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 38 weeks into the year, and I have seen 163 shows.
Three days after Riot Fest you’d think I would want something different, but what I really needed a little punk injection to help the withdrawal. Dogleg more than did the trick. Three guys (usually four, but guitarist Parker Grissom couldn’t go on this tour) from Detroit. It was their first time playing Chicago proper, which may explain why they seemed to be pulling out all the stops. From the moment they began playing they moved in seizure-like motions—bouncing so fast it was more like vibrating. Somehow the music was still “music”. I was blown away by their energy and thought my face would crack with the joy it gave me. Central to their sound is drummer Jacob Hanlon. He pulled off intricacies at a speed most drummers can only dream of. No wonder he had sweat drenched hair and crazy eyes. Bassist Chase Macinski seemed to be airborne as much as he was on the ground. Vocalist Alex Stoitsiadis was on the mic most of the time, but once he pulled off a one handed cartwheel with his guitar still strapped on, it was clear that he wasn’t going to let his bandmates have all the fun. Hanlon shouted from the kit, “Heads up everyone, this is our last song!” And they blazed into “Modern Language.” It was worth paying attention. Near the end you had not just one hangup, but four. I think…I’m not sure. I lost track. If I wasn’t already sold on their talent, the tightness of those breaks and beats was enough to make me want to keep track of these guys and hope they come back to Chicago soon.
Future Teens brought us playful emo-punk tunes from Boston. Their earnest lyrics and stage presence reminded me of musical theatre. Like in theatre, they told stories that ring true with the audience. The fans showed up and sang along to “In Love or Whatever” and “Frequent Crier.” Sang by Daniel Radon and Amy Hoffman, respectively. Hearing from different voices is one of my fav things in a band, it brings different energy to the stage as they take on different roles. When Hoffman wasn’t singing they’re moving. Swinging and jumping. Doing high kicks with bass player Maya Mortman and guitar sparring with Radin. Even with all that, the music was tight, like its coming straight from their bones. They were all busting smiles constantly and it was clear that they are all soul and friendship and exactly where they wanted to be.
The Sidekicks started their set with a traditional easy going rock sound, “Twin’s Twist.” The rhythm section is all rock all the time, with bass and drums providing a rolling beat throughout the set. The drummer, Matt Climer, brought the power as opposed to the speed, like he was trying to punch a hole in his kit. The vocals and guitars set the tone when they move into a more bouncy punk sound for their song “Grace.” Steve Ciolek set the tone performance-wise. As he sang, he brought emotion to his face and gestures. When he backed off the mic he took a wide stance and rocked from foot to foot, then jumped and landed on his knees. The audience really lost it for “Don’t Feel Like Dancing,” one of those perfectly oxymoronic songs that I defy you NOT to dance to.
By far the most subtle performance of the night, Oso Oso gave us their music pure and simple. They may not have given us cartwheels, but the lead vocalist and songwriter, Jade Lilitri, had a quiet confidence in his music. It was a set full of songs that had the audience singing along. Like “the view,” “basking in the glow,” and “a morning song.”But it was the encore that was my favorite. The band cleared the stage so Lilitri and his guitar could give us “one sick plan.” As the lyrics rolled around in my brain, I was reminded of the power of selecting the perfect evocative phrase. When you hear a song that touches you sung in person it can strike so deep you know you will never forget that moment.
Dogleg Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Future Teens Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
The Sidekicks Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Oso Oso Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
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