leon)

9 p.m. Friday, 11/12. Bottom Lounge. $8. 17+.

SATURDAY

MY GOLD MASK
Chicago art rockers My Gold Mask are back with a brand new EP, A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last), and are celebrating its release on Saturday at Schubas! Compared to their last release, A Thousand Voices, which came out only last January, A Million Miles seems to be a lighter affair with less deep, dark imagery in favor for big vocal hooks and a fun cover of “Bette Davis Eyes”. For more in depth discussion about A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last), read our review. And thought My Gold Mask are only a two piece, Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo put on one hell of a show. Local indie rockers Unicycle Loves You and the glammy Blane Fonda open. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/13. Schubas. 21+. $10.

THE FAB FAUX
Break out your Team Coco shirts and high-ankled, laceless boots because Conan O’Brien’s band director Jimmy Vivino is coming to Chicago’s Vic Theater with the Fab Faux. The renowned Beatles cover band will perform the classic “Abbey Road” in its entirety. Joining Vivino on stage are music veterans Jack Petruzzelli, Frank Agnello, Rich Pagano, and Will Lee. (Audrey Leon)

6:30 p.m. Saturday, 12/13. The Vic. $45 ($57.25 after fees). All Ages.

SUNDAY

WRECKING BALL PUNX FEST
Still riding that high from this year’s Riot Fest? Somebody is I’m sure, so Reggie’s is banking on your endless punk rock energy by hosting the Wrecking Ball Punx Fest. You know it’s good punk rock when you can squeeze nine bands onto a bill that starts at 5:00 p.m. Who are these bands, you ask? Here we go: Chicago’s Infected, Chicago’s Voice of Addiction, Chicago’s The Neutron Bombs, Chicago’s (are you sensing a trend yet?) Anxiety High, No Two Waynes, Bill Ura Dik, Modern Day Rippers, Hawkbit, and finally The Revision Plan. All Chicago all the punk rock time. Don’t forget the free party bus provided my Metal Express Limo. A party bus full of underaged punk rock kids….Probably eerily similar to one full of middle aged single women. Yikes. (Ross Meyerson)

5:00 p.m. Sunday, 11/14. Reggie’s Rock Club. 17+. $5 before 8:00 p.m./$10 after.

For many up-and-coming bands, getting coverage on music blogs and online publications is difficult, but retaining that buzz is even harder. One way to at least stay in the picture is to not go into hibernation, but to continue to pump out music so to remain relevant. Chicago’s art rock duo My Gold Mask are using this formula to ensure the buzz they garnered from their excellent January 2010 EP, A Thousand Voices, doesn’t fizzle out. The year isn’t even done, and already we have a a brand new four-track EP from the duo of Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo that shows a different, more pop-friendly approach to their sound but is just as mesmerizing.

My Gold Mask really broke through earlier this year with the haunting-yet-addictive A Thousand Voices track, “Violet Eyes”. But the EP wasn’t a one song wonder – it followed in the footsteps of “Violet Eyes” with three more songs that featured dark lyrics and soaring vocals on top of Armondo’s sleek, groovy nylon-guitar powered riffage.

Now on A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last), the band’s sound hasn’t completely changed, but it’s the mood of the music that’s quite different this time around. The veil of darkness and mystery that made A Thousand Voices such an intriguing listen has been pulled back a bit on A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) and replaced with a more pop stylings including big vocals hooks and even a purely fun cover tune.

The EP begins with “Ghost In Your Bed”, which seems to bridge the gap from when we last heard My Gold Mask on A Thousand Voices. The song begins with eerie, echo-y guitar work that gives way to Rochelle’s always melodically on-point singing but eventually builds up to the second half which features Armondo showing off his vocal skills in a duet with Rochelle.

The single “I Don’t Need The Reason” features an extremely delectable, Siouxsie and the banshees-esque hook of, “I don’t need to know the reason why you’re leaving”, which is aided by Armondo’s mechanical, twisting fret work. “Bobbi” is a ballad in the purest since which opens with Armondo’s reverb-heavy, 1950′s-influenced guitar work. But the track really find’s its heart in Rochelle’s lamenting, howling vocals and explodes into a high octane version coda complete with crashing cymbal working from Rochelle.

My Gold Mask put their own art rock spin on the new wave classic “Bette Davis Eyes”, which was made famous by American singer-songwriter Kim Carnes. The swirling synths from Carnes’ well-known version are replaced with creeping guitar. Also, while Carnes’ gritty vocals made hers a pop hit, Rochelle’s vocals are never rough, and she hits all the right note with ease.

A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) is probably the perfect move that My Gold Mask could have made at this point in time. Rather than making something in the same vein as A Thousand Voices and trying to replicate the dark catchiness of “Violet Eyes”, they decided to make an EP that’s purposely not their last release. This time around, My Gold Mask are letting it all hang out and sounding as if they’re simply having fun, and the fact that the band is able to do so without it affecting the quality of their music is quite something.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Catch My Gold Mask on Friday, November 12, at Schubas for the A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) record release party. Tickets are available right now at Schubas.com for only $10.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Preorder the A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last) limited edition vinyl and stream the EP right now at Mygoldmask.bandcamp.com.

Kicking off October 19 in New York City, several Chicago-area bands are planning on representing the Windy City at the festivities.

First off the bat is acoustic rockers Scott Lucas and the Married Men who will play a gig at The Local 269, 269 East Houston Street. The show is $7 without a CMJ pass.

A few days later, on October 22, Unicycle Loves You, roots rockers Nathan Xander + Witchouse, pop rockers Jonny Rumble and folk rockers Tom Schraeder and His Ego will assemble for the CMJ Chicago showcase also at the Local 269. The show is $10.

UPDATE: A few more Chicago bands are making the trek to NYC next weekend including lush shoegazers Panda Riot and gritty rockers The Streets On Fire. Panda Riot will be playing as a two-piece with a drum machine this Monday at a CMJ pre-party at the Rock Shop in Brooklyn. Details available on the event’s Facebook page. The Streets On Fire will be playing an official showcase at 11 p.m. on Friday, October 22, at Kenny’s Castaways.

If you can’t make your way to New York for these local acts, catch them when they make their triumphant return from the East coast.

Scott Lucas the Married Men will perform a record release show at the Empty Bottle on Tuesday, October 26. The show is free if you email RSVP@emptybottle.com.

Psych-rockers Unicycle Loves You will perform at Schubas on November 13 for My Gold Mask’s record release party. Tickets are $10 and the show is 21 and up.