We can’t all make it down to Austin this month for SXSW. It’s expensive, and if you’re in a band it’s REAL expensive. This year, Chicago has an alternative to SXSW. Cole’s Bar in Logan Square will play host to the first ever SUXS Fest this Friday. Music. Beer. That’s it.
The ’60s influenced pop music of Arts & Letters sounds a bit like Simon & Garfunkel if they had a banjo player. Their songs are extremely catchy folk rock that has a definite British Invasion vibe. They’ll be opening up the festivities this Friday, here’s a taste:
Continuing the night is Dann Morr, who’s music is as sharp and stylish as he is. Morr is no stranger to making good indie rock, having been in and out of groups since the ’90s he’s definitely earned his place in the Chicago music scene. His latest release Shouting Into The Wind came out last September and has enough power pop hits to keep you listening.
Mooner are the clever (and only slightly bitter) masterminds behind SUXS Fest. Besides coming up with names for one day festivals, they’re also a pretty damn good rock band. The catchy and sarcastic “Making Americans” has been stuck in our heads pretty much since we first heard it. They’ve got a new album in the works so expect plenty of fresh material at Cole’s on Friday. Keep playing this one until then.
Their bitterness towards SXSW is not unfounded, check out their teaser video below for a little insight into their experience in Austin.
Closing out the night are Secret Science. These guys are just as upbeat and catchy as the rest of the bands on this bill but with the right amount of erratic song structure and angular guitar parts to make them just a little bit more post-punk. Whatever you call it, it’s damn fine. Their 4-song EP GALORE is certainly worth a listen.
Ok, it’s not Austin but hey, the sun might be out that day and this mid-40’s weather is the closest thing we’ve had to spring in a while. Fight the corporate music machine by going to a free show this Friday. It may not change anything but at least you’ll have more money for beer.
Friday, March 20th, Cole’s Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave. 21+, 9pm. RSVP on Facebook.
Secret Science Bandcamp | Facebook Mooner Bandcamp | Facebook
Dann Morr Official | Bandcamp Arts & Letters Bandcamp | Facebook