Since the mid-90′s The Sea and Cake have delivered an airier, more upbeat and often palatable version of post-rock as opposed to Chicago’s other post-rock icons, Tortoise. While both groups indeed grab from a diverse set of influences including a large dose of jazzy feels, The Sea and Cake often go with a more pop-leaning organic and melodic approach – often aided by synthesizers and electronics on their earlier work. And wouldn’t you know it, Tortoise’s John McEntire handles things behind the kit in The Sea And Cake and is joined by members of former Chicago outfits Shrimp Boat (Sam Prekop) and The Coctails (Archer Prewitt). Windy City roots run deep with The Sea and Cake as they’re also on local imprint Thrill Jockey, which released their latest EP, 2011′s The Moonlight Butterfly. A six-song effort that featured the glassy, bouncy take, “Up On The North Shore.” LISTEN: “Up On The North Shore” | Ambient/Psychedelic outfit Golden Retriever opens.

9:30 p.m. Tuesday, 5/8. Empty Bottle. 21+. $20.

(Ed.’s note: We’re trying something new and switching up the format of Daily Diversions. Instead of the three reason lists, the new format will feature a more focused look at a singular Chicago act on the bill.)

By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

And now three reasons to shimmy on over to the Empty Bottle this evening…

1. Heavy and fast is the mantra The Swan King live by. This Chicago trio, that featuees members of Asschapel and Planes Mistaken For Stars, prowess is certainly impressive as they toss off throaty yells and punchy stoner metal riffs in bunches. But they don’t veer off into the hazy, but rather careen off at a red bull-powered pace, which keeps their tunes flowing. LISTEN: “Staring Through Skulls”

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Three phenomenal reasons to get “psyched” up at the Empty Bottle tonight…

1. Any time Chicago psych-punks Rabble Rabble play the Empty Bottle is a time you want to be around. Within those special four walls the band truly comes alive, leaping off the record with explosive precision. The beats are bigger, the guitar solos border on out of control and the banter is pure gold. Come by and see why Rabble Rabble made our 11 Chicago Bands to Watch in 2011 list.
WATCH: “Doubt It“

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By Audrey Leon  \  comments

Three reasons to ride the buzz train all the way down to the Empty Bottle tonight…

1. Brooklyn duo Tanlines have garnered acclaim from outlets like The New York Times and Pitchfork for their mix of dance pop that is largely reminiscent of good old 80s synth wave. But that’s not where this story ends. No, Tanlines go the Vampire Weekend route adding some tropical flavor into the mix with the help of computerized beats. The end result is a collision of lush synth pop and warm island rhythms that should have you swaying on the dancefloor. WATCH: “All of Me“

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By Audrey Leon  \  comments

The spring holidays are upon us. So if you’re not huddled in a car, riding the highways trying to get to [insert relative here]‘s house for the arrival of the Easter bunny, why not check out a few shows?

This week we’re talking Heavy Times at the Burlington, Outer Minds’ record release party at the Empty Bottle, and Bone and Bell at the Whistler.

Let’s hop to it.

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Three reasons to give Monday the finger and skip on over to the Empty Bottle this evening…

1. Chicago’s Caught In Your Pockets have the term, “indie pop,” all over their Facbook and Bandcamp pages, but don’t let that fool you. This trio has some serious edge that isn’t often associated with what many consider indie pop. Frontwoman Brynn Bixby powers the band via her melodic siren calls as she lays down some dark keyboard licks, while bassist Alex Beach rocks the fuzz on top of drummer Moo Haygood’s wild rhythms. LISTEN: “3 Plus 4″

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HoZac Records has unveiled the full Blackout Fest line-up just as tickets for the three-day punk rager went on sale Wednesday afternoon.

As we previously reported, the rowdy punk and garage fest will return to the Empty Bottle this May 17-20.

This year’s edition will feature headliners Roky Erickson, Davilla 666, and Redd Kross.

Additionally, local acts Bare Mutants and White Mystery are also scheduled to play.

Three-day passes for the festival are now sold-out, according to TicketWeb. However, single-day tickets ($20 for Friday, $25 Saturday and Sunday) are still available.

The fun begins Thursday, May 17, with the opening art show party at the Bottom Lounge‘s Volcano Room featuring old Chicago punks Mentally Ill and Cemetery.

Find the complete lineup for all three days below.

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By Audrey Leon  \  comments