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 20 weeks into the year and I have seen 31 shows.
Caroline Campbell’s voice is entrancing. It’s strong, seductive, and caressing as she plays the keyboard, holding the stage completely on her own. When she is joined by Ben Taylor on Novation bass and Alex Taylor with the tambourine/shaker, it rounds out the sound in a really nice way.
Engine Summer is the epitome of laid-back, Lake Michigan beach sound. The city pulse sometimes takes over the sound of waves, and there are rocks in the sand–a lyrical angst in the music. The outfit played a great set, the highlight for me was “Commander.” It might have something to do with the gravitas of what my show friend, Alicia, called the “slick” blue guitar.
Gal Gun was working with a slightly different lineup than when I saw them on Cinco de Mayo at Schubas. They had the guitarist from Rookie, Dimitri, sitting in, bringing a looseness to the music. They were taking chances, especially lead singer, Col. Rather than playing guitar, he was able to hold the mic, pull it from the stand, and move around the stage. It was playful, it was risky, it was fun. They closed with a rock ‘n’ roll classic they hadn’t played in public before, “Eight Days a Week.”
Pointers had three guys on the stage and a fourth experimenting with projecting images onto the band. In the way it was used, I’m not sure it added anything beyond blinding the drummer. The three musicians definitely seemed to be exploring their way through the set. Chatter about what song to play next may have been intended to seem improvisational, but it drained some of the energy from the room. But, they had nice bouncy tunes. I especially liked “Streetcrosser,” and did feel driven to go find it on their Bandcamp page afterwards for repeat listens. Hopefully, they will continue to develop and tighten their stage craft.
Thanks to Pointers for putting together a fun lineup of Chicago music! If you missed this show, Caroline Campbell will be playing in Chicago at Burlington Bar, June 4. Also, don’t miss the chance to catch Catch Engine Summer playing in Chicago at Empty Bottle, June 19
Caroline Campbell Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Gal Gun Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Engine Summer Official | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Pointers Bandcamp | Instagram
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