Dying Scene

DS Show Review & Gallery: From Parts Unknown, Death and Memphis, and Voice of Addiction. Chicago, IL (07.11.2023)

July 17, 2023 | 12:36 pm

From Parts Unknown, out of the Lone Star State, did a Liar’s Club stop, providing the band members a fun chance to hang out with their good friends in Voice of Addiction. VOA and Death and Memphis have played in front of DS photographers repeatedly recently and we dig being there for the rollicking good times both of those bands serve up. It was a good evening onstage, as well as on the stoop outside 1665 West Fullerton Ave, well-known for being the place of some pretty great conversations and hangs.

From Parts Unknown is actually from a well-known part of the United States, Dallas, TX. The band brought its own flavor of Texas punk to Chicago. But the group is unlikely to include Greg Abbott, Rick Perry [current and former Governors of Texas respectively] or Ted Cruz [United States Senator from Texas) amongst its fan base. Flying a rainbow flag attached to his bass guitar, Derrick Soto caught some big air himself numerous times, as said flag rippled out to full display.

Soto told me:

“I do have one [“Defend Trans Kids” t-shirt]. Wasn’t wearing it that night. I usually just sport the flag on my bass in solidarity.“

Lead singer and guitar player Ben McCracken pulled no punches when he confirmed to me,

“Yeah Teddy and Ricky are not fans of us. Or especially Greg fucking Abbott. We are proudly Woke Texans even if that sounds oxymoronic.”

McCracken continues,

“We very much believe in and support trans rights. Our new song, “Take It Out” is about taking bigoted jokes out of the norm and letting people identify however they want to. To stop being ignorant with gender and doxing certain groups.”

From Parts Unknown relays its message through driving music perfectly complementing its powerful lyrics.

In addition to the aforementioned “Take It Out,” the included, “Barrymore,” “13 Years Ago,” “Lebowski,” “Blood and Teeth,” Bill Braski Is Not One Of Us, and “Teddy Ruxpin,” among others.

There’s a well-known saying that everything is bigger in Texas. That can surely be said of From Parts Unknown. The trio – McCracken, Soto, and drummer Jimmy Sefcik – blasted over the crowd, with sound, high jumps and hair…a lot of hair. Makes sense since Texas is also known for big hair, right? Seriously though, From Parts Unknown is on a steady road to being well-known. Or even more well-known. Per McCracken,

“As far as news goes, our album is being remastered by Scott Halquist [Ten Foot Pole] and should be available on green vinyl around November this year. We have two music videos in the works to make when we get home over the next month/two.“

So make sure you catch these Texas tornadoes at your earliest chance. Unless you are a fan of Teddy, Ricky, or Greg that is.

Death and Memphis has been on a tear this year. I covered one of its shows in April, and this present post is one of two shot by a DS staffer in the last few weeks. Considering how good the music is and the energetic and appealing stage presence of all four band members, it’s hard to resist covering Death and Memphis shows. This spirited performance, by four genuinely decent humans and talented veteran musicians, was no exception.

The next opportunity to check out Death and Memphis will be on July 29 at guitar player Steev Custer’s Birthday Bash. It takes place at Custer’s Fine Tunes Center For The Arts. Come hang out and wish Steev a happy one!

Another one of our regulars of late is Chicago’s Voice of Addiction. Once again giving a solid and tight performance, the trio did not disappoint. VOA was not originally on the bill but grabbed the opportunity to hang with, and help out, good friends VOA members donated their takes to their good friends in From Parts Unknown, to help them on the road. This was not a show about money for Ian Tomele, Tyler Miller, and Kevin Amaro.

McCracken explained how he and Tomele became friends,

“So, Ian and I became friends prob about 7ish years ago when VOA was in town and needed a crash spot, and myself being someone who puts bands up, got asked by I can’t remember but am sure was a credible friend to help them. Years later we stayed in touch and he let my now wife and me stay during Riot Fest, maybe 2017? “

This night was about friendship and having a good time. VOA nailed it, and one of the reasons we love covering the trio.

The three terrific bands made it totally worth going out on so early in the week. McCracken summed up the evening,

“As far as our show at Liars, it was fun like always. Gary [Kessler, the beloved bar manager, shoe connoisseur, and winner of the Chicago Reader “Best of Chicago” category, “Best Music Venue Bartender” these past two years] is a trip and amazing. It’s always a stop that makes me want to party. The show was solid lineup wise, and for a Tuesday not too bad a turnout.“

Please check out more photos from the show. Thanks and cheers!

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by Staff Writer MerGold

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DS Show and Match Review & Gallery: Dropkick Murphys and Shaquille “DJ Diesel’ O’Neal at Major League Rugby National Championship. (Bridgeview, IL – 7/8/23)

July 15, 2023 | 1:29 pm

Punk and Sports once again intersect here at Dying Scene, as Dropkick Murphys capped off the Major League Rugby National Championship at Bridgeview, Illinois’ Seatgeek Stadium. Known formerly as the home stadium of Major League Soccer club the Chicago Fire FC, it now serves as the home pitch for Chicago Hounds Rugby Club. Dawgtown, as the stadium has since been dubbed, hosted an absolute kicker of a day, with the New England Free Jacks taking the title with their win over the San Diego Legion 25-24. Even Shaquille “DJ Diesel” O’Neal showed up to add a bit of literal fire to the festivities.

In my decades-long photojournalism career, I have shot a lot of sports. NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB, the Indy 500 and Nascar, Division I and below college sports of all kinds. Same goes for high school athletics and various other sports on differing levels as well. Most was done in the past during my days as a graduate student at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, at several daily newspaper photojournalism internships and various daily newspaper and other companies’ staff photographer positions.

So, whenever I have a chance to shoot sports I grab it. Most often these days from seat high up in the Chicago Major League Baseball parks, Wrigley Field, home field of the Northsiders Chicago Cubs, and Guaranteed Rate Field, home field to the Southsiders Chicago White Sox.

And when I can combine punk rock and sports I get excited. Whether it was surveying Punk Rock Soccer/Futbol fans for our World Cup exclusive, or actually taking photos of a rugby match with a punk band playing the after-match concert. The latter was the case here. It was absolutely an utter blast. I’m not sure there is quite the connection between punk and rugby yet as there is with punk and soccer/futbol, but there should be and hopefully, more will discover it.

It must have kismet. Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys informed the crowd that they signed up for this gig before knowing the rugby club from Quincy, MA, near Boston, the New England Free Jacks would make it to the Major League Rugby Championship. But he could barely contain his excitement for what the team achieved. As Free Jacks players celebrated at the back and side of the stage behind the DKM banner, it was evident that while winning the Championship was the highlight of their day, they were excited to be on stage with favorites from their home area in Massachusetts. Several players were spotted singing DKM songs perfectly, nailing every lyric. Punk and Sports came together when the players, standing behind Casey on stage sang along with the band on “Shipping Up To Boston.” Arguably their most famous Dropkick Murphys’ song (although it’s really a Woody Guthrie song), it has often been used in commercials, tv and movies. But what happened here, with the crowd also joining in, added up to the most joyous rendition of the song that I have ever witnessed.

By the time a crowd member threw a rugby ball up to the stage for the players to sign, Casey was sporting a Free Jacks national championship hat. The match was an exciting one. I still do not understand all the rules of professional rugby in the United States, with players from all over the world, but it was evident this match could be described as thrilling. A record crowd for an MLR Championship, the stands were filled with diehard fans who traveled far to support their Rugby Club.

More kismet is that there is a 5-part docuseries following the New England Free Jacks. You can watch it on Youtube.

Shaquille “DJ Diesel” O’Neal presented a very enjoyable set with a lot of familiar rock and pop songs from the 1980’s on. The highlight was one song with samples from Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teenage Spirit.” Another highlight was when the retired NBA legend jokingly called out a crowd member for claiming he did not know a song. O’Neal reminded said crowd member they are the same age. It was fun and yeah more than a dash of punk attitude, along with pyrotechnics.

And finally on to the Dropkick Murphys set. On a stage set up at one end of the rugby pitch, there was no lack of enthusiasm from the band or from the crowd. The band ran through the major hits, including, “The Boys are Back,” “The State Of Massachusets,” “Rose Tattoo, ” and the aforementioned “Shipping Up To Boston.”

They also played a version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” That song serves as the anthem for the Liverpool Football Club in the English Premier League, but even I, as a longtime Arsenal FC supporter, can admit it was a lovely moment.

In addition, there was a message sent from the band as the pipes and tin whistle player sported a t-shirt with Rugby Union Now. It was the same statement printed on the bright pink uniforms of the match referees.

A final note, another Celtic-tinged punk band, Flatfoot 56, has performed at some of the Chicago Hounds matches. I hope the band does this next season. I’d love to document FF6 guys and other bands at rugby matches. Get in the scrum!

Please check out more photos from the day. Thanks and Cheers!

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New England Free Jacks members sing “Shipping Up To Boston
New England Free Jacks members sing “Shipping Up To Boston
New England Free Jacks members sign a fan’s rugby ball as Ken Casey stands nearby
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New England Free Jacks vs San Diego Legion
New England Free Jacks vs San Diego Legion
The New England Free Jacks celebrating with the Major League Rugby National Championship.
San Diego Legion players and crew console each other after the loss.
Shaquille “DJ Diesel” O’Neal
Shaquille “DJ Diesel” O’Neal

by Staff Writer MerGold

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Bridgeview Illinois DJ Diesel dropkick murphys Major League Rugby New England Free Jacks

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DS Show Review & Gallery: The Hold Steady, The Mountain Goats, and Dillinger Four. Chicago (07.01.2023)

July 8, 2023 | 11:06 pm

Chicago’s newest large music venue hosted two nights of The Hold Steady, The Mountain Goats, and Dillinger Four. I was there to document the second night for Dying Scene’s first show at The Salt Shed. The Salt Shed is so named because the venue was built out of the Morton Salt Warehouse Complex. The Chicago […]

The Salt Shed is so named because the venue was built out of the Morton Salt Warehouse Complex. The Chicago Landmark was first opened nearly a century ago with the transformation into a music venue first open to the public in late 2022. The cavernous ceilings and fairly open-looking stage let you know immediately this is going to be a different kind of place to catch a show. It’s a cool-looking place for concerts. It sounded pretty good in there as well.

There is also an amphitheater on the grounds of the complex and a midway in which to hang out before the shows. It promises to be a great venue for shows. From my first experience at The Salt Shed, they may very well fulfill that promise.

The Hold Steady is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on this tour. The band presently comprised of Craig Finn, Tad Kubler, Steve Selvidge, Galen Polivka, Bobby Drake, and Franz Nicolay, also had another reason to celebrate. Kubler and Selvidge are “birthday twins.” That is they were both born on same day, month and year. At a Chicago Cubs game the night before this show, on the jumbotron, was a happy birthday shoutout to Kubler and Selvidge on their actual birthday. Dying Scene would like to extend a belated happy birthday wish as well.

Now, onto the show itself. This was the second of two nights for this bill with The Hold Steady headliners. The band may be two decades old, but they have retained the energy and enthusiasm of the early years. The set list included “Stuck Between Stations.” The song’s credited writers are by Craig Finn, Fran Nicolay and Tad Kubler. The references to Sal Paradise, the protagonist of the classic Jack Kerouac novel, “On The Road,” and to the late confessional poet, John Berryman, were a reminder that there were at least two published authors on this bill. Those being Franz Nicolay, and The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle.

The tune itself is a meditation on depression, written in the midst of a tough time for Finn.

“There are nights when I think Sal Paradise was right
Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together
Sucking off each other at the demonstrations
Making sure their makeup’s straight
Crushing one another with colossal expectations
Dependent, undisciplined, and sleeping late.”

The band also cruised through the set with “Sequestered in Memphis,” “Sideways Skull,” “Sixers,” “Chips Ahoy,” and “Your Little Hoodrat Friend,” among many others. The Hold Steady held the crowd steadily, in its grasp, from start to finish. Finn’s arms outstretched much of the time, matched in attitude by all of his bandmates, The Hold Steady thrilled the crowd. Will the band return to Chicago one day on its 40th Anniversary tour? We can hope, but if they do, it won’t be on any half-hearted nostalgia tour. No, I expect it will be just as exciting for the crowd and hopefully for the musicians as well. I hope to be there to document it once more.

Nearer in the future for The Hold Steady is the July 25th scheduled release of the oral and pictorial history of the band signed by the members, “The Gospel of the Hold Steady.” The limited edition pre-order package also includes a signed photo-journal chapbook by Tad Kubler, “TJK ON THS.”

It’s not often you see a band playing its arguably biggest hit right after taking the stage. That’s exactly what happened with The Mountain Goats. To the jubilant shock of myself, fellow photographers and fans, when the introductory notes of “This Year,” began. There was a virtual eruption of joy and being that it is one of my very favorite songs of all time, I was ecstatic as well. I discovered the 2005 tune late in its history, as many did, via its role as the ending credits song for the wonderful 2018 Oscar-nominated documentary, Minding The Gap. I was also glad to be able to watch it during the large venue photo pit standard operating procedure of first three songs, no flash and out. The proximity to the stage allowed me to work diligently and also soak in the song. Though every lyric in the song is incredible, the crowd hit its peak sing-along volume during the chorus of “I’m going to make it through this year if it kills me,” the hopeful lyric of “There will be feasting and dancing in Jerusalem next year.” That lyric is a reference to the phrase “Next Year in Jerusalem,” which is spoken at the end of every Passover Seder.

While “This Year,” may be the most well-known tune to the public at large, even becoming the subject of a darkly humorous pandemic era The Hard Times article, it is one amongst many beloved The Mountain Goats songs. The band — John Darnielle, Matt Douglas, Jon Wurster, and Peter Hughes, blasted through a great set, which also included, “Cadaver Sniffing Dog,” the bitter and very popular, “No Children,” “Up The Wolves,” “Rain in Soho,” and “Andrew Eldritch Is Moving Back to Leeds.”

There were two exceptional standouts in an altogether amazing set. One was a very poignant solo by Darnielle, “You Were Cool.” Speaking to a friend treated poorly by others, Darnielle sang,

“You deserved better than you got
Someone’s got to say it sometime because it’s true
People should have told you you were awesome
Instead of taking advantage of you
I hope you love your life now, like I love mine
I hope the painful memories only flex their power over you a little of the time.”

The other standout was “Palmcorder Yajna” on which The Hold Steady singer Craig Finn joined in, sharing vocals with Darnielle.

There are still numerous chances to experience The Mountain Goats as they are on tour through August and then resume again in October. Get on it!

Dillinger Four, out of Minneapolis, MN, provided a jaunty start to the evening. The band, comprised of Patrick Costello, Erik Funk, Bill Morrisette, and Lane Pederson, blasted through a tight set which included the exquisitely titled songs, “Let Them Eat Thomas Paine,” “Super Powers Enable Me to Blend in with Machinery,” “Maximum Piss & Vinegar,” and “A Floater Left With Pleasure in the Executive Washroom.” That latter song bemoans the crushing torment of working an increasingly less fulfilling, both emotionally and financially, job,

“This isn’t you
It’s just what you do
Don’t mistake the irony of calling it a “living”
If you feel like no one
If you feel like nothing
You’ve only been taking what they’re giving.”

Dillinger Four also performed, among others, “Mosh For Jesus,” “D4 = Putting the “F” Back in “Art”.’ And while I’m sure the F does not stand for fun in that last song title, nonetheless, fun is precisely what Dillinger Four put into this show.

Dillinger Four will be busy this fall, as they play 1234 Fest in Denver and Philadelphia in September, and at Fest 21 in Gainesville, FL. in October. I’m guessing “Gainesville” be on the set list in “Gator Nation,” as it was on Saturday’s setlist.

Please check out more photos from the show. Thanks and Cheers!

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by Staff Writer MerGold

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chicago dillinger four Illinois the hold steady The Mountain Goats

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DS Show Review and Gallery: Motoblot 2023 Saturday with Labretta Suede & The Motel 6, Vang!, The Beat Creeps, and The Crombies. Chicago (06.23.2023)

July 6, 2023 | 9:21 am

The air was thick, but not yet due to the smokey skies from Canadian wildfires, which would eventually blanket over parts of the Midwest. Instead, this was your run-of-the-mill summer day-related weather condition. But sizzling could also describe the day’s musical acts. Vang!, The Beat Creeps, and Labretta Suede & The Motel 6 had the […]

Lucy DeKay of Aweful and Mystery Actions has formed yet another band. DeKay, along with Jay Howarth, Meg McDuff, and Elyse Dequina, introduced Vang! to Chicago with an explosive afternoon slot as its first-ever show. A Vang! bang you might say. The fiery set included “Bad Girl,” “Push,” “Demona 666,” and “Mannequins.” Vang! ended the set with “Let’s Ride.” DeKay said of that last song,

“It’s about bikers! Haha perfect for Motoblot!“

DeKay described the debut performance to me several days after Motoblot 2023 closed out,

“I was so excited. Tiny bit of butterflies at the beginning and in between playing the songs, because Meg and I are shy talking on the mic believe it or not, was awkward but fun as fuck overall.”

For her part, McDuff,

“I was nervous because me my guitar strings were loose, and I thought I was out of tune and my voice sounded like crap and it was so hot on stage I thought was going to pass out, lol.”

However, McDuff needn’t have worried,

“But after hearing clips of what it sounded like from the audience perspective, it sounded good, and felt relieved.”

Vang! will continue providing opportunities for Chicago area punk fans to discover it with a pair of shows at Liar’s Club, on July 22, and August 4. You can also check out Vang! on the 5th of August at Jefferson Park Festival.

Labretta Suede & The Motel 6 arrived in its adopted hometown of New York City via New Zealand. But it made a stop in Dallas, TX on its way to The Big Apple. With its full-throttle approach to its set, the band seemed right at home performing among motorcycles from around the world.

While the entire band was a tight formation, the dynamic chemistry between lead singer Labretta Suede and guitar player Johnny Moondog, really stood out every time they shared the microphone.

Labretta Suede & The Motel 6 motored through a set list including, “Etiquette For Suckers,” “Teenagers Gettin’ High,” “Mean Mouthed Momma,” “Bait,” and “Crying Shame.”

Labretta Suede revealed to me, some of the band’s history in the States, and mix behind the magic:

“A few singles have come out on USA labels but I (labretta) am the driving force that drives the band. It’s the most juju strange & dangerous mom & pop/cottage industry brands around.“

Check into the Motel 6 next chance you have, you may never want to check out.

The Beat Creeps brought the theatrics, with a bit of camp. Motoblot attendees were all there for it. As was I.

The band, comprised of Nic Roulette, Leilani Killgore, Ariel Dornbush, and Elliot Tanner, pummeled through its set, which included, “The Phantom,” “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” “Valley of Broken Hearts,” “I Don’t Want To Die,” and a rollicking cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “How Does That Grab Ya Darling?”

Lead singer Roulette utilized various items around the stage as props including a neon orange construction cone atop his skull. Several times he threw the mic stand and the mic itself into the photo pit. Of course, it is always a good idea to keep one eye looking through the lens and one eye on your surrounding whilst shooting a show, so I should note that those of us documenting the antics were never in danger of being struck such items. I also have little doubt that Roulette was at aware of his aim, to ensure no injuries, as well.

Instead, The Beat Creeps served an entertaining audio and visual feast to the crowd which heartily digested it. I look forward to a second helping sooner than later. It shouldn’t be too long a wait as the band plans to release a full-length album in 2024. Until then, the band, which self-describes, as, “Unapologetic garage rock and roll with a punk feel appeal to it.” That’s a pretty on-target description of The Beat Creeps.

Chicago’s very own two-tone outfit The Crombies, a staple of Motoblot, has always been a reliably fun band to see live. However, please know I am not at all suggesting its act has become monotonous. While there is a thread of consistency in the band members’ moves on stage, they possess the abilities to, nevertheless, make them seem fresh. The friendships amongst this band of brothers-from-other-mothers is obvious and results in a propulsive spark to The Crombies’ sets. Several play in other bands with each other, most especially Chicago’s legendary rock steady collective Deal’s Gone Bad (DGB). This day was no exception. Singer Mike Park, guitar players Vee Sonnets and Dave Simon, drummer Matt Meuzelaar, bass player Kevin Lustrup Anthony Abbinanti of the Drastics and who played with Sonnets and Simon in DGB (Park was the original singer as well) filled in for Karl Gustafson on keys.

Saturday’s set included a few The Crombies originals, “Unsavory Types,” “Sneaky Pete,” and “Putting On Airs.” The band also took the crowd through a tour of two-tone, ska, and reggae history with some classic covers. These included “Click, Click” by The English, “Little Bitch” by The Specials, Toots and the Maytals’ “Monkey Man,” and a mashup of two songs, “Chase the Devil” by Max Romeo and “English Civil War” by The Clash.

Abbinanti subbing for Gustafson was not the only different aspect to this year’s set. Unlike pretty much every other The Crombies Motoblot set I’ve witnessed, Simon did not ride the shoulders of a friend in the crowd. The fact that Simon was playing at all is a testament to his grit and stubbornness, as several weeks earlier, he broke his left clavicle when attending a punk show as a fan, not a performer. Even though Simon had very recently had surgery for the injury, with some visible black medical tape, he was able to tough it out. Surely it was not easy, as evidenced by the sight of him grimacing, and holding tight his injured wing post-set. So, from us at DS to D.S., we give him serious praise if not also a bit of concern. Ardent fans of The Crombies, and of Simon himself, need him back whole and I look forward to Simon once again playing atop shoulders at Motoblot 2024. Taking place again in this, per Carl Sandburg, City of the Big Shoulders.

Please check out more photos from the show. Also, stay tuned for coverage Sunday’s sets, by my colleague ManVsFriction, coming soon.

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by Staff Writer MerGold

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Beat Creeps chicago labretta suede motoblot Motorcycles

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DS Show Review & Gallery: Voice of Addiction, Billy Batts & The Made Men, and Wrex rock out at an abnormally fun house show. Chicago (06.16.2023)

June 28, 2023 | 7:12 am

There is something especially fun about a DIY show. Abnormal House, in the Bridgeport neighborhood of the Second City hosted a Friday night version which was no exception. Chicago vets Voice of Addiction were joined by the young gents of Billy Batts & The Made Men out of Atlanta. Wrex, also from Chicago, kicked off […]

Voice of Addiction once again were the speed demons of the bill, zooming through a tight set in even tighter confines. It got so wild in the tiny performance area, at one point Leea Tomele stretched her arms out as far as possible and set her legs hard in place on the concrete floor to act as a one-person barricade against the much larger attendees thrashing about. A few others joined in holding the line so Tomele’s husband, VOA founding bass player Ian Tomele, and his bandmates, guitarist Tyler Miller, and drummer Kevin Amaro could continue playing. Yeah, it got a bit nuts. But that energy is what draws people to these more informal events (note: all safety precautions were in place).

I have regularly covered the terrific annual Blue Island event, Beer Can’d Fest. However, the Rise Against Residency at Metro kept me away from the Southside soiree. Many of my friends who were on Blue Island excitedly told me of this young band in the lineup. Looking at their photos from the event I saw a group of teens and just out of teens, one posing in a Pegboy shirt and became curious. Luckily, the band, Billy Batts & The Made Men out of Atlanta, GA made a quick return to Chicago.

I do not want to say too much about the band here as I will be writing more about it later. With the band’s name a wink and a nod to one my favorite films, Goodfellas, and the members’ collective deep-cut knowledge of Chicago punk rock history and an infectious curiosity, Brody Wilson, 21, this time in a Naked Raygun t-shirt, on vocals and guitar, his brother Andy Wilson, 16 on drums and Slade Shirah, 20, filling in on bass, were a charming centerpiece to the show as they absolutely transformed a garage band style venue into almost literally shaking shack. They might be considered kids, but these Made Men play with composure and talent befitting more experienced musicians. Jason Wilson, father of the Wilson brothers, was on site as tour manager and merch guy. His pride shone through, along with his easy, affectionate manner, as he let the young men take it all in.

When I first started taking photos of Wrex I wasn’t sure exactly how many people were in the band. Again, the space was tiny, and hanging from the rafter were glittery strands of plastic and an incredibly wide variety of signs, dolls, and other assorted Tchotchkes from creepy to cute. A few songs in I realized there was a keyboard player tucked up high against a wall and another singer I thought was a crowd member. But when you can sit on the floor and capture all band members, once you have spotted them, you know this is likely to be a rowdy fun time. And indeed it was.

DIY Shows, House Shows or the like are not for everyone. Had it not been for my camera, I might have felt far more claustrophobic. But they feel far more organic and relaxed than large events. They provide an opportunity for newer and/or lesser-known bands to take the spotlight and it’s not unusual to find bigger bands at these shows. Being a house shows makes me feel like I am inside one of the iconic late 1970’s, early 1980’s images many of us are pretty familiar with by this point. Crawl inside more images from this night. Thanks & Cheers!

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by Staff Writer MerGold

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atlanta Billy Batts & The Made Men chicago DIY house show

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DS Show Review & Gallery: SPELLS, Celebration Summer, and Heavy Seas – Chicago (05.28.2023)

June 16, 2023 | 2:22 pm

SPELLS traded in the Mile High City for the Windy City on May 28, 2023. The Colorado self-described “vacation” band was joined by Celebration Summer, and Heavy Seas at Reggie’s Music Joint. It was a low-key, but high-energy evening of compelling music and equally compelling performances. On this weekend Punk Rock Bowling lured many punk […]

On this weekend Punk Rock Bowling lured many punk rock fans away from the Windy City, leading to a smaller crowd in attendance. Many bands would be disheartened by the situation. But not the trio of bands on the bill this night. In fact, in many ways, this situation enhanced the experience. Having become friends with several of the musicians who performed, as well as some showing support, it felt, to me, more of a personal house party. Intimate, yet super fun. You know how there are always a few friends who decide to break out into song during parties? It just happened to be that these friends are all excellent musicians. No drunken, cringy renditions of “Don’t Stop Believing” sung along to a Karaoke machine.

Instead, we got the hyper-goofy fun of SPELLS. The band, consisting of “Little Stevie Shithead” (aka Ben Roy), Charlie “Continental” Stimsell, Don Bersell (aka Duke “Box” Standard), Robert Drew Burleson (aka Peter “P.” Bohner) and Dawn “Dusk Monarch” King were clad in matching golf shirts, and at least partial tracksuits, as is their modus operandi, though they do maintain a rotation of different patterns.

Roy and King shared vocals and played off of each other in a dynamic way unmatched since Sandy and Danny hit the Rydell High Senior Fair. Ok, maybe that’s just a tad hyperbolic. Still, there is a crackling dynamic when they abandon the stage to mingle amongst the crowd, even more so when they draft fans to be a part of the show.

I spoke to Coffey, Burleson, and King several days after the show to get to their reflections on the evening. King told me:

“I think the show was amazing! Even though it was a small crowd, it’s the energy we feed off of. The people who were there were friends or friends of people who weren’t able to make it. Some of them were brand new to the SPELLS experience! I feel like over the years SPELLS have cultivated friendships all over the US and overseas. It’s hard not to fall in love with this band.

“Chicago is an amazing city and we’re lucky to have a bunch of buds there.“

King ended with:

“What’s up next? World Domination.”

Burleson also spoke to the sometimes smaller crowds which every band experiences at some point:

“We are never really concerned about who attends shows. Staying in is the new going out so we get it. But for those who venture out to the dance party, we want to give them a complete 80% effort.”

Burleson shared some amusing memories from lesser-attended shows:

“One time we played in Quebec and the promoter got mad cause we were stuck in traffic and showed up a little late. He proceeded to take the opening band and all of the people who were there and went to another (bigger) show. We ended up playing to a room full of maybe 6 friends of friends, the bartender, the door person, and the sound person. IT WAS AMAZING!“

And he had some invaluable advice to other musicians:

“We made everyone get on stage and had a dance party. Maybe one of my favorite shows. Play to the people who are there and not the ones who aren’t. I’ve played to a room full of stuffed animals, GI Joes, and Kathy Ireland posters, and having a chance to play live in a club in a city we love (Chicago) to people we love is THE BEST.”

Oh, and Burleson also answered a query I’ve had for a while. That is, how they came up with the band name:

“SPELLS is an acronym for Stupid People Elevating Lonely Losers Socially. We came up with it after attending a youth leadership conference.”

Coffey echoes the sentiments of the King and Burleson:

“Like my bandmates said, we play our asses off for anyone that’s there and don’t sweat if it’s 10 people or 200. We do what we do because we love it.“

He added:

“It’s always great to see friends at shows. We do have an affinity for Chicago. It’s the city we’ve played the most outside of Colorado. We’re fortunate to have some great friends in town that have gotten us on some good shows and introduced us to a lot of rad people, such as yourself.“

Coffey is credited as the producer of the latest SPELLS release but he describes the process as this:

“I pretty much get producer credit cuz I’m there during the entire recording process, but it’s a full band effort.”

When not touring with SPELLS, Coffey, remains immersed in music as a producer and owner of his own record label.

“Yep, I started Snappy Little Numbers in 2011. I run it out of my basement. Rob helps out with art for SLN quite a bit too. Reminder… it’s not Fingers!! Even though there are fingers in the logo. I don’t always think things through, haha. [Coffey immediately followed up that he made the joke about “Fingers” “lovingly” sans disrespect to Stiff Little Fingers. He added that it’s quite common for people to make this mistake.]”

And because Burleson revealed the origin of the band name, Coffey thankfully offered how he came up with the name of his label:

“I came up with Snappy Little Numbers cuz it’s old-timey slang for a catchy song. Like, “hey that tune is a snappy little number”. Then I added an S to pluralize how many freakin’ hits we were gonna curate!“

With all this talk about sparsely attended shows, it should be noted that SPELLS shows are way more often playing to jam-packed crowds. No doubt the shows will continue to get ever bigger. With a set list like the band cruised through on this Sunday night, including “What The Hell is Caution,” “Some Would Say,” “She Wants to Die Before Me,” “Deceiver,” and closing with, of course, my favorite, the above referenced “80% Is Good Enough.”

SPELLS latest record, “Loose Change, Vol. 2,” is planned for release on June 29, 2023. If you want the vinyl version, you have a choice between “Dolphin Blue,” or “Drakula Red.” It’s available for pre-order now.

Celebration Summer, a wonderfully upbeat band moniker, sounds like the name of a music fest. However, per the band’s online press kit:

“Celebration Summer is a mash-up of sorts, pays homage to the iconic Hüsker Dü song “Celebrated Summer” and Washington DC hardcore’s significant social and activist “Revolution Summer” of 1985.“

The band’s songs are politically driven and have the mission of racial and social justice. With its powerful set, including “Disconnected,” “Silly Me,” “My Devotion,” “Patience in Presence,” “Bitter End,” and “Fraud,” Celebration Summer neither pulls its punches nor suffers fools. For those who lean MAGA, this is might not the music for them, as the band describes itself this way:

“Celebration Summer hit the ground running with anthemic, progressive songs capturing the struggles of
modern life in Trump/post-Trump-era America.”

Actually, perhaps MAGAs should be listening to Celebration Summer. Perhaps they’ll have a change of heart. In any case, with compelling lyrics set to strident, in the very best way, music, this band should be celebrated this summer and in every season.

Celebration Summer will be festing in Gainesville, FL. You can check them out at Fest 21 in late October.

Heavy Seas co-founder/guitarist Jeff Dean has been a very busy man of late. Amongst other projects produced and engineered The Bollweevils latest release Essential. In the audience at this show was Daryl “The Punk Rock Doc” Wilson, to show his gratitude to and support of Dean, and other friends on the bill.

Dean told me:

“Recording [and] producing Bollweevils was rad…“

Heavy Seas founders Dean and Ronnie DiCola recruited former All Eyes West bandmate Justin Miller to fill in on bass after that position came up available. This Chicago trio kicked off its set with its own originals, “Waves and Dreams,” “Sunn,” “Idle in Life,” and “Oscillation.” Heavy Seas also included as surprise for long-time fans of the three musicians/ Per Dean:

“We also ended the set with 4 All Eyes West songs since Justin was filling in on bass.”

Dean continued:

“Ronnie, Justin and I were All Eyes West then Ronnie and I started Heavy Seas. So having Justin fill in basically made it All Eyes West.

Dean is currently in Baltimore, MD recording the third Heavy Seas album. He provided me with some information about this:

“Heavy Seas has a new album called Distortion Days coming out at the end of summer on Rad Girlfriend records for the US and little rocket records for EU UK.”

Looking forward to the new album and also Dean’s perspective on his role in making Essential. He pledged to tell us at Dying Scene more about it later. We can’t wait!

Please check out more photos from the show. Thanks & cheers!

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Daryl Wilson, of The Bollweevils, jumps in on the fun with Ben Roy
SPELLS and The Bollweevils: friends for life!
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by Staff Writer MerGold

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Celebration Summer chicago Denver Punk Heavy Seas Humor-punk

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DS Show Review & Gallery: The Bollweevils -“Essential” Record Release, with Reaganomics, The Dopamines, Rad Payoff, and Butchered (Chicago – 5/27/23)

June 9, 2023 | 7:58 am

Chop Shop, in Chicago’s Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood, was the site of The Bollweevils‘ release show for its long-awaited new record, “Essential.” Heavy duty support was provided by Reaganomics, The Dopamines, Rad Payoff, and Butchered. The Bollweevils just released their first new record in almost a decade and a half to high praise from multiple outlets. […]

The Bollweevils just released their first new record in almost a decade and a half to high praise from multiple outlets. Essential hit the public in May. (Disclaimer: I contributed to the record’s inside photography.) I assure you I am not cutting and pasting past The Bollweevils reviews when I describe the band’s performance as wonderfully raucous. It’s just that I have yet to experience a disappointing show put on by these men. It starts with the charismatic lead singer in Dr. Daryl Wilson, M.D. A.K.A. the Punk Rock Doc, jumping well above his nearly 6’5″ frame, and providing the numerous shooters in the makeshift photo-pit ample opportunities to catch air in the form of cool images. But The Bollweevils are far from a one-tall-man show. Bass duties are performed by the red-headed Pete (“Publish only in black and white!”) Mittler or the 5th Bollweevil, Joe Mizzi, from the Mizzerables. The split bass player situation is due to Mittler, also of The Methadones, moving to Florida a few years back for personal reasons. On this night Mittler flew back from the Sunshine State to perform, and Mizzi, who provides vocals on Essential flew back from attending Punk Rock Bowling to provide support to his friends and bandmates. Mittler showed support for Mizzi as well, forgoing his most well-known “Smoke Crack and Steal” top (which he once wore on a popular local morning new programs) and instead sporting a The Mizzerables t-shirt.

Mittler has a well-known affinity for
sleeveless shirts. But with his “guns,” many in the crowd appreciated them too. I write that respectfully for the hard work he puts in. Most importantly his playing was just as muscular as his upper arms.

Throttling through the set in conjunction with Mittler to make a dynamic backline was the other Pete, Pete Mumford. The double Petes provided a powerful backline to fuel a firecracker of a show.

Mumford, a charming, self-effacing personality with a sharp sense of humor, is also a fantastic drummer. Witnessing his jubilance behind his kit is always a delight.

Ken Fitzner, a Chicago Public School teacher, and former principal in the CPS, when not displaying his deft and blazing guitar skills rounds out the group. Fitzner, a founding member of the group, along with Wilson, has provided a crucial solidity to The Bollweevils. His near life-long deep friendship with the band’s singer is apparent both on and off-stage. They define “brothers from other mothers,” and it is a joy to observe. PBS agreed apparently. Actually, The Bollweevils can be described in whole, with apologies to Stephen E. Ambrose, as a band of brothers.

On this night, The Bollweevils’ hard-driving set included the highly liked, “Bottomless Pit,” “Galt’s Gulch,” (from the new album), and “The Failure of Bill Dozer.” But the top crowd pleasers had the crowd magnificently joining in “The Bollweevils Anthem.”

“Liniment and Tonic,” also (featured on Essential) and “999-Stoney.” That latter song, one of my favorites of this band, played as a part of the set’s finale, has perhaps my very favorite The Bollweevils lyric as its chorus. A simply stated, yet stinging, retort to those with a privileged view of the world,

“Things seem so different when you’ve got your rose-colored glasses on.“

In fact, the song itself seems to be an indictment of people who are apathetic to or willfully ignorant of so many sad states of the world. I loved it, as did the crowd, who sang along in glorious unity.

I’ll also say this every time I write about The Bollweevils: if you have yet to see them live, get on it as soon as the next chance arises. In the interim, pick up the new record, and as much of its discography you can get your hands on.

Next up for The Bollweevils takes place in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The guys will sharing a stage with another legendary band, The Adolescents on August 12, 2023 at Haven City Market.

When you have such a beloved, forceful, and legendary headliner, on its record release show, it is essential (yes, I meant to do that) that the supporting bands can honor that with superb sets. Boy, did the show’s organizers deliver big time.

I like The Reaganomics name quite a bit but not the fiscal policies, upon first hearing the band name, are easy to misconstrue as the inspiration for said name. In reality, per Cantu,

“I think the band name is a joke, one of the guys old landlords looking like Reagan and some rules they had at their apt. Or something to that effect.”

Red Scare label mates with The Bollweevils, the band self-describes as “4 sweaty dads playing punk rock with constant pummeling banter mostly pertaining to collective soul.” It did indeed pummel the audience in the very best way. Roaring through “STFU,” “Meth Gator,” “The Four Cliches,” “Grown Ass Man,” “Worth A Damn” all from its 2019 release, The Aging Punk, The Reaganomics, comprised of Terry Morrow, Greg Alltop, Nick Mclenighan, and Eddie Cantu, granted the crowd a more positive experience in one night than the similarly named former screen actor did in 8 years as President of the United States. Well, the exception being Ronald Reagan’s effect on punk rock.

Next up for The Reaganomics: a show at Elder Brewing Co. in Joliet on June 23, 2023. They will share the bill with Death and Memphis, Kalico Skies, and Tall Doug.

The Dopamines, out of Cincinnati OH, put on a fun and rollicking performance, tearing through its set list, which included “Business Papers,” “Night Vision,” “Ire,” and “Cincinnati Harmony.” However, bass player and vocalist Jon Weiner never did get the answer to his burning query. The same question he asked during the band’s set at the War on Christmas show this past December. The question being, “what it is that Congress does?” Having studied politics, law, and journalism, I suppose I could have provided a somewhat complex though admittedly somewhat convoluted explanation. However, I prefer to let my friend Bill take charge of answering it, at least partially. Still, I have a feeling the band will still search for the answer, at least until an audience member elects, pun intended, to step up and speak out. It will be an entertaining moment on top of an already very entertaining band.

This was not the first time I’ve documented Butchered, from Chicago, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. The band, composed of Nick Cvijovic, Louis Steimel, Derek Barberini, and Vinnie Dinwiddie, gave a boisterous performance, grinding through its set which opened with “Half-Assed” and closed with “Born to Run With Scissors.”

Cvijovic, who informed me his surname is pronounced “svi-oh-vich,” gave me his reaction, via direct message, to the night a few days after the show,

“Room was packed when we played, it felt real good. The whole show was insane and awesome and made us feel really great and [he inserted the 100% emoji here.]”

Your next chance to check out Butchered, or check them out again will be on July 2, 2023, at GMan Tavern in Chicago, They will be sharing a bill with Nowhere Fast, out of Kentucky, and another Windy City punk group Dying Scene has covered at least a couple of times, Torch The Hive. That should be a terrific show and a good time.

The one band new to me was Rad Payoff. The group has been a part of the Chicago punk scene for a while, but as far as I can recall, I had yet to see them live. I could say something like getting images of this band had a rad payoff, but that would be silly. In any case, the band, comprised of Jason Smith, Jon Olson, Zack Hjelmstad, and Mike Oberlin, whipped up the crowd as it ripped through a set list including, “It’s Pronounced Mogue,” “Sunglasses,” and “The Gender of My Animals.” The band also performed its single, “A Series of Excuses,” a song whose proceeds were donated to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Please check out more photos from this really cool night! Thanks & Cheers!

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by Staff Writer MerGold

Tags:

Butchered Chop Shop Rad Payoff the bollweevils The Dopamines

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DS Show Review & Gallery: Bouncing Souls, Samiam, Swingin’ Utters, and Pet Needs – Chicago (05.11.2023)

May 20, 2023 | 9:47 am

Bouncing Souls returned to Chicago’s Metro on Thursday, May 11, 2023, as a part of its Ten Stories High tour. Solid support on this bill was provided by Samiam, Swingin’ Utters, and Pet Needs, adding up to quite an enjoyable evening. As the lights dimmed for the headliners, fans were singing “Ole” from Bouncing Souls’ […]

Bouncing Souls returned to Chicago’s Metro on Thursday, May 11, 2023, as a part of its Ten Stories High tour. Solid support on this bill was provided by Samiam, Swingin’ Utters, and Pet Needs, adding up to quite an enjoyable evening.

As the lights dimmed for the headliners, fans were singing “Ole” from Bouncing Souls’ 1999 album Hopeless Romantic. Of course we featured that tune near the top of our Dying Scene’s World Cup Anthems playlist on Spotify. The band hit the stage to the iconic Simple Minds theme “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from The Breakfast Club, the John Hughes film set in a Chicago suburb. The crowd, many of whom were either not yet born when the classic 1985 film was released or were too young to see it at that time, sang enthusiastically along.

The tour derives its name from Bouncing Soul’s new album Ten Stories High, released this past March and the New Jersey crew got right down to business at the Clark Street located venue. Lead singer Greg Attonito bounded across the stage and to the edge of it. Pete Steinkopf, shredded through both the well-known and newer tunes. Bryan Kienlen held court stage right with his powerful bass playing. In the back, Greg Rebelo tore it up behind his drum kit.

As noted above, the setlist was comprised of old and new songs. About midway through the set, Attonito asked for two song suggestions from fans, at first telling them he would pick one.

Of course the band performed both nominees, “Bullying the Jukebox,” also from Hopeless Romantic, and “Quick Chek Girl” from 1995’s Maniacal Laughter. Joyous cheering and crowd surfing ensued. The band also performed its very popular cover of Avoid One Thing’s “Lean on Sheena,” which the Bouncing Souls recorded for The Gold Record from 2006.

And finally, being from the Empire State, born and raised east of the Big Apple and having spent a whole lot of time annually, in the City That Never Sleeps I have a certain affection for “East Coast! Fuck you!”And I was more than happy to whisper-chant along,

“Punkers should be pale and pasty
Pizza here is fierce and tasty
East Coast! Fuck you!
East Coast! Fuck you!“

That second cited line I especially love and will preach its truth to the willfully deaf ears of friends in my adopted city of Chicago. The struggle to live in a place devoid of a truly great New York slice is indeed real (before anyone takes exception, struggle is sarcastically noted).

Samian appeared to have drawn a large portion of the crowd to the show. The Berkeley, CA band released Stowaway, in late March 2023 and played several cuts from it including, “Crystallized,” “Lights Out Little Hustler,” and “Lake Speed.” Samiam also delivered robustly with “Sunshine,” “Wisconsin,” and “Paraffin” from 2000’s Astray, among tunes from other releases. It was an enjoyable set and perfectly placed between Swingin’ Utters and Bouncing Souls.

I first saw Swingin’ Utters in 2009 at the now sadly defunct Frankie’s Inner City in Toledo, OH, days before moving from the Glass City to the Windy City. I wasn’t documenting the show, just enjoying the evening in my going away week with close friends from my work as a housing legal advocate at Legal Aid of Western Ohio. They were playing in the middle of the bill but of course stood out and I am glad my eyes and ears were open to such a great band.

Fourteen years later, I am still immensely impressed by how damn good they are. Lead singer Johnny “Peebucks” Bonnel, at times, whipped the microphone cord so furiously I was worried for his safety and the safety of those around him, Seriously, though, he commanded the stage whilst Darius Koski dominated on lead guitar. At the other end of the stage, Alex, from Toyguitar, contributed on guitar as well. Tony Teixeira, on bass and Luke Ray, added the powerful backline.

The band tore through “As You Start Leaving,” “The Librarians Are Hiding Something,” Windspitting Punk,” “No Eager Men,” “Kick It Over,” and “Deranged.” As the set closed out, Swingin’ Utters ruminated with “Five Lessons Learned,”

“Five lovely lessons learnt today
Coating my throat with the dust of a new day
As the saints pray their lonely way
They’re dead weight lays the passion to waste.”

Pet Needs, from Essex in the United Kingdom, is on only their second tour of the USA. The band’s debut album Fractured Party Music, was produced and mixed by none other than Frank Turner. Turner, both a friend and fan of Pet Needs, also produced its sophomore record Primetime Entertainment.

Crowd members who arrived in time were treated to a killer of a set by musicians whose captivating performance exuded an infectious enthusiasm for their off-stage experiences. Blasting through a set list including “Lost Again,” “Ibiza in Winter,” and “Kayak.” The band also performed “Punk Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Up For Sale.” Whether the band is trying to be ironic or not, I did find it clever that Pet Needs was selling t-shirts with that declaration emblazoned across the front and sported on stage by drummer Jack Lock.

“Doors open
With eyes unfocussed
You coast past the clones of the blokes
You swore you’d never become
And then you catch your reflection.”

Lock and bandmates, the Pet Needs founding brothers Marriott – Johnny and George – and Rich Gutz, made sure to take in take advantage of the close proximity of two Chicago icons. Those being Metro Chicago, and its neighbor a few blocks down, Wrigley Field. The lads took in an afternoon watching the American pastime day earlier, watching the Cubs raise the W against the St. Louis Cardinals, 10-4. Johnny Marriott described his excitement at the prospect of sporting a large foam finger and his surprise that the only ones seemingly sold were to him and two of his three bandmates. But still, the delight in being able to drink beer out of a bat was too good to pass up.

After the set, Jack Lock described how, while taking in a game at the Friendly Confines was wonderful, there was one aspect he found weird. Unlike the football (soccer to those of us in the land of the red, white, and blue) matches in his native land, baseball fans can sit together, no matter what team they follow. Lock, who roots for Ipswich Football Club (congrats on the promotion lads!) was referring to the fact that in football stadiums across the UK, supporters of opposing clubs are prohibited from sitting nearby each other. Or at least, those wearing visiting club kits (jerseys) and those wearing home club kits may be in close proximity to one another during the match. Things tend to get a bit rowdier across the Pond. But in the States, he reported to me, everyone was so welcoming and friendly to each other, no matter which team was preferred. Or even if no preference.

In fact, several English Premier League Kits were spotted in the audience and nary a hint of conflict witnessed.

Hopefully, the next time Pet Needs is visiting these US shores, they will be greeted by larger crowds. The band deserves it and those who missed it, really missed out on something special.

With three highly popular veteran bands and a fourth beginning its breakthrough, I would have predicted a pretty packed venue from the moment of doors opening. Disappointingly, that was not the case. Well, not at the start. Very few people were in the audience by the time the very good opening band, Pet Needs, from the UK, took the stage. This means a whole lot of ticket holders missed out on really fun set with a lot of terrific music performed by charismatic artists. There was also a surprisingly sparse crowd when the legendary Swingin’ Utters kicked off its great set. I know a few who missed it due to reasons beyond their control but surely more could have gotten there in time?

Please see more photos from the show below. Thanks Cheers!

Bouncing Souls
Bouncing Souls
Bouncing Souls
Bouncing Souls
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Pet Needs

by Staff Writer MerGold

Tags:

bouncing souls chicago Metro Chicago pet needs Samian

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DS Show Review & Gallery: Sparrowhawk, Petty Larcenists, and “Little Dave” Merriman. Members of Off With Their Heads lend local support. Chicago (04/23/2023)

May 15, 2023 | 1:59 pm

Liar’s Club played host to two Minneapolis-based bands, Sparrowhawk and Petty Larcenists on April 23, 2023. The Arrivals‘ “Little Dave” Merriman, opened up with a solo set and his fellow Chicagoans, Off With Their Heads‘ Ryan Young and Kyle Manning, jumped on the Saturday night bill to provide closing local support for their friends from […]

Sparrowhawk, out of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN), gave a soaring performance. The band flew through its set which included, “Take A Bow,” “Colony Song,” “Blackberry Brandy,” Queen & Country,” and “Fool’s Mercy.” Ok, no third bird pun, I promise but it was a terrific showing.

Sparrowhawk is prepping to release its self-titled debut album this summer. Looking forward to it for sure.

Petty Larcenists, also from the City of Lakes, were rowdy and loud, and in the midst, pilfered the hearts of the crowd (hey, not bird related). Tunes included “The Last Time,” “Loud and Ugly,” “The Kids Back Home,” and “I Can’t Get High,” from its 2019 release “Stolen Chords and Lifted Riffs.” Oh, and the group has an of amusing set of “stolen” band logos too, including homages to the TV show, Law and Order, and the English Premier League among others. Check them, and the band, out now.

“Little Dave” Merriman, of The Arrivals, played a terrific solo set to kick off the evening. Armed with just his guitar, the set was both fun and tender. That latter adjective because Merriman has written several tunes for his just- turned-one-year-old daughter, including her theme song, “J.E.M.”

“Who’s that girl? / Right over there / What’s her name again? / It’s Josephine / Elisabeth / Merrrriiiiimaaaaan“

In another of the “Jo Songs,” “President of Space,” the proud papa lets his little girl know that the sky’s the limit,

“You don’t have to be the President of Space / But I know you have it in you / You could if you wanted and I think that you’d do great.”

Getting verklempt at a punk show isn’t the most common expectation. However, it happened here and there isn’t really a need to discuss this in a “Coffee Talk” format. Merriman gave a very moving set while standing very still. But this Lullaby punk was neither syrupy nor cloying in the slightest. Just pure sweetness. Such a treat.

Merriman also performed “I’m Going Up Again,” and “You Know,” from his 2014 solo record, “Odd Bird,” on which he wrote all songs and played all instruments.

Merriman is working on a new album, or maybe two.

“I’m going to do another one [solo record] and it will have children’s songs on it. Or I’ll do two separate releases.”

Whichever way he decides to release the new material, Dying Scene will be there for it. I know I will be.

Ryan Young and Kyle Manning, from Off With Their Heads (OWTH), played a freewheeling closing set. In a Facebook post, OWTH described the show this way,

“Oh yeah! We caught word our friends from Minneapolis were playing our friends’ bar in Chicago and didn’t have a local band. Sounds perfect to jump on.“

There was a physical set list on the stage, though the musicians didn’t really follow it in any organized manner. No matter, because everyone seemed to be having a good, laid-back time as Young and Manning closed out the night among pals.

Just days after this show, OWTH kicked off the first leg (USA/Canada) of the “HOME Ten Year Anniversary” tour in Detroit, MI. Several stops have already been sold out. Make sure to grab tickets as soon as you can.

Please see more photos from the show below. Thanks & Cheers!

Petty Larcenists
Petty Larcenists
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Ryan Young of Off With Their Heads
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Kyle Manning of Off With Their Heads
Ryan Young of Off With Their Heads
Kyle Manning of Off With Their Heads
Ryan Young of Off With Their Heads
Kyle Manning of Off With Their Heads
Ryan Young of Off With Their Heads

by Staff Writer MerGold

Tags:

chicago Liars Club Little Dave Merriman minneapolis Off With Their Heads

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DS Show Review & Gallery: Death and Memphis; The Linden Method; and Fire Cat! in Chicago (04.21.2023)

April 29, 2023 | 3:00 pm

Death and Memphis, out of Joliet, IL, with support from The Linden Method, and Fire Cat! both of Chicago, headlined at Burlington Bar for a diverting night of music on April 21, 2023 on the Second City’s north side. Recently, I’ve documented several shows at Burlington Bar. It’s always a terrific experience. Burlington Bar is […]

Recently, I’ve documented several shows at Burlington Bar. It’s always a terrific experience. Burlington Bar is a cozy spot tucked along a well-known street on the north side of Chicago. With the actual bar up front and the music room in the back, separated by two doors, there is a warm and welcoming ambiance to the place. Whilst every show I have been to at the venue thus far has featured highly energetic bands, said shows have also been quite mellow. It may sound contrary but it’s not. Burlington Bar is a cool little joint working hard to provide its customers with good times. The Burlington’s vibe, set by the staff, and its physical appearance, is just relaxing and laidback sans pretension. We could use a few more of these types of places nearby.

Death and Memphis takes inspiration for its name from the song “Alex Chilton,” by the Replacements. Its music is a potent mix, frequently of sorrow and longing. Singer and guitar player Paul Garcia’s voice grittily conveys both sadness and hope. If the music was ever added to a soundtrack, surely the film would about a fighter (literal or metaphoric — either will work) who has been knocked down, but the full count has yet been given. In “Exhausted,” the title track from the band’s 2019 release is a prime example:

“So exhausted

I’m sick of feelin’

So exhausted

(My feet are broken

My knees are broken

My back is broken

But my spirit’s holdin’ fast)…”

Steev Custer, razor thin and leaning sharply forward, appears almost elastic while swinging his guitar loose and low. However, his tight shredding adds an integral jolt of intensity into the music.

The group is rounded out by the very strong backline of Devin Morris on bass (also on vocals), and newest member, Dave Spearman, on drums. Working in conjunction, Morris and Spearman, contribute a rhythmic gravitas and growl suited to the lyrical content and howling guitars. In addition to “Exhausted,” the band also tore through “Way Back Home,” “Maybe It’s The Way,” “Change,” and “Satisfied.” In the end the members may have been exhausted themselves, as they appear to put everything they had into the performance.

The twin heartbeats of Death and Memphis are Steev Custer and Paul Garcia. Friends since their teens the two have played together in numerous precursors to Death and Memphis. It’s the type of friendship and musical partnership in which they seem to share their own language. An often-mournful language with a slight inflection of twang. But rather than merely being two copies of one thing, Custer and Garcia, complement each other with their individual playing styles. Days after the show, I asked the two men about their relationship. Garcia responded,

“To answer your question, Steev and I are almost always on the same page. We can read each other. We’ve been doing this together for so long we developed a sense, similar to a married couple. We all as individuals as well as a whole have a passion for making music so we put in 100% right outta the gate. We are a family. Though we’ve been through other members Steev and I try to make everyone feel comfortable and an integral part of what is happening.”

Custer describes their relationship this way,

“Paul and I have been in bands together for 35 years now. He’s the only person I’ve ever met whose drive and passion for music is a match for mine. I’m certain there is no other way.“

But lest you think Death and Memphis is all melancholy, I assure you it is not. The band brings a rollicking good time as well. Garcia, Custer, Morris, and Spearman can be counted amongst some of the more positive people you’re bound to meet in the Chicago area punk scene.

Death and Memphis has a new EP coming out in the near future, to be released by Bypolar Records. Until then, members are keeping busy in various ways. For Steev Custer,

“Right now I’m focusing on the upcoming Death and Memphis release, playing in Space Age Zeros and teaching music which is a full-time job in itself.” Custer’s teaching takes place mostly at Fine Tunes Center For the Arts, a business he founded, owns and of which he is the director. He also added,

“The new EP should be out within the next couple of months. There’s a couple of other projects that go along with it, so there are several announcements coming.”

At the same time, Custer reflected on this evening,

“I thought the show was a blast. All the bands were awesome and it was great to see everyone having a good time.“

Chicago skate punk crew, The Linden Method (TLM), used this night to showcase its latest album “Grief.” The band, comprised of singer/guitar player Alex Wight, Xack Brame on bass, and Jake Fritzler, drove through “November,” “Reverent,” “Original Sin,” and “Is This Thing Even On?”

TLM also performed “Monsters Inside,” a searing portrait of mistakes made and redemption being sought:

“It’s past the past-time

‘Cuz I’m trying to be better than the prick you knew from the suburbs

And I’m not running from memories

Not passive or patient

I’m trying and failing

And still not prevailing and clinically struggling.”

Robby Di Domenico, TLM bassist for several years, joined the band on secondary vocals for “Better Off Dead.” Di Domenico played on the recording of the tune from the group’s EP “Falling Short.”

Echoing the sentiments of Death and Memphis’ Steev Custer, Wight was ecstatic with how the evening went. A day or two later I touched base with him to get his feelings on it,

“I thought the show was a perfect intimate punk show at a great venue. We all had an absolute blast and are thankful that Death and Memphis and Fire Cat! had us out for the evening.“

The night’s bill also marked the first show of 2023 for Chicago’s Fire Cat! The band is in the planning stages for more events this year per singer/guitarist Tim Robaczewski. Fire Cat!, which also includes Lou Pontillo on bass, guitar player/backing vocalist Justin Saunders, and drummer/backing vocalist Liam O’Brien lit up its set with “Sleepless in Chicago,” “Big Business,” Wide Awake,” and “Eastland.” The band seems to address the idea of last stands in the face of futility in “Battlecry!,” the title track from its 2018 EP, which they played as well.

“All differences aside, this is goodbye, I try to accept

But I can’t help but sympathize

I see them all running like it’s the end

Like they have something to live for

Hum their battle cry: next time I’ll try.”

Fire Cat! may sing of trying “next time,” but this time it succeeded kicking off the show in a very lively way. Hoping the band finds itself quite busy during the remainder of the year.

Please see below for more images from the show!