After about three decades since the last time they put out new music, Sludgeworth makes their way back into the scene with their new EP Together Not Together. Backed by the Chicago-based record label Red Scare Industries and the beloved suburban punks The Bollweevils, friends, fans and family showed up to celebrate the much anticipated EP.
From the get-go, everyone at the Beat Kitchen felt cheerful and friendly. It seemed like everybody knew each other despite the fact that it was a sold-out show. Though the venue was packed to the brim, the atmosphere was reminiscent to a house party or a basement show, but with better lighting and sound quality.
Very few bands in the Chicagoland area are better openers than The Bollweevils. They do a terrific job getting everyone in the audience engaged, they truly make every single person feel like they are not just spectating, but also a part of the show. Their live performances are a masterclass for anybody wanting to learn how to keep the crowd active and energized.
After seeing The Bollweevils live a few times, some of the faces in the crowd start becoming familiar, it is as if the biggest fans of the band are also their friends, which speaks volumes about the synergy the band creates with the audience, it is a celebration, a party every single time.
Their frontman, Daryl Wilson, with an intimidating build towering over most at the venue, could not be more inviting and friendly. He’s jumping up and kicking all throughout the show and even jumped into the moshpit so the crowd could join in and sing with him. The rest of the musicians, Ken, Pete and Joe, complement Daryl’s style best; they’re laser-focused, keeping the show grounded and allowing the punk rock doc to jump around the stage.
What a fun treat it is to see The Bollweevils perform live. From their classic suburban punk rock songs, to the way they engage with the crowd, and the banter amongst themselves, it is always a riot. This is without a doubt one of the Chicago punk bands that everyone must see perform, at least once.
In a swift and seamless transition, Sludgeworth took over the stage and even though they had been performing for the past couple of years, the excitement about sharing their new music with their fans and friends was palpable. After thirty years, the excitement of both the crowd and the musicians is just expected.
The performance was everything you would want from a punk band of the caliber of Sludgeworth. The music was fast, it was loud, and felt quite fresh and relevant, which goes to show how good music really does not have an expiration date.
Dan Schafer, also known as Dan Vapid, who has been previously involved with punk household names such as The Queers, Riverdales, and Screeching Weasel truly showcased his skills as a vocalist. From the moment he got on stage to the moment the show ended, it was a full-force, all-gas-no-brakes show. This is the reason it was a sold-out show, that kind of performance is worth every penny.
This show felt like a celebration of the Chicago punk scene. Two beloved bands got together under the incredible production work of the label Red Scare Industries to bring together friends, family, fans, and other members of the scene. It was a special thing to witness, most everyone there singing the lyrics of every song and watching the band-audience barrier disappear.
It was like a trip back in time to simpler days going to a basement show to see a friend of a friend’s band, where everyone was a stranger but with a deep sense of familiarity. Shows like this one are a fantastic opportunity to experience both the nostalgia of what shows were like, and celebrating that these bands are still around putting out new music and incredible live performances.
