Here's three reasons why you should get to know The Avantist as soon as possible: 1) They're a rockin' quartet of brothers from Chicago, 2) They're going to set Subterranean ablaze tonight and 3) They've just dropped an uber-catchy new single, "Nomad." Those familiar with the band already know that these siblings indeed know their chops as their brand of rock straddles the wild prog-jams of early Mars Volta and the tight, riff-pop of The Strokes. "Nomad" definitely finds the band reaching toward the latter. The tune opens with acoustic strums and echo-laden crooning from frontman Fernando Arias before bursting into thick, melodic guitars and a swinging rhythm. It definitely has that classic power-pop feel complete with a scorching guitar solo and an infectious refrain of, "Where do we run off to?" Listen to "Nomad" below:
____________________________________________________________________ THE AVANTIST 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29. Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave 21+. $10. ____________________________________________________________________ By Richard Giraldi  \  2 comments

Happy weekend, guys and dolls! I know it's cold and gloomy outside, but you can't celebrate the fourth annual Windy City Winter Ball without a little snow/sleet/freezing rain. And you definitely couldn't ask for better weather for when Scotland's the Twilight Sad ride a wave of depression into town. Hike up those snow boots and let's get going.

FRIDAY

THE TWILIGHT SAD You'll be hard-pressed to find a preview for this show by Scottish post-punks Twilight Sad that doesn't mention how, well, sad they seem. Angst and depression are a major part of the Twilight Sad's repertoire, but this isn't a voyeuristic therapy session. The group fashions its take on music by gloomy greats like Joy Division and the Cure and turns it into sparkling epics that, yes, are dark and brooding, and at times, even slightly intimidating. The searing guitars have been swapped for booming synths on its third album No One Can Ever Know, but the message is always the same: breaking up is hard to do. Dreamy garage rockers Young Prisms and moody singer-songwriter Micah P. Hinson will open. (Audrey Leon) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 3/2. Empty Bottle. 21+ $12. GYPSYBLOOD Now THIS is a rock show. And in a gothic chapel? Yes, please. Chicago's Gypsyblood are set to bring their melodic, fuzzed-out stylings to the north suburbs as they'll headline a free show tonight in Lake Forest, which is sponsored by Lake Forest College's student run radio station WMXM. And an added bonus are openers Heavy Times who rock the gritty, punk-influenced garage rock. (Richard Giraldi) 8:00 p.m. Friday, 3/2. Lilly Reid Holt Chapel (555 N Sheridan Rd). FREE!

SATURDAY

WINDY CITY WINTER BALL Grape Juice Records never disappoints with its picks for its annual Windy City Winter Ball. Returning for its fourth year, the label is showcasing some of the best melodic rockers Chicago has to offer, including headliners Chicago's Pet Lions. The group creates smooth pop tunes that enables listeners to groove or sway to their hearts content. Indie rockers Brighton, MA, just released its a new EP of folk-infused sparkle pop entitled Billboard Sun. Also appearing at the Ball are soulful folk rocker Briar Rabbit, who just completed his four-song concept album The Great Routine inspired by 19th century minstrel shows, and 60s soul-inspired rocker Ben Keeler and the 500 Club. (Audrey Leon) 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 3/3. Subterranean. 17+ $5 (limited)/ $10. E+ Unfortunately, we found out about E+ a little too late for us to include them on our 12 Chicago bands to watch list, but they're definitely an act you should be keeping tabs on. E+ is comprised of super talented locals and members of bands Disappears, the aforementioned Heavy Times and psych-rockers Verma. We've heard a bit of their music, and it's a very rad mix of old school new wave and neo-psychedelia. The band recently recorded an EP with the Pony's Jered Gummere that we're anxiously awaiting. Opening is Robbie Hamilton and Touched By Ghoul. (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/3. The Hideout. 21+. $8.

SUNDAY

JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND Sunday may be a day of rest, but when JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound are around you gotta get up on your feet. This Chicago sextet is the latest to take part in a live Epitonic session at Saki. The group is still riding high on its fantastic album Want More, which blends Soul, funk and punk into one big party anthem. Leader JC Brooks will entertain with his high energetic theatrics and smoky, velvet croon while the Uptown Sound let out some upbeat, body-moving rhythms. R&B rockers The Bama Lamas will also appear. (Audrey Leon) 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 3/4. Saki. All Ages. Free! By Staff  \  1 comment

[caption id="attachment_23344" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="On again Off Again"][/caption]Three reasons to go-folk-yourself tonight at Subterranean... 1. Chicago quartet On Again Off Again mesh folk pop and groovy jazz funk together to create the smoky jams found on its debut full-length Acres. And the band is celebrating the album's release tonight. On Again Off Again has grown considerably since its last EP (Re)Cycles, which saw the group showcasing its quirky indie rock leanings. Adulthood looks good on them. LISTEN: "Gemini" 2. If headliners On Again Off Again are bringing the jazz folk, tonight's middleman Musikanto is bringing the sweet, Americana soul. Musikanto's sunny vocals ripple like honey, despite being perfectly aged to reflect the hard-won experiences recounted on Sky of Dresses, his sophomore album. WATCH: "Every Which Way" 3. Last, but certainly not least, Chicago quartet Chaperone will bring down the house with its fiery indie pop meets aggro Americana sound. Chaperone is due to begin work on its long-awaited full-length debut next month, but until then we'll keep ourselves company with the lush, genre-bending tracks from the group's 2010 Cripple King EP and most recent Raised by Wolves 7-inch. LISTEN: "Oh Ye Drowning Children" 9:00 p.m. Thursday, 3/1. Subterranean. 21+ $10. By Audrey Leon  \  2 comments

Change. It’s the central conflict and inspiration for Chicago indie rock band Young Jesus’ first full-length album, Home. Encompassing a wide variety of sounds—from the airy acoustic, folk beginning of “News” to the gritty, ‘90s garage rock of “The Greater Boulders” — Young Jesus’ musical diversity accentuates singer/guitarist John Rossiter’s impressive narrative thread. The opening track, “Family and Friends,” embraces the listener with the gentle tempo of its acoustic guitar, but frantically builds to an aggressive and energetic climax. The singing rapidly transitions from sultry and soulful to frenzied and passionate in a matter of seconds. Rossiter employs a similar tactic in the album’s most sonically impressive track, “News,” which begins like a campfire sing-a-long. However, with Arcade Fire-like intensity, the song transforms into elegant discord with its visceral screaming backed by its upbeat guitar riff and constant crash of cymbals. The most interesting aspect of the album is its major character, David, who makes appearances in four of the 11 tracks. His introduction comes in “David,” a hauntingly beautiful ballad about his dreams, love and innocence lost at the hands of a woman named Eloise. “Away” provides the turning point in the story arc, and speaks to the delusions of idealistic memories. Calling to mind a Holden Caulfield-like fear of change, the surreal and complex track draws from its vivid imagery of a grotesque realization of “memory lane.” David makes his triumphant return in three of the last five tracks, and Rossiter blurs the uncertain line between him and his character. In the final track, “Home,” he croons, “I am David. I am David/ I am Eloise, I am jaded!” It’s a fantastic story that comes full circle, drawing a sharp contrast between the first and last tracks—“Family and Friends” and “Home.” Places and people may change, which is the root of the anxieties apparent in Young Jesus’ lyrics. David represents fears, vices and the person Rossiter doesn’t want to become—“half-Cain, half-Abel,” as he puts it in “David.” However, family and friends—true friends—stay the same, and, in turn, anchor him. Rossiter, in “Home,” optimistically concludes, “I am happy, I am sound/ I’ve got my family and my friends.” Purchase the digital version of Home at Young Jesus’ Bandcamp. ____________________________________________________________________ YOUNG JESUS 6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 25. Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave. All Ages. $10. ____________________________________________________________________ By Killian Young  \  2 comments

[caption id="attachment_25367" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Photo by Analú Maria López"][/caption]Three "hey, you, get off of my cloud" reasons to ride Falkor over to Subterranean tonight... 1. Chicago dream poppers Panda Riot were one of our bands to watch last year and even though 2011 has come and gone, we're still pretty interested in them. The group plays sparkling, spacey pop jams that envelope you in a heady mix of fuzzy guitars and siren-like melodies. The group is on the verge of releasing its follow-up to its 2010 EP Near and Far and are sure to play some of those mesmerizing new tracks tonight. LISTEN: "Serious Radical Girls" 2. If you ever wondered what musicians from this generation that have been raised on a steady diet of Radiohead's game changer Kid A would sound like once they reached maturation, look no further than Louisville electro-pop outfit Nerves Junior. The group plays around with noisy atmospherics and abstract textures to create something that hovers above a standard pop rock song. To top it off, singer Cory Wayne is the Kentucky equivalent of Thom Yorke, if such a thing was ever possible. LISTEN: "Kale" 3. Rounding out this fun evening of dreamy rock and roll music are LLP faves Tiny Fireflies and The Pear Traps. Tiny Fireflies craft delicate pop melodies that float, light as air, into the atmosphere. The music cuts down deep into your core and leaves you a love sick mess. It's fairly brilliant. Lo-fi Americana outfit The Pear Traps open. The group is a delightful cross between jangly countrifried rock and Joy Division. It's everything you never knew you wanted. LISTEN: The Pear Traps - "Come Home" 8:00 p.m. Thursday, 2/16. Subterranean. 21+ $8. By Audrey Leon  \  comments

We're mere hours away from starting the weekend, and with the season finale of football over, we'll actually have to go outside. Luckily, there are tons of great shows, and many fundraising for a good cause, over the next few days. Let's get to it.

FRIDAY

SOFT SPEAKER The Brit pop-inspired Chicago outfit come out swinging with plenty of lingering guitar licks, hazy psychedelic rhythms and even some sexy sax. It’s enough to get your blood pumping. Also on deck are hard charging, alt-rockers Sissy Mena. The Chicago group, who just released a full-length album entitled Record Machineback in November, are sure to bring plenty of roaring riffs and moody rhythms. Opening the show are Chicago shoegazers Soft Candy. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Beat Kitchen. 21+ $8. THE RUNNIES Rock for a good cause tonight at Cole’s. Money raised at tonight’s show will go toward Ag47, a creative arts mentorship collective in Logan Square for girls in grades 4th-12th. The group pairs mentees with women artists from disciplines such as creative writing, music, dance, and filmmaking. Appearing tonight are sultry jangle-rockers The Runnies (one of LLP’s 12 Bands to Watch), riot punkers The Cathy Santonies, aggressive garage poppers Squish, and surf punks Blizzard Babies will open. Admission is free so buy a beer or two to support young women’s artistic development. (Audrey Leon) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Cole’s Bar. 21+ Free. NETHERFRIENDS He did it! Shawn Rosenblatt, brainchild behind local outfit Netherfriends, successfully travelled to and recorded a song in all 50 states over the past two years. Now, he's officially releasing the first set of songs in the form of Middle America, which offers up 12 tracks featuring cleverly crafted psych-pop influenced by Amercia's midsection that include names like "St. Louis, MO," "Rapid City, SD" and, of course, "Chicago, IL." So, it seems wholly appropriate that the record release show is in his home base of Chicago tonight. Supporting are throwback psychers Secret Colours and rambunctious rockers Vamos! (Richard Giraldi) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Empty Bottle. 21+. $8. T'BONE The mighty T'Bone bring their capricious riffy and mathy antics to Treasure Town tonight. But they've got plenty of hard rocking back-up with them including prehistoric cave bangers White Mystery, Philadelphia garage poppers Univox and alt-rockers Lionlimb. Spend your Friday night in the underground with some of Chicago's best. (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Treasure Town. $5.

SATURDAY

CHICAGO MIXTAPE ANNIVERSARY PARTY Celebrate the majesty and variety of music jams that is Chicago Mixtape with this special shindig at Subterranean. Headliners The Shams Band will get everyone moving with its groovy take on blues rock. Also appearing at this eclectic smorgasbord are Americana psych rockers (yes, you heard that right) Elephant Gun, Lush folkers The Damn Choir, and dreamy electro poppers Architecture will open. (Audrey Leon) 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/11. Subterranean. 21+ $10.

SUNDAY

DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB II Psych pop sextet A Lull had a pretty exciting 2011. The Chicago band released its long-awaited album Confetti, dropped a remix EP and even found time to put its own digital psychedelic spin on Bruce Springstein’s “I’m on Fire.” A Lull just finished up a winter tour with Deleted Scenes, so welcome them home in style at this show comprised entirely of bands with members who work at either Schubas or Lincoln Hall. Also appearing tonight are soothing Chicago post-rockers The Gorilla Press, bass-heavy funk rockers Laz, and local punks Panzer. If you need a bonus reason to go, proceeds from the show will go toward local charity Rock for Kids. (Audrey Leon) 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2/12. Schubas. 21+ $5. By Audrey Leon  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_25027" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Bombbone"][/caption]Three reasons to get reacquainted with your old friend, fun, tonight at Subterranean... 1. It's impossible to resist a musical group that describes itself as band of "gypsy punks and Balkan pimps." The description is not entirely inaccurate. BomBBone's lead singer Roni Bombboni is a native of Sarajevo who truly becomes the Bosian Elvis, with suit to match, when he jumps on stage. BomBBone can play hard and fast punk with funny lyrics about not wanting to kill Fabio now that the author bought a Casio, and traditional eastern European gypsy music with plenty of rock flare. WATCH: "bombbone." 2. Chicago's Radiant Devices are celebrating the release of their new single "Something Stronger" at tonight's show. The single starts where Radiant Devices left off on the group's 2011 Infectious Substance EP. The quartet continue to utilize found metal objects for percussion purposes along with synths and bass to create intriguing industrial rock compositions with thought-provoking poetry by singer Mojdeh. LISTEN: "Something Stronger." 3. The family that rocks together, stays together. Appearing tonight are a quartet of Chicago brothers, The Avantist. The group couples Spanish flavor with aggressive hard rock. Opening the show are political hip-hop outfit Agents of Change. LISTEN: Agents of Change - "I Just Wanna Riot feat. Phillip Morris." 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 1/25. Subterranean. 21+ $8. By Audrey Leon  \  comments