Would it be weird to compare Bully in the Hallway to a twinkie? Because that’s what I’m about to do. If you’re familiar with that sweet treat, then the cakey outer shell is the Chicago band’s uber-melodic and accessible take on the Fugazi-like freneticism, and the creamy inner filling is their penchant for arena-rock hooks and jagged guitar work. Then when working in unison, it’s pretty damned delicious.
By Richard Giraldi \ commentsGot about thirty minutes left at work? Then you best spending it watching Gonzo Chicago’s amazing 2011 recap video featuring clips recorded in various Chicago venues (of both the above AND underground variety) of a ton of bands that we love and try to cover in this space. I won’t even begin to list the bands because you shouldn’t even waste time reading this, just hit play on the freaking video, man:
By Richard Giraldi \ 1 comment
The Paver’s newest EP Bad News has all the noir qualities of a Frank Miller story—disillusionment, negativity, angst. Even the record’s cover, a black-and-white photo of core band members Billie Howard and Jesse Giallombardo standing ominously in front of an old station wagon, has a larger-than-life, comic-book-pane-quality to it. It’s fitting given how richly illustrated their sound is.
By Joseph Montes \ comments
While some bands mature in the lyrical sense or through the mood of their music, The Gorilla Press seem to have matured sonically on their sophomore effort, A Natural Thing (Unnatural To Me). That’s not to say the band has lost a sense of adventure, but rather the Chicago outfit have moved past the solid exercise in mid ’90s alt-rock that was their 2008 debut. A Natural Thing instead finds the band crafting a rich and layered melodic palette that aims equally for freshness and familiarity.
By Richard Giraldi \ comments
Anatomy of Habit’s self-titled debut might be the most un-metal metal album I’ve heard. In fact, calling it metal is probably a stretch. What it is, however, is a dark, moody and often haunting record that culls together a variety of sounds of the psychedelic, ambient and industrial sort. And that unwillingness to be boxed into a particular genre or any kind of strict categorization works to make Anatomy of Habit a bold and compelling debut.
By Richard Giraldi \ comments
Indie bands using the studio as an instrument is typical fare these days. Most of the time with results range from noisy to spacey to danecy and just plain poppy. Yet on Loyal Divide’s full-length debut, Bodice Ripper, the Chicago outift injects a soulfulness into the digital sphere with punchy synthesized grooves.
By Richard Giraldi \ comments
On Empros, Russian Circles trim the fat. And in this case, the fat for the Chicago prog-metal outfit is their tendency indulge in a more melodic, more indie rock driven side. Instead, the band plays to their strengths on the record, those being the ability to crush and pummel with a force that’s rarely heard from a power trio.
By Richard Giraldi \ comments
Fake Shore Drive
Giant System Chicago
Lost In Concert
Outside The Loop Radio
The Deli Chicago
Underground Bee
Windy City Rock
WXRT
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