The first weekend of 2012 does not disappoint. There’s plenty of happenings to take in as you enjoy this RIDIC weather. We’re talking Secret Colours, Tiger Bones, The Gorilla Press and more!

Dig it…

FRIDAY

THE CELL PHONES
In case you hadn’t heard, late last month I named The Cell Phones’s Hospital Spaceship EP as one of my Top 10 albums of 2011. Whether you want to cause a riot or a dance-off, The Cell Phones’ brand of arty, dance punk is great for all occasions. Also appearing at this shindig are bouncy pop-punkers Bully in the Hallway, grimey, sludge poppers Rodeo (Have you checked out their single “Lana Deth Ray,” yet?) and bad ass speed punks Velocicopter open. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 1/6. Subterranean. 21+ $10.

TIGER BONES
Tiger Bones, we hardly knew ye. But what we did know is that we really dug your warped garage-surf slash post-punk leanings. As our sometimes-contributor Dick Jones said about your Go Over Here EP back in April, the record, “tightly written, gloomy-but-intriguing songs,” which was really showcased in the crooked opening track, “Kill Them”. It’s sad to see a band go after quite a good release, but wish them a fond farewell, Chicago. Opening are pop rockers Pet Lions (who recently dropped a new vid) and the always melodic Hudson Branch. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 1/6. The Metro. 18+. $9.

SATURDAY

SECRET COLOURS
Psych-poppers Secret Colours are dropping a new EP on Saturday night, and we’ve already heard the track “Faust” from the cleverly titled EP3 in the form of a pretty damn insane video that starts off slow but ends with a convenience store clerk going all Nosferatu on the band. Seriously. But the song itself is dynamic rocker we hope carries over to the rest of the EP’s tracks. Opening are dark riff groover Apteka whose recent release Gargoyle Days is also a very impressive release. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/7. The Empty Bottle. 21+. FREE with RSVP (email rsvp@emptybottle.com)

THE LAWRENCE ARMS
Revered Chicago pop-punks are doing a little Midwestern tour to make up for the sheer lack of shows last year. How lengthy a tour, you ask? Four shows deep, my friend. But the most important one is Saturday at the Metro, TLA’s venue of choice when they’re not singing on top of counters at the L&L or opening for Dead Milkmen at the Congress, where the band played its 2003 album The Greatest Story Ever Told in its entirety last year. There’s no telling what rare gems TLA will dust off, but rest assured there will be plenty of hilarity in between Brendan Kelly’s scratchy growls, Chris McCaughan’s thoughtful harmonies and Neil Hennessy’s pummeling blows behind the kit. (Audrey Leon)

6:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/7. The Metro. All Ages. $21.

SUNDAY

HOLYOKE
Upon first listen of Holyoke’s cassette single Rachel’s Song, the bitter hard luck brand of folk that Omaha native and Cursive frontman Tim Kasher peddles seemed to be the same path Holyoke mastermind Joshua Pederson followed. But, the songs feel like much lighter fare, the kind that don’t drown their sorrows in a case of light beer, but lets them soar up into the sky like a baby bird flying for the first time. Opening the show tonight are Chicago’s own cannot-miss, angelic pop songstress Arthi Meera (whose cover of Morrissey’s “Suedehead” is minimalist pop perfection) and local folk singer-songwriter Brendan Losch. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1/8. Schubas. 21+ $6. (EARLY SHOW)

THE GORILLA PRESS
What really struck me about The Gorilla Press’ latest, A Natural Thing (Unnatural To Me), was their ability to hone in their ’90s rock influences to craft a melodic but crunchy rock record that for the most part is a pretty lively affair. And be sure to get there for The Avantist who seemlessly meld Mars Volta dramatics with a more indie rock (Stroke-ish, even) approach. Also performing are alt-rockers The Flips and crazy progsters Snake Party. (Richard Giraldi)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1/8. Beat Kitchen. 17+. $10.

Whales

Cheer up, Chicago! Cold weather may be officially here, but this weekend is lining up to be pretty spectacular (i.e. no rain and possibly some sun). But, we’re not here to do Tom Skilling’s job; No, we’re talking about some sweet shows at Ultra Lounge, The Whistler and Quenchers.

Vamos… a jugar por la playa.

FRIDAY

WHALES
Local quartet make some beautiful noise. The group’s 2011 self-titled album overflows with pulsing, sweaty beats and ambient noises. Singer Maigin Blank seems to float ever so gently over all the rhymthic chaos below. Logan Square post-punks Nonagon and Chicago pop-punks Blackout Dates open. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 12/9. Quenchers. 21+ $5 donation.

SEQUOIA
I was quite impressed with the raw, heavy and earnest guitar antics of Sequoia on their latest, Couple Two Tree. A little Queens Of the Stone Age-esque stoner rock and a little Screaming Trees-like grunge feel but with a staunchly Midwestern lean, Sequoia remind the listener that hard rock can rock hard without sounding or feeling cliche or dated. Couple Two Tree finds the band dabbling in the riffy familiarity we know so well, but with a nearly folky approach in Chicago-centric lyrics that are often comforting in their directness. Also performing at The Set, Persistence of Memory and Hot Hot Robot. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 12/9. Martyrs. 21+. $8.

SATURDAY

THE GORILLA PRESS
Chicago rockers The Gorilla Press are children of the 90s. And like any disciple of that era’s music, the quintet plays an amalgam of sick noise rock with hard and fast guitar riffs, deep explosive rhythms and plenty of dexterous keyboard action. Headlining this show are Chicago’s own alterna-folk rockers Channel Four. Lo-fi indie rockers Black Cat Heart Attack open. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/10. Ultra Lounge. 21+ $5 (or free w/ rsvp before 8:30 p.m., if you email “mp.general.office@gmail.com”).

HEAVY TIMES
Aint no party like a HoZac party cause a HoZac party don’t…something, something…right? Um, well, anyway, HoZac brings the Holiday cheer to the Volcano Room (upstairs in the Bottom Lounge, duh) this Saturday night. There will be festivities, oh yes indeedy, that will include free (!) pinball and more (probably). But I’m most excited for an appearance from HoZac Record’s and Chicago’s own Heavy Times. Their latest release, Jacker, is a gritty take on old school punk mixed with a dark garage rock attack. Yeah, it’s pretty awesome. Additionally, there will be “Seasonal” special guests. Any guesses? Santa? The Grinch? Herman Cain? Jesus? Who knows. All I know is that this party won’t…uh…um….oh yeah…STOP! (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/10. Volcano Room (1375 W Lake St). 21+. Free or money.

SUNDAY

LAKESIGNS
Sundays are for rest and relaxation. Kick back at the Whistler with the upbeat stylings of Lakesigns. The prog rockers include all the bells and whistles (yes, actual whistles) on its recent album Imboden Hoxie. The percussive-heavy material is balanced out by the addition of a saxophone, which gives the rock-leaning tracks a bit of sexy, jazz edge. Singer-songwriter Darrick Thompson headlines. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Sunday, 12/11. The Whistler. 21+ FREE!

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.

One thing for sure is that The Gorilla Press aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. A Natural Thing is riddled with references from grungers Pearl Jam and Silverchair to moody The Bends-era Radiohead to the tenderness of The Decemberists. But what The Gorilla Press do differently is take those bit and pieces from their influence pile and piece them in a way that’s hardly derivative.

“On Fire” opens with a frantic urgency before finding sturdy footing among a bubbling rhythm. Later the song opens up into a melodic starburst that begs for choral support. It’s that type of shaping – bringing an expansive Arcade Fire-like vocal cue and inserting it at the end of a ragged rocker – that The Gorilla Press do so well.

The band show off their ability to groove with the ghostly funk of “Kneejerk,” while “Possibilities” finds the band going for fuzzy garage rock but the riffs are clear and not jumbled.

They also aren’t afraid of dabbling in more epic-like territory with the two-parted “Whale In The Sea.” Beginning with some melancholy dream pop that rises among delay swells, “Part 1″ gives way to the more aggressive “Part 2,” which offers dark keyboard strikes, a gritty double guitar breakdown and vocalist Chris Kang’s scratchy snarl.

Not only has the band matured musically, but they have never sounded as confident as they do on A Natural Thing. The result is a record that finds The Gorilla Press at their most comfortable while still not afraid of coloring outside the lines.

____________________________________________________________________
THE GORILLA PRESS
9:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1 (Record Release)
Schubas, 3159 N. Southport
18+. $8.
Tickets available at Schubas.com.
____________________________________________________________________

The Gorilla Press

2. We Love You have also recently released a self-titled EP in April, which is chock full of bustling, guitar-heavy indie rock. And its obvious that these locals know how to craft a damn fine rock song in the style of their influences (seemingly early ’90s alt/indie rock). Songs drift with a Pavement-esque airy-ness (“Celebrated”) and chug along with a driving rhythms (“Preacher On Paper”). It’s a good thing the band loves us seeing how we just can’t help but love them.

3. Finally rounding out tonight’s line-up, and coming straight at you from Washing D.C., are Deleted Scenes. And while we’re on the topic of recent releases, they too have unleashed a new single, titled “Bedbedbedbedbed”, that will be on their upcoming full-length. The tune is extremely melodic, possibly hauntingly so, with echo-bathed vocals and a mechanical drum beat gives it a dream-pop quality.

8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 7/13. Panchos. 21+. $7.

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

The Gorilla Press

2. Also on tonight’s bill is Michael Runion, who calls Glendale, California, home. Runion plays a combination of revved up, garage pop and slow burning folk-indie tunes. Despite which style his songs take, his dusty vocals are the true star. Also, be sure to check out Runion’s Daytrotter session, which you can listen to in its entirety right now at Daytrotter.com.

3. Opening the show is Chicago’s Chaperone! They play jangly, soaring indie-folk dittys, the kind that are perfect for summer evenings such as this one. So, if you’re going through music withdrawl after Pitchfork Music Festival, there’s no better night than tonight to get back on the wagon!

8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21. Beat Kitchen. 21+. $8.

The band will stream their practice sessions live on Ustream.tv from their practice space at Chicago’s Music Garage according to a post on their Myspace Page. As of now, the stream is only video, but things should get interesting when they add sound to the live footage. They also write that they plan to live stream every Saturday and Sunday morning when they practice as they’re in the middle of writing and recording a new record.

No word on the album’s release date or status, but we’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, you can tune into The Gorilla Press’ live stream right here.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3t8KfC3GO4

*Filmed by Britni Day
*Edited by Britni Day & Richard Giraldi

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

Simply put: There are thousands of great local bands playing every week in our fair city. Some you might know and some you might not. Seeing as it’s the beginning of a brand new decade, we thought we’d point out some local bands who we think are on the verge of breaking into the big time. And isn’t it always cool to say you were a fan of popular act back in the day when they were playing for eight people in a crappy dive bar? Yes, it is always cool. (Ed. Note: Although numbered, this list is in no particular order)

1. MY GOLD MASK
For a duo, My Gold Mask have probably one of the most layered, hauntingly orchestrated sounds you will ever hear. Seriously, White Stripes – eat your hearts out. Comprised of the multi-talented Jack Armondo and the seductive soulstress Gretta Rochelle, whose voice ranges from high pitched Karen O squeals to a low burning croon, My Gold Mask is set for prime time as they ready the release of their brand new EP A Thousand Voices. You can check out their record release party this Saturday at The Hideout.
Must hear: Violet Eyes

2. MAKO SICA
Mako Sica’s debut on Permanent Record’s house label was a rare treat of patience that never got boring and experimentation that never got too out there as to lose cohesion. Twenty-ten sees the band releasing a proper studio album, Dark Horizon, on La Societe Expeditionnaire. Their style might not gain them huge notoriety. But in a city willing to embrace all manners of musical expression, they’re sure to be on many folk’s radar. If you’re a fan of genre bending experimentation and psych jam freak-outs keep your eyes peeled for Mako Sica in 2010.
Must hear: Dark Horizon in its entirety

3. THE GORILLA PRESS
Chicago’s experimental post-rockers, The Gorilla Press, continue to make great impressions all around the city. Since the release of their first self-titled album, The Gorilla Press has been continuously playing bigger shows, writing for a second album and working on music videos with director Ichiro Hino. Only months after releasing the video for “Abuse Your Sight”, Hino was off and running again with “Anger In The Drains” expected to be out in February. The band has decided to hunker down for the winter and work on recording their second album expected out this coming year. The Gorilla Press has grown in leaps and bounds and is absolutely a Chicago band to keep and eye on this coming year. The Gorilla Press is out now on their website.
Must hear: Abuse Your Sight

4. BAILIFF
Bailiff offer one of the heaviest and hard hitting blues rock sounds this side of Nashville, and their riffs, powered by guitarist Josh Siegel, often have more in common with Queens Of The Stone Age or Kyuss than Muddy Waters. Their sound is even more fleshed out now as they’ve finally added a bassist in Adam Schneider after a long and exhausting search, which is the excellent news for drummer Ren Mathew whose ever-so-tight back beat finally has a low end to make Bailiff’s grooves even more menacing. Bailiff are making their 2010 live debut this Saturday at Lincoln Hall, so be there.
Must hear: Even I Know The Rain

5. FAIR AND KIND
Adorable and sparkly, Fair and Kind made quite an impression on fans with their first album A Little Past Twilight. After a summer tour filled with gorgeous mix of dream pop/shoe gaze and Arthi Meera’s perfectly beautiful voice, both Arthi and Anand Subramanian settled down for the winter and started writing again. We here at Loud Loop are poised and ready for their second album possibly titled Light Music Program. The collaboration of this brother, sister duo has made headlines more than once with us by writing songs for movie soundtracks, and becoming a part of Pandora. We expect more great things from them again this year. A Little Past Twilight is out now on Fairandkind.com.
Must hear: A Fabulous Disaster

6. THE STREETS ON FIRE
Never has a dance rock band sounded so sinister until The Streets On Fire came along with their highly impressive debut Hot Weekend. A bouncy rhythm section gives way to angular and frantic guitar riffs as lead singer Chadwick spouts his gnarled, rambling messages over it all. It’s fun yet dark and, at times, nearly psychotic. Check out The Streets On Fire on January 27 at the Double Door.
Must hear: We Play With Tigers

7. PUERTO MUERTO
Twenty-ten might be the year of boy-girl duos. Another of Chicago’s best is husband and wife indie-folk duo Puerto Muerto, which will release their new LP, Drumming For Pistol in February. The title track has already been released, and it’s pretty epic with Christa Meyer’s vocals leading the way along as Tim Kelley’s big climactic guitar strums. Plus, they’ll be touring North America this year with a full band, so that’ll will be pretty awesome, no doubt.
Must hear: Drumming For Pistols

8. EARTH PROGRAM
Where to begin with Earth Program? One of the most unique, quirky, and unbelievably solid bands in Chicago’s scene, Earth Program is something that everyone can love. Although they describe their music as post-punk/indie pop, I would have to say they are a little more complex than that. They start with loads of reverb on the microphones with vocals that sound Perry Farrel-esque (only with more insanity) and then add in a little psychedelic surf rock for kicks. They continue by screaming, “You know you really don’t like me” at the audience. Earth Program displays many faces and is constantly taking listeners on a ride. Stage antics are a must for Earth Program. If it’s not costumes, then it’s wild dancing and stomping. It’s captivating and relentless and wonderful. Catch Earth Program on January 29 at Ronny’s.
Must hear: Eat Your Makeup

9. THE SWEEPS
A little dreamy surf rock, a little power pop, the occasional waltz and lots of screaming good fun make up the sound of The Sweeps. Just coming off of their recent, massive Midwest tour, the trio is making their way in the Chicago scene. The future holds both tv appearances, and endless shows for The Sweeps. On stage, The Sweeps could never disappoint. Their songs are catchy, their stage presence is amazing and the energy from their fans is intoxicating. Check out The Sweeps on January 16 at the Double Door.
Must hear: Waltz

10. WE LOVE YOU
Four guys that all used to live in Ohio and one by one made their way to Chicago, We Love You play the kind of slightly off-kilter indie rock some of us grew up on. Think Archers of Loaf and you’ll know what I’m talking about. In a short period, Derek (guitars/vocals), Matt (drums), Nick (bass), and Zach (guitar) have written some pretty catchy tunes and hit the local scene running. At this pace you may have no choice but to hop on the bandwagon in 2010. Feel the love when We Love You hit the Subterranean on January 20.
Must hear: We Should’ve Known