My goal is to see one show per week. Yes, I might be that annoying friend that just has to tell you about the thing you missed, but I’m also catching every great show in the city of Chicago–with plenty more ahead of me. Welcome to the Chicago Concert Dispatch.
At the time of this show, it is 26 weeks into the year and I have seen 54 shows.
Kachi the Band is a straightforward, hard-hitting rock quartet fronted by Kachi Ebrinigah. Kachi screeches lyrics into the mic and plays his guitar with passionate aggression. Whenever he wasn’t professing a desire for someone to stand by him, or realize his destiny, or love the way you are in the morning, he was moving his body in arches and pivots to play the guitar with more power. I especially liked “This is Not,” it had an almost early Beatles-esque bounce. The guitarist even did a Beatles-like head bob; it was pretty great. I wish I could listen to more of his songs at home, but no plans to record right now. I guess I will just have to go see him play live again soon.
I can’t remember the last time I saw a band that embodied their name as well as Have A Rad Day (H.A.R.D.) Their music has a powerful bouncy groove to it–you can’t listen to them without smiling, especially since they are smiling and bouncing and so enthusiastic themselves. Their whole stage presence is perfectly balanced and in tune with each other. I’m really glad I got to catch these guys on their way through Chicago. Like many bands that hail from Nashville, they’re stellar musicians. I love when the two guitarists play the melody in harmony or in counter, it lends depth and interest to their licks. The whole sound is layered and complex, defying the straightforward, happy messaging of their lyrics. Have A Rad Day is definitely a band for when you want to have a rockin’ good time (and I did).
The night of powerful performances continued with Modern Vices. This group has a sensual growl. It was a mood shift for sure, but they had great energy and the audience was receptive. Their sound really came together around lead singer Alex’s vocal style which is textured, acrobatic, and controlled. He makes perfect use of the mic to support the sound he is trying to evoke. I didn’t realize the full power of his voice while listening to their album, and needless to say, I was impressed. The audience swayed and bounced to the music, but it was “Baby” that really had people groovin’. In a different time or space, you’d take a turn around the dance floor, cheek-to-cheek, with the one you love. We should bring back the old dance hall tradition.
This was my first time at Sleeping Village, and I was a little frustrated at the dim stage lighting, especially for Kachi as I couldn’t even see his face when he was singing in the mic. Otherwise, it’s a new slick space with good sight lines and really good A/C, nice outdoor space, and great staff. I definitely plan on checking out their upcoming shows!
Kachi the Band Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
HARD Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Modern Vices Official | Facebook | Instagram
You must be logged in to post a comment.