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 5 weeks into the year, and I have seen 17 shows.
The spot on rendition of “Sleep Walk” shuffled and swayed and pulled the audience into the backroom of Sleeping Village as Space Gators kicked off this night of music. They played mostly songs from their first album release, Intergalactic Swamp Songs, just out a couple weeks ago. Def worth checking out.
They shifted tones throughout, blending pysch, rockabilly, surf, and a touch of twang. The mood and pace changed but their joy to be playing was clear. Ryan Deffet tick-tocked his hips to the happy jaunt of “No No Not Today.” That had to be my favorite song, although truth be told, I don’t think I stopped smiling during their set. Their playful nature was contagious, especially as they howled and hooted through their last song, a cover of “Got my Mojo Working.”
Happy vibes bounced around as Space Gators gave us the perfect start to a celebratory night of local music.
Andrew Sa may not specialize in the same kind of happy vibe Space Gators brought to the show. But he will definitely make you smile. His music is so very sad, but it is also witty. In addition to his original songs about things like eye fucking. “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears” a cover of a Lavender Country song is an example of how he curates covers that fit his personality and show off his talent.
Sa was in the mood to show us some moves. Swaying and stepping smoothly to the music of his talented band. Sa closed out his set with “Two Cigarettes.” It was one of the saddest barn burners I’ve seen/heard in a long time. And unbelievably beautiful. The kind of beauty that feels like it is going to either lift you up or bowl you over. His voice was silky and sad and comforting all at the same time. His vibrato tunneled straight to my heart and elicited cries or tearful joy from the audience.
Chirp Radio put together this show to premiere the music video of Waltzer’s latest single, “Destroyer.” It’s a big ballad showing off Waltzer’s pipes to great effect. The heartbreaking music paired with a story of abduction by alien-type creatures, expressed a sense of helplessness in the face of those things that seek to take over and control our lives. It could be depression or addiction, or a person we know isn’t good for us.
Those long sustained notes, “Woah, baby I’m gonna teach you a lesson, wooooahhh,” were heady and breathtaking. And that was just watching the video! I look forward to seeing Waltzer perform again and hearing a live rendition because the thing that was first and foremost about Waltzer’s performance was that she is a powerful performer.
Her voice wailed and whispered with equal intensity. And she threw her whole body into the music, ricocheting around the stage. Her band had the chops to keep up. The drummer, Jack Lickerman provided the perfect bounce and drive (and a lovely sparkly suit!). I was particularly taken by the powerhouse vocal harmonies being provided by bassist, Kelly Hanneman. Guitarist, Chet Zenor, was exactly what I like to see. Someone that gives themselves over to the music in a way that looks entirely organic and is entrancing to watch. This is a group that is going to be making waves in the local scene, make sure to catch them.
Space Gators Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Andrew Sa Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Waltzer Facebook | Spotify | Instagram
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