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 12 weeks into the year and I have seen 61 shows.
“Nice looking out and seeing all those smiling and familiar faces,” Rookie guitarist Max Loebman smiled and nodded at the Thalia Hall crowd. This occasional series of In the Round shows at Thalia Hall is a gift to the Chicago music scene. It brings the artists down onto our level in the beautiful old opera house, but even more than that, playing in the round offers an opportunity for the fans and musicians to connect in a new way. Every direction I looked there was someone’s face, their joy. All of those connections made through a shared experience. It was an electric feeling all night long.
Things were kicked off by Rookie, delivering hard-hitting old school rock ‘n’ roll. The band wore matching jumpsuits with “Rookie” emblazoned on the back. Never would this be as appropriate as in this in the round set up. One of my favorite things about Rookie is the fact that they use two lead vocalists. Drummer, Joe Bordenaro, in particular, has a very distinct voice with a nice whine edge to it, which is always welcome to my ear. It wasn’t long before they were all moving with the music. Their hair was flying and the stage was literally bouncing. The amps were precariously rocking–it was a bit disturbing. I had to avert my gaze and let myself get lost in their old school rock vibes.
Stuyedeyed was the only of our four bands that was on tour, from Brooklyn. They gave one hell of a performance, a real face-melter! Their lyrics are socially conscious; “Mr. Policeman,” in particular, demands you wake up and see what is happening in the world. Their performance energy was raw and sexual. Lead singer, Nelson Antonio Espinal, was an exhibitionist. He challenged us when he looked out on us, getting off on controlling our experience. During “Miscarry On,” he made us wait for the next note and beg for him to rock our bodies. Humberto Genao thrummed his bass with a powerful stance. The drumming by Luis Ruelas was raw and dirty. George Ramirez thrusted his hips against his guitar in rhythm with the music. Their performance left the audience breathless and invigorated.
(Hint: pronounced sti-eyed, after the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn.)
Pool Holograph was a change of pace. It was still rock, but it was chill. The audience swayed. Wyatt Grant delivered his vocals with a relaxed smile. I really dug the hitch in his voice; it gave an edge to this cleaner brand of rock, especially on “Visitation.” As he played guitar, Paul Stolz contorted his body and leaned into the music. His brother, Jake Stolz, bounced on his seat, feeling the rhythm of his drumming with every inch of his body. The addition of Spencer Ouellette on sax partway through the set added an even smoother element to their music.
Lead singer/keys player Stephanie Smith was practically beaming as Varsity kicked off their headlining set. She bounced and had an effervescence that they all shared. We had the Stolz brothers of Pool Holograph back. They didn’t wane in energy. Jake was back to bouncing at the drum kit, but Paul was on the bass this time. He rocked back and forth, feeling the music in his feet and knees. Pat Stanton played his guitar with a strutting attitude. Dylan Weschler sang along even when not providing backup vocals. His guitar solos also had a decidedly vocal quality to them.
The band got the crowd full-on dancing. It was a joyful way to round out the night, leaving us all high on the sense of community that’s so great about the local music scene here in Chicago.
Rookie Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Stuyedeyed Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Pool Holograph Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Varsity Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
You must be logged in to post a comment.