Just when you thought bands weren’t making love songs like they used to, Chicago indie poppers Paper Thick Walls came out with the track “Orange Tree.” If this lyric doesn’t scream love song, I don’t know what does: “If that man should put a gun to your head, I’ll wrap my mouth the barrel and squeeze it.” Despite the seriousness of the lyrics, the track is fairly sweet with its gentle drum beats and soft guitar strums. Naturally, the video matches that sound with an adorable animated forest complete with an owl! Things get pretty grim at the end, though, but I still believe these kids are going to make it. You can catch Paper Thick Walls at Schubas tomorrow, Sept. 2, along with Dastardly and Sleeping in the Aviary. By   \  1 comment
[caption id="attachment_16368" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="YAWN"][/caption] Three Tuesday-needs-to-go-out-with-a-bang-not-a-whimper reasons to mosey over to Schubas Tavern tonight... 1. Chicago psych poppers Yawn are celebrating the release of their record Open Season at Schubas tonight so expect good vibes aplenty. The quartet loves to experiment with wild soundscapes and visuals that are unusual, to say the least, but every so often the group kicks in a catchy beat or hook and then you can't help but get caught up in the magical nature of it all. 2. St. Louis rockers Magic City open the night’s festivities, serving as the yin to Yawn’s psych pop yang.The quartet smashes blues twang with psychedelic rock much like the Doors used to do, although not quite as spaced out. Well, maybe just enough space to conjure up some rock’n’roll demons. Singer Larry Bulawsky’s husky vocals top everything off with a bit of a Nick Cave sleaze. The combination can’t be beat. 3. Need more convincing? Look no further than Yawn's most recent video for its track "Acid" off Open Season. 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, 8/30. Schubas. 18+ $10. By   \  2 comments
There's a fine line between rip-off and inspiration. And, really, it's in the eye of the beholder. That's why to some, Chicago's Yawn may sound nothing more than a retread of the wild psychedelic antics of an Animal Collective or Yeasayer. But it's sad to think that some would dismiss a band as such when it's something not only different but maybe even more. Yes, Yawn do go for that expansive, uber-melodic psychedelic pop sound that is becoming popular not just with big names but locals such as A Lull and Netherfriends. However, Yawn do wonders within that bubble by taking oft-used genres such as dance, afro-pop and alt-rock and reconstructing them in a completely modern and accessible style. As arty, as dense, as loose as the songs on Open Season are, in the end it's just pop music. Rather than using the Pink Floyd approach of slow starts leading to big payoff about 74 minutes later, Yawn waste no time in unleashing catchy melodies as only two tracks exceed the four-minute mark. Most of which are heavily textured and littered with synthesizers, drum machines, sprightly samples and elastic vocals. "YumYum" kicks right off with a funky low-end as pulsating bass is the perfect foil to the spacey key strikes. Then there's the undeniable '80s dance club charm that keeps "Magician" upright during boisterous vocal harmonies and glassy guitars. And a smooth-as-silk string sample give "Indigo" an exceptionally lush delivery. One of the record's most memorable moments comes during the latter half of the mind-trip that is "Acid," when electronic ambiance gives way to big, fuzzy power chords like an overwhelmed dam. In the end, Open Season is a vibrant, organic experience that shows off Yawn's creative versatility and pop song craftmanship. But probably most important, it's just a fun and engaging listen. ____________________________________________________________________ YAWN 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 30 Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. 18+. $8 (advance) / $10 (door). ____________________________________________________________________ By   \  comments
Last week, we brought you a Lightbox Session with local indie-folkers Dastardly. Now, we have a new video from the Lightbox Sessions featuring local singer-songwriter Antony Ablan, who also dabbles in the mellow and folk-y side of things, under his new moniker Antony & The Tramps. The clip begins with an interview in which Antony states how he's shed items from his life that don't further his music before later performing the track, "Humble Like The Sky," which is a new cut from his upcoming full-length. The song is quite beautiful and endearing in its simplicity. You can catch Antony and The Tramps at Schubas on Saturday, September 4, but in the meantime, check out the video below: By   \  1 comment
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Tim Kasher | Photo by Audrey Leon"][/caption] Three Tom-Skilling-said-there-are-only-two-weeks-of-meteorological-summer-left reasons to live up our last days of the season and head down to Schubas tonight... 1. Being the cynical varmint that I am, it’s quite lovely to say without hesitation that I love Tim Kasher’s music. In fact, his solo album The Game of Monogamy ranked No. 2 on my Top 10 albums of 2010 list. It’s music for people who can’t let go of the past. Sure, we want to, but we simply cannot. The Game of Monogamy, much like Kasher’s output with Cursive or The Good Life is chock full of those utterly human struggles with love and adulthood and wondering if there’s hope on the other side. If you can’t identify with that, you must be a really well-put together individual. 2. Hailing from Albany, New York, Aficionado is impressive. In one song, the septet (yeah, that’s right seven members replete with horn section) manage to go from sounding like early Cursive to early At The Drive-In mixed with Rainer Maria (anyone remember them?). Singer Nick Warchol even sounds like Cursive frontman Tim Kasher with a bit of Jim Ward and Cedric Bixler, singing not only with fierce conviction but with desperate urgency. Aficionado is definitely of the indie rock ilk that leans toward fast-paced punk-ish, slightly psychedelic at times, almost emo in nature, rock and/or roll. It must be fun as hell to watch. 3. Chicago rockers Geoff Dolce open this shindig at Schubas. The trio play grungy rock and roll that gives off a Replacements vibe that is nearly unshakeable. It’s fun but in a way that is not as deadly punk as the Paul Westerberg-helmed outfit. But I guarantee if you show up in your flannel, you’ll feel like an extra in Singles. (That guarantee is non-refundable.) 9:00 p.m. Thursday, 8/18. Schubas. 21+ $14. By   \  comments
So, psych-poppers YAWN have a new video titled "Acid," which is from their upcoming debut LP Open Season, and it's just as trippy as you'd imagine. Fuzzy, swirling colors and giant-eye-like glowing spirals all capture the song's melodic, psychedelic nature, which leads to a surprisingly rocking and guitar driven climax. The video premiered a few days on some music blog called RollingStone.com. I know it's not Pitchfork, but I think it may be a big deal or something. Anyway, catch YAWN's record release show on Tuesday, August 30, at Schubas, and find the video below: By   \  comments
Indie poppers Dozens are about to release a new 7", titled "Sounds Of Your Lovers," in the come weeks, and we have the uber-melodic titled track for your listening pleasure. The 7" includes an original track, "Sounds Of Lovers" on the A-side, and a cover of "Birthday" from Icelandic alt-rockers Sugarcubes on the other. Dozens unleash a barrage of sweet, sweet harmonies on "Sounds Of Your Lovers," which is an arena ready, power-pop singalong. From the reverse-waterfall keyboard at the song's start to the ELO-esque guitars that propel the chorus, the song is a fun one. Check it out at the top left. Digging it? Well, buy pre-order the the vinyl, which incudes instant digital copies and will ship on or around September 8, right now at Dozens' Bandcamp page. Plus be sure to catch the band on Thursday, September 8, at Schubas for the 7" release party, and tickets to that can he had at Schubas.com. By   \  1 comment

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