While Red Scare Industries is not old enough to drink yet, it can certainly throw a kick-ass party. In its 20 years of putting together albums, it has curated a selection of artists that have touched lives across the globe. For those unfamiliar with Red Scare Industries, the label was founded by Tobias Jeg, an […]
While Red Scare Industries is not old enough to drink yet, it can certainly throw a kick-ass party. In its 20 years of putting together albums, it has curated a selection of artists that have touched lives across the globe. For those unfamiliar with Red Scare Industries, the label was founded by Tobias Jeg, an alum of Fat Wreck Chords who decided to do his own thing. In 2004, he produced two albums for The Falcon and Enemy You.
A 20-year-long legacy is no small feat, and they have used this time wisely, working with and shaping an impressive catalog of artists. In Chicago, at the very least, some of the most iconic bands have worked or are still working with the record label; Red Scare has managed to, in a way, help shape the sound of the Chicago punk scene’s sound without a doubt.
A very interesting aspect of how Red Scare operates is how they maintain good relationships with their artists and the appreciation they have for each other. The clearest proof of this appreciation is their recently released album, 20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming, featuring songs from their artists and even a few bands that came out of retirement to participate. To list a few, Won’t Stay Dead, the Bollweevils, The Brokedowns were all part of the event, both the album and the live shows.
The album released was just half of the party. Two shows in Chicago, one each in Wisconsin, Portland and Seattle and to wrap it all up, two more at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas. All in the span of three weeks. What a busy month it will be. But hey- you only turn twenty once.
To kick off the party, playing their characteristic spooky and mesmerizing blend of pop and horror punk, Won’t Stay Dead was the first band on the ticket. Sadly, due to typical Chicago traffic, I was unable to get there in time to photograph and give a proper review of their set. That being said, Won’t Stay Dead generally are incredible performers so go ahead and check out their cover of Enemy You’s “Ex-Machina” which is also a part of Red Scare’s anniversary compilation and a certified banger.
Chicago punk rockers The Bollweevils took the stage and as per usual, the crowd’s excitement went through the roof almost immediately. Standing still is nearly impossible when the Punk Rock Doc is on stage. His contagious energy fills up the entire venue as he jumps, high kicks, and joins the crowd in the mosh pit. The way he connects with the audience is truly special and never gets old. The fans and them always seem to have such an incredible almost symbiotic relationship in which both feed off each other’s energy, escalating to a point where everyone regardless of how many times they have seen them live, if at all, feels like they too are a part of the show.
In between songs, the banter between the band members is hilarious, constantly joking and teasing each other, but when the first chord strikes it is time for business. Once the music starts, the playful banter transforms into some of the most solid punk rock anyone could ask for. Their repertoire includes an impressively solid collection of thoughtful lyrics while retaining the speed and aggression that has been part of their core sound for decades.
One thing about the band was different this time, though: joining them on the drums was Timmy Lydon, who made playing the drums seem effortless while matching the tempo and energy of the rest of the band. As always, the band delivered a tight performance that was both energetic and fun.
“Honk If You’re Horny” is both the cheesiest bumper sticker and one hell of a catchy tune by Elgin Illinois’ punk quartet The Brokedowns. Hilarious and irreverent immediately come to mind when thinking about this band. With songs titled “Osama Van Halen,” and “Kony 2022” this band’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics are put in contrast with a musical set that is both fast, and gritty but at the same time oddly melodic. It is a unique blend of concepts that in theory should not work but synergize perfectly well to create their distinct sound.
The Brokedowns were more than just the music, just like the previous band, the banter in between songs made it easy to relate with them and feel like the space in between songs was just as much a part of their set as the music they play. These guys managed to put together equal parts of catchy riffs, cheeky lyrics and a gritty voice that make them a band that is easily enjoyable to listen to and even more to see live.
A few moments after The Brokedowns finished their set, a familiar face, and even more familiar voice took up the stage. Sporting a bandana around his neck, followed by his stylish bandmates wearing matching tracksuits, Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds pick up their instruments and begin their set. Well, two familiar faces, as Deanna from Sincere Engineer joined the band for the evening playing the electric guitar and backup vocals.
Brendan Kelly, from The Falcon and The Lawrence Arms, played his acoustic guitar and sang for the crowd with his very iconic raspy vocals and a demeanor that somehow made me nostalgic for something I didn’t know I missed. As a masterful storyteller, with every song he was able to transport the audience through a journey of emotions; some songs sounded sorrowful, other songs were joyful, but all of them made you feel something. The perfect balance between folk, punk, and rock and roll served as the perfect catalyst for the experience.
And so, the night ended with a most perfect band to bring closure to the evening filled with music, laughter, and the beginning of the rest of Red Scare Industries’ anniversary party. What a great experience it must be to see so many people, both artists and fans, come together to celebrate the hard work and the influence of what once was a small project has turned into over the course of two decades.
Check out the photo gallery below for a few more photos of the show!
Congrats on making it through 2023 and inching one year closer to the grave. 2023 was another year in which the ever-growing and developing genre of punk grew and developed just a little bit more. Several punk rock veterans proved why they’re still more relevant than ever, while a good variety of young bucks helped […]
Congrats on making it through 2023 and inching one year closer to the grave. 2023 was another year in which the ever-growing and developing genre of punk grew and developed just a little bit more. Several punk rock veterans proved why they’re still more relevant than ever, while a good variety of young bucks helped fuel the flame of the greatest fuckin’ music genre this world’s ever seen.
My hope is that this isn’t the thousandth “end of the year Top 10” list that comes across your screen. Try not to get too offended by this either if we’re in disagreement; these are merely my favorites from the whole year. Check them out below and see what you think (or check out the playlist at the bottom for my picks of the best songs from the best records).
Hopefully Borrowed Sparks’ name and likeness have become a bit familiar around here. We were lucky enough to debut both the record’s first single “Run ’til You’re Dust” over the Summer, and the full-length itself before its October release date. All I can say is this thing is fuckin’ immaculate; I love every part of Mike Bay’s songwriting and I’m proud that something this rad is coming from right out of my backyard here in Nashville.
Let A Little Light In is the exact opposite of a sophomore slump. Equal parts Gaslight Anthem, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen, Mike Bay has perfected the Americana-punk sound that many Dying Scene readers and writers have fallen in love with.
Being that the Souls very well may be my favorite band of all time, there was no way Ten Stories High was being left off of my top 10 list, even if I don’t rank it up there with How I Spent My Summer Vacation and The Gold Record. This record didn’t stray too far from the signature Souls sound, but just enough to make it unique and fresh. I feared that they may take the same experimental direction as Green Day’s new material, of which I am not fond of in the least.
But my fears were quickly put to rest, the title track opens the record and may be my favorite from the whole thing. Other tracks like “True Believer Radio” and “Vin and Casey” (ft. Kevin Seconds) would have fit in perfectly with their early catalog.
Thankfully, I was reacquainted with Decent Criminal’s music as I was preparing for an interview with founding members and brothers Tristan and Hunter Martinez. My last encounter with the band was in 2017 while they were on the road with Dwarves and the Queers in support of their debut record Bloom, an incredible display of Southern California skate punk. But the band’s sound has evolved enormously, a perfect example being There’s More To It Than Climbing.
The record has been described by both brothers as a journey, each track being able to stand alone, but also guiding to the next. “Blind” and “Driving” both stuck out as what I remembered as Decent Criminal. But outside of those two, many other genres and sounds were explored that reminded me of influences such as Bradley Nowell (and even some Long Beach Dub All Stars), making this an extremely intriguing record to keep coming back to.
In a scenario much like that with the Bouncing Souls, my second favorite band of all time also happened to release a full-length this year. Although this record came as a reemergence from an extensive hiatus, it has the sound and feel of still being well within their prime.
For me, this record is a return to the “Gaslight Anthem sound”, a quality that seemed a bit lacking with Get Hurt. “Positive Charge” and “History Books” were two brand new tracks that really got me in the mood to catch these guys at the historic Ryman Auditorium back on Mother’s Day. And the fact that The Boss is featured on “History Books” sold me on the record immediately.
I hope I’ve made it blatantly obvious by this point how much I admire, applaud, idolize, adore, fuckin’ cherish these dudes. Daikaiju is a national treasure, comprised of the most masterful performing I’ve ever witnessed. I’m trying to consider live performance more for this year’s list and, in including Phase 3 at the number 6 spot, the record itself only tells half the story…
Secret-man, the band’s fearless leader, is the very definition of a shredder. It’s one thing to play fast and flawlessly, but Secret-man’s soloing has occurred while crowd surfing, on the shoulders of fans, and even while their instruments are set ablaze. I still hold strong in saying these dudes are my favorite live show on Earth, and Phase 3 presented a whole new catalog of tunes for their cult-like following to lose their minds to.
This was undoubtedly my most anticipated 2023 full-length. I’ve adored Northcote ever since an intimate Dave Hause performance at the Bluebird Cafe in which Matt Goud was summoned up on stage and proceeded to serenade the fuck out of me with a couple of tracks from Hope is Made of Steel. It was an absolute treat for me to be able to pick Goud’s brain about the meaning and process behind Wholeheart.
Done in true DIY fashion, a quality that made me even more of a fan of this thing, this record is more of a raw, stripped-down release than those previous. Inspired by Indian devotional music and a renewed spirituality through nature, I truly appreciated how meaningful and sincere Goud approached this release.
Tomorrow Never Comes was the main release I was referencing with the statement “punk rock veterans proving why they’re still more relevant than ever”. This has become my favorite Rancid full-length in recent years, even topping ’09’s Let the Dominoes Fall.
Produced by Brett Gurewitz, I was ecstatic to hear a full-length that was, not mimicking the past, but embracing the developed Rancid sound in a record that’s about as close to perfection as you can get. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s short and to the point; this record is what punk rock should strive to be.
Up until just before the release of Dusk, I would have called myself a casual fan of Plasma Canvas. But when I received an early link for the record prior to interviewing Adrienne Rae Ash, man was I blown the fuck away for so many different reasons (my first paragraph of that write-up even featured a spoiler that this would rank well at the end of the year).
Ash’s goal for the release was a cyclical record, one that ends right where it begins. This was very much achieved with “Hymn”, the piano-led banger of a lead track, and “Empyrean”, the closing track to a record I listen to almost daily. The band’s debut release as a four-piece brought about a whole new sound featuring Ash’s unmatched vocals and songwriting, creating what I’ll call a “Plasma Canvas sandwich”: soft and melodic bread on each end with a fusion of punk rock mayhem ingredients in between.
If it weren’t for Jay Stone, I may have entirely forgotten that this came out in 2023 (it’s been a long year, alright). In all honesty, up until Fest 20, I hadn’t given these dudes a fair shot, and little did I know I was missing out big-fuckin’-time. But luckily I’ve come around just in time for Samiam’s first release in over a decade.
Thanks in large part to the four Samiam live shows I’ve seen dating back to just before this release, I was well-prepared to rank Stowaway in the top spot this year. “Lights Out Little Hustler” and “Crystallized” were two live tracks that left me awestruck and questioning what kind of punk-rock-lowlife I’ve been by not getting on board with these guys sooner. But it took a truly special release, at least in my eyes, to dethrone Stowaway from its rightful place atop my 2023 list…
But first… a few honorable mentions. 2023 had way too many releases (365 days worth to be exact) to not show some love to some of my other favorites from the past year.
An interview with the Brokedowns way back in January presented me the perfect chance to really dive into what Chicago’s funniest band had to offer. Maximum Khaki, the band’s first full-length in 5 years, quickly gave me the dose of fast, humorous, raw punk explosiveness that I was craving. Maximum Khaki is the very epitome of punk rock done the right way.
If we’re going off of technicality here, the much-anticipated Wes Hoffman and Friends debut isn’t “officially” released yet. But my vinyl copy showed up at the door a couple of weeks ago, and since we make the rules around here, this eclectic piece of pop-punk shreddery is getting an honorable mention (until next year when it very well may crack the official top 10 list).
I picked a pretty damn good year to attend my first Lucero live show. Should’ve Learned By Now added another handful of catchy tracks to what I’d call the strongest catalog in the game, with this batch being more rock-forward than what some fans may have expected; and I absolutely loved it.
An intimate live show at Music City’s greatest punk bar earlier this year turned me onto these dudes, and I’ve fallen in love. J. Navarro and the Traitors‘ new record All of Us, or None emerged as my favorite ska record of the year, displaying the very same two-tone ska-punk that drew me as a fan of the Pietasters.
Jason Cruz has proven that he can do no wrong. Jason Cruz and Howl‘s Wolves gave me an entirely new appreciation for the musicianship of Cruz and the rest of Strung Out. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that Cruz’s voice may be the most malleable in all of punk.
Thanks for making it this far. Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Nasty Nate’s pick for 2023 record of the year is…
No. 1: Codefendants – This is Crime Wave
This is Crime Wave appealed to me for so many special reasons.
It’s equal parts punk rock and hip hop, something that, on paper, seems extremely difficult to execute successfully. All expectations were exceeded, with nothing seeming forced on this record. These songs are about as raw and natural as possible (revealed by both King and Cechi in our interview. My number one New Year’s resolution is to have that posted ASAP).
The emotion is insane. Tracks like “Coda-Fendants” and “Disaster Scenes” gave me chills and nearly brought me to tears. Vulnerability and honesty are at the forefront of every song on this release.
Not only was I opened to an entirely new genre in hip-hop, but my appreciation for the songwriting of Sam King, Ceschi Ramos, Fat Mike, Stacey Dee, and many others grew immensely. Hearing the D.O.C.’s triumphant return after 20 years quiet, paired Onry Ozzborne’s contributions, were far more than I needed to justify dipping my toes into what I’ve been missing in the realm of hip hop.
But most convincing of all was seeing all of these qualities portrayed ten-fold on the live stage by the King-Ceschi duo, backed by Zeta. I can confidently say the Codefendants’ show was the most powerful I’ve seen in the last ten years.
So there you have it, Nasty Nate’s favorite new tunes of 2023. Check out the sick playlist down below with all of my favorite songs of all of my favorite records this year. If we’re in disagreement and you think I’ve got it all wrong, make sure you talk all kinds of shit down in the comments. As always, thanks for checking out the site, Cheers!
Iconic music venue Metro Chicago hosted hometown hero Sincere Engineer as the band celebrated the release of their newest record, Cheap Grills. Fellow Windy City punk bands, The Brokedowns, and Canadian Rifle provided crucial support. Sincere Engineer provided cool thrills with Cheap Grills at the legendary music venue nearly adjacent to Wrigley Field. There was […]
Iconic music venue Metro Chicago hosted hometown hero Sincere Engineer as the band celebrated the release of their newest record, Cheap Grills. Fellow Windy City punk bands, The Brokedowns, and Canadian Rifle provided crucial support.
Sincere Engineer provided cool thrills with Cheap Grills at the legendary music venue nearly adjacent to Wrigley Field. There was even a quick cameo by Deanna Belo’s father Nick Belos, the star of the new record’s cover photo. Well, from the waist down, anyway. Deanna Belos described to me how her father came to be the subject of the album’s artwork,
“I found it [the photo] in a box of pictures in my parents’ basement! It’s my dad from the ’80s. The name came shortly after I found the picture, just thought it was kinda a funny pun that fit the record cover well.”
Nick Belos, clad only in pair of running shorts similar to those on the album cover, strolled calmly on stage at the start of his daughter’s set, tapped a Weber Grill placed near the drum area and walked off.
Tunes from Cheap Grills, including, “Old Coat Pocket,” “Anemia,” “Inside My Head,” “California King,” “Fireplace,” and “Landline,” made up the bulk of the setlist for Sincere Engineer’s buoyant and delightful set.
As this was a record release show, I naturally asked her to describe how the creation of Cheap Grills differed from making previous releases. Belos told me,
“This album was different because we recorded it in Massachusetts with a new producer, Mike Sapone! Had a blast doing it. All the others were done in Chicago so it was a different vibe getting away from town for 2 weeks and being kinda isolated and recording the songs.”
As for this new year for Sincere Engineer per Belos,
“Not sure what 2024 is looking like yet! I imagine more touring and stuff like that! “
Dying Scene will be there for Sincere Engineer’s 2024 “stuff.” I can’t imagine it wouldn’t be.
The Brokedowns were name-checked in Sincere Engineer’s first big hit, “Corn Dog Sonnet No 7,” in some of its closing lyrics,
“So I listen to The Brokedowns They remind me of you and I feel sorry for myself.”
But The Brokedowns, founded more than two decades ago, have built a very loyal following for a reason. The band’s own catchy and compelling lyrics set to driving music means strong and memorable songs. With a solid and tight stage presence, the quartet never fails to keep the crowds excited. This night’s set, which included, “Obey the Fumes,” and “Ernest Becker at a Costco” was a non-stop no exception.
I’m looking forward to Dying Scene covering more of The Brokedowns’ shows in 2024.
Canadian Rifle kicked off the show with a rollicking set. The band blasted through, among other tunes, “When in Doubt,” “Investments,” “Peaceful Death,” “You Are My Junk,” and “Just for You.” It was a powerful performance and the perfect start for the night.
Please check out more photos from the show! Thanks and Cheers!
When Dying Scene last documented a live performance by The Brokedowns it was long ago. I jest, it was just about a month earlier, opening for The Arrivals on New Year’s Eve. This time, The Brokedowns headlined a sold-out show, with support by Dangerous Chairs, Chinese Telephones, and Permanent Residue. Big sounds in a small […]
When Dying Scene last documented a live performance by The Brokedowns it was long ago. I jest, it was just about a month earlier, opening for The Arrivals on New Year’s Eve. This time, The Brokedowns headlined a sold-out show, with support by Dangerous Chairs, Chinese Telephones, and Permanent Residue. Big sounds in a small venue added up a lively Saturday night at the popular Burlington Bar in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.
This event was the official record release party for The Brokedowns‘ latest release, Maximum Khaki, on Red Scare Industries. The band members – Kris Megyery, Jon Balun, Eric Grossmann, and Mustafa Daka introduced the fans present to many of the songs off the new album, including “Obey the Fumes,” “Ernest Becker at a Costco,” “Chakra Updates,” “Samurai Sword Decontrol,” “Honk If You’re Horny,”
The bouncy melodies in many of the tunes made for soft serve deliveries delivery of some stinging commentary.
Take for instance, “Ernest Becker at a Costco.”
“Get in line for the offering you just can’t beat the price
Say c’est la vie to the sky-high fees
Say hello to paradise
I’m in the bargain bin
And I cannot decide
Between the shrink wrapped shit
Or the sweat shop skid.“
It is an immensely infectious ode to “Big Boxes” and those who find themselves entranced by them. At least, in my interpretation, and personally the song reminds me of the documentary, “Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price.”
The playful song titles and droll lyrics in Maximum Khaki translated live, with an onstage cameo by Chris Sutter of Meat Wave for the tune “Keep Branson Weird,” added up to a killer night of punk music.
Chinese Telephones, out of Milwaukee, WI, and around since 2004, have shared a bill with The Brokedowns in the past, so it was no surprise they fit so comfortably in this lineup.
Just after taking the stage lead singer Justin Telephone put on a pair of very dark sunglasses. He informed the crowd he wasn’t trying to look cool. Rather, the eyewear was to protect him from the bright lights as he was still recovering from a concussion. Head injury be damned, he, along with bandmates Daniel James, Andy Junk, and Logan Stang ripped through “I Can’t Be Right,” “Crying in the Chapel,” “Back to You Again,” “Live Like This,” “Stay Around.” It was a rowdy and fun set. Hopefully, Justin Telephone will soon be fully recovered.
Chicago’s Dangerous Chairs, is comprised of “Little Dave” Merriman from The Arrivals, Jim Mertz, Andy Cline, Chris “The Kid” Landefeld, and Brian Fee. It’s a new group with veteran musicians and a 2022 debut album, “Introducing Dangerous Chairs.” The record is loaded with evocative tunes. Among those in this night’s set were “Jeweler’s Lens,” “Slow Bleed,” “Regret Song,” “Statue,” and “Rooftops.” Just as The Brokedowns reminded me of another filmed piece of pop culture, so too did the Dangerous Chairs tune “Superman Is Painless.” It immediately made me think of a song from the iconic film M*A*S*H. An instrumental version of the tune also served as the theme for the equally iconic television adaptation. Turns out I had good reason. Per Merriman:
“It’s a play on Suicide is Painless, the theme to M*A*S*H, along with the fact that he commits suicide in the song and also that he would always feel no pain.” That’s a pretty heavy description with lyrics even heavier:
“Problematic Superman
As tired as he’s old
His emblem hides his broken heart
and his deeds all seem so cold…”
“...The only way to kill the man
Could only come from his own hand
And when we found him dead at least
You’d think we’d understood”
Apparently I was not the only one to think of the tragic story of the man who first played Superman. Merriman again,
“Andy, one of the guitarists, mentioned the George Reeves connection after it was named.”
Dangerous Chairs ventures into dark waters but does it so well. I am looking forward to hearing more from this group.
Permanent Residue, of Chicago, describes itself as “snotty pop punk.” The band, composed of Kate Manic, Jake Levee, Victor Lord Riley, and Vince Miller, wasted no time getting the crowd involved as it commenced the evenings proceedings. Lead singer Manic, with her furious vocals, led her bandmates through a pummeling set which included “Ogden Ave,” “Resignation,” “Oh Well,” “I Don’t,” and “Gilmour Girls.” Keep an eye and an ear out for Permanent Residue, a band that surely will leave its mark, not in name only.
Sometimes referred to as Chicago’s best kept secret and other times called the funniest band on Red Scare, for all of us not currently living in Chicago, we know them simply as The Brokedowns. After officially closing the book on 2022 on a high note with a live show during the late hours of December […]
Sometimes referred to as Chicago’s best kept secret and other times called the funniest band on Red Scare, for all of us not currently living in Chicago, we know them simply as The Brokedowns. After officially closing the book on 2022 on a high note with a live show during the late hours of December 31, they claimed the honor of the last band of 2022 at Reggie’s Rock Club and rang in the New Year in style. Their 2023 is started off on an even higher note, however, with the release of the quartet’s 6th studio album titled “Maximum Khaki”, the band’s fourth release on Chicago label Red Scare.
Out of the gates, the group’s first single “Obey the Fumes” damn near knocks your fuckin’ teeth in. Lead guitarist Kris Megyery kicks the song off with a killer, in-your-face opening riff that sets an excellent tone for the next thirteen tracks of this quick, humorous, thought-provoking punk masterpiece.
In my opinion, this record is what a punk record should be. The songs are fast, both in tempo and duration, with only one track breaking the three-minute threshold (and even that comes in at an even three minutes). The release comes equipped with intriguing, chuckle-inducing song titles that, upon questioning with the band, have both deep and sincere subject matters. After listening from beginning to end and finding myself starting over, I fully understand the pride that these guys hold in their finished product.
“There’s nothing I really regret on [the record],” said Megyery. “At this point I’m usually like ‘Fuck it’s coming out in a few days, this sucks.’ But not with this one, that’s a good feeling to have.”
Keep scrolling for all kinds of cool stuff: music videos for “Obey the Fumes” (which coincidentally was done over a Zoom call as well) and “Samurai Sword Decontrol”, info for their record release show January 28th at the Burlington in Chicago, and the full Q&A with Eric, Kris and Mustafa. Cheers!
(Editor’s note: The following has been edited and condensed for clarity’s sakebecause a good chunk of this interview was just four guys shooting the shit.)
Dying Scene (Nathan Kernell NastyNate): So first off, congrats on the new record. I know it’s not technically out yet as of this intervew, but I’ve listened to it several times and I love it guys. How long has this been in the works, I know your last release 2018?
Kris Megyery (KM): Yeah I think we started recording in February but we did the bass tracking March 7th 2020. So pretty much we started recording right before the pandemic and then we finished it up like last summer.
So you started recording back in 2020, but are these songs a lot older than that?
Mustafa Daka (MD): I remember, Kris, we recorded for like a split or something and you were like hey while we are at it, let’s just like demo all these songs you had just shown us, so like there’s a kind of a real rough recording of all those songs like a year earlier so like 2019?
KM: Right yeah it was that Copyrights cover song for the Red Scare comp. And my idea was to try to record a whole album that we’ve never practiced once and I thought it would go awesome *laughs*. And we did, we recorded that Copyrights song and then we just like live recorded the whole album and I remember during the session being like ‘holy shit this is gonna work’, like we just did the whole album in like a couple hours. And then we got home and listened to it and we were like ‘oh this is a turkey’. *laughs* So we went back like a year later to perfect them.
So I always like to ask this with new releases, did you just kind of collect these songs over time after your last release or was it like ‘alright let’s write another record’ and you just sat down wrote songs and recorded?
KM: Yeah the way we operate as a band for at least the last 10 years since I’ve had kids is pretty much just like whoever writes a song, like me or John, we make demos with the song and then everyone kind of learns it from the demo, like we don’t “get in the lab” *laughs* or spend tons of time. Like this shit all goes really fast because it has to. So it wasn’t over time and we never do that over time. Usually like we don’t even think about recording anything until we have a chunk of songs. There’s never like we’re just knocking around one song like normal bands do. Normal bands are like ‘hey let’s work on this one song and it slowly grows’, where us it’s like we binge it all man*laughs*.
MD: I will say, it’s been funny that Kris, since you’ve had kids, you are real quick to just hit us with like a bunch of demos and some of it’s like a Casio drum kit and everything or sometimes it’s just like the drums that he’s got laying around that he micd up. But you’ll hear his kids all over it, so I think it’s awesome. Where you have kids that might kind of get in the way of your being able to write and record demos, Kris kind of just combines those two times together so it’s like ‘well I’m gonna hang out with these kids, they may as well get involved’ *laughs*.
KM: Where a normal person would be parenting, I’m demoing *laughs*.
So does this record kind of have a theme, I know like with your last release you tackle like some of the thrills of living in the Midwest. Does this have any kind of main theme or does each song kind of have a different theme?
KM: Well a lot of our songs are like political in nature I guess. The last one was actually a lot more personal songs about like growing up and shit, and a lot of like bummer songs. The year we wrote that album like we had a bunch of people close to us die in like one short period of time, so that’s a bummer record for me. But this one is definitely more about just the cultural nightmare we’re all going through, living in our country and you know all that stuff, all that groovy shit.
Where’s the name of the record come from, Maximum Khaki?
KM: So the word khaki, I kept using as this like reference to just like the banality of evil, like bland evil, not referencing like the soldiers, but referencing the accountants who are making the atrocities happen. And when I would write a song I would have the word khaki written in there. It probably started from that Charlottesville rally you know where everyone was wearing khakis, probably stemmed from that. I think John brought it up, he’s like ‘there are like 6 songs where you mentioned khaki’. So khaki was used as a reference to just like bland cruelty. And we were going to call the record “Khaki Majesty” and right before we started making artwork for it the Slow Death from Minneapolis who we’re friends with announced their new album “Casual Majesty”.
MD: I think I told those dudes, I was like ‘you know we’ve got an album coming out called “khaki majesty”, but yeah not anymore’.
KM: I didn’t blame them or anything, but they definitely heard from our attorneys *laughs*.
MD: Yeah I don’t talk to those guys anymore *laughs*.
I know your artwork for the album always comes into question, what drew you to Ryan Duggan for this record cover?
KM: We love him. He did the album “Species Bender” and we love that record cover of ours. And we’ve always loved everything he does and he does with his artwork what I think we’re trying to do as a band, which is like be funny but not be overtly funny; be kind of very subtly funny. And he probably doesn’t want to be connected to us that way *laughs* But it just always makes me smile, always makes me giggle and always makes me think in a nonlinear way, so kind of a no brainer [to go with him]. He’s always been like doing posters and stuff like that around Chicago, and in the last 10-15 years he’s really developed a reputation. He’s got a really unique style.
So starting with “Obey the Fumes” that’s a kickass opener, that’s an awesome opener you guys put out. Walk me through kind of the meaning behind that because I know you said it was about breaking bad habits in one of the press releases, but can you dive in a little bit deeper maybe?
KM: Yeah, initially, like in my head what I see is like an 80s beer commercial where you’re working in a factory, you wipe your brow, you crack open a cool Coors. But in our like dystopian hellscape that we live in, it’s like glue. So you go to your job, and in this case the protagonist of this song goes to a job where he gets skull-fucked by demons every day, and he just wants to crack open a nice thing of glue and fuckin’ cut loose. But that’s the funny version, but it’s like about trying to break bad habits, specifically drinking, like negative drinking habits in a culture where it’s everywhere.
That was actually one of my favorite tracks off the record, do each of you guys have any favorites you’re excited for people to hear once it’s released on Friday?
MD: I love our samurai sword song, that’s probably one of my favorites and I think is the only song that I used to click track on for that whole album.
Eric Grossman (EG): I like that song yeah. “Cinnamon Kings” is probably a highlight for me.
KM: Yeah that song “Cinnamon King” is like our favorite probably. It’s only like 15 seconds long, but so much fun to play. Been playing it live for like three years, we love that one. I like it all, I think it all kind of moves really fast, it’s super short, it’s like our shortest record. It moves along pretty quick, there’s nothing I really regret on it and at this point I’m usually like ‘Fuck it’s coming out in a few days, this sucks’. But not with this one, that’s a good feeling to have.
Yeah I know guys that regret releases they put out because they do it in such a short amount of time, so I mean that’s a good feeling to have.
KM: I wanna warn the listeners, I may be wrong. You might hate this *laughs*, don’t take my word for it, I’m too closely attached to it to have a unbiased opinion.
So I gotta ask you then, some of these other titles are very intriguing. “Honk if You’re Horny” *laughs*?
KM:*laughs* Yeah real subtle.
Tell me about “Osama Van Halen.”
MD: It sounds funny to hear.
KM: It’s a real bummer, but it’s funny. But I was thinking about just like how you know Eddie Van Halen was an innovator, in a very creative way, but like Osama Bin Laden was also an innovator you know what I mean *laughs*, just in a different way. So like the chorus is about like a 4 minute mile because it took forever for people to run it, but once people ran a 4 minute mile like everybody was doing it. So once Eddie Van Halen fuckin’ busted out a power drill every jack off with a power drill could do that. But once someone does whatever fuckin’ atrocities in the newspaper every week, once you see that it makes it that much easier for the next dildo to do that.
That’s actually really cool, I wasn’t sure which direction you were gonna go with that *laughs*. So this is your 4th release over at Red Scare, I take it you’ve had a pretty good experience over there with Toby?
KM: Definitely yeah! Yeah he’s great.
MD: He sends me hoodies and shirts sometimes, and pens, it’s awesome.
EG: Lots of swag. Moose has to pay for them but he gets them *laughs*. When Moose orders it, he gets it.
MD: Sometimes I get $0.69 off and sometimes I get $4.20 off *laughs*.
So from what I’ve seen, the Chicago and Chicago suburbs, the whole scene is flourishing, makes me jealous down here because it just seems like you guys have stuff going on every night. What are some local bands that you guys want to name drop as influences or just bands you’re into?
KM: I’m listening to that Stress Positions EP over and over again for the last couple weeks that’s fuckin’ kicking my head in. Obviously Meat Wave, all the bands Moose said, Wig. Yeah there’s a lot of good shit, there’s always good shit it’s the third largest city in America. Where are you at?
I’m down in Nashville.
KM: Oh yeah that’s not a place known for music *laughs*.
Speaking of locals, Deanna Belos, in “Corndog Sonnet” she named you guys. So when are you guys gonna the line “listen to Sincere Engineer” in one of your songs *laughs*. MD: I don’t write lyrics
KM: It’s hard to work that in, I’ll figure it out. It’s a little lengthy. It’ll probably be in a super offensive song title, she’ll be like ‘hey thanks but no thanks’ *laughs*.
What about outside of Chicago, what kind of influences do you guys have?
KM: Well the obvious answer, everyone compares us to, collectively we all love Dillinger 4. That was like a huge influence for us. Fugazi’s like my favorite band of all time, that’s creeps in there a lot you know.
That’s actually the one that you guys reminded me of on this last record, it’s actually in my notes for the interview *laughs*.
MD: I will absolutely rip off Toys That Kill. Jimmy will send me a text message for like whatever we put out and be like ‘oh I heard it’s great’ and I’ll be like ‘listen to this song, that’s the song I totally ripped you off’ *laughs*. I always am like thinking of Toys That Kill whenever I’m playing somehow, I just love love love those guys and I love their drums.
So your album release is on the 28th, where are you guys playing that?
EG: That’s at the Burlington, which is also pretty close to Moose.
MD: I like it because it’s pretty close to the practice spot so it’s like you just gotta pick up the gear, drive just a few blocks and go right back.
KM: Moose’s love for venues are all based on geography *laughs*.
KM: Chinese Telephones we haven’t played with in at least 10-12 years. And the other two bands we’ve never played with, but we’re friends with all of them. We wanted to play with bands we haven’t played with in at least a decade or never, but they’re all great super great and I’m super excited for all of them. I love them all.
What about your guy’s strict touring schedule? In one of your interviews you said out of town shows 3 a year, do you have those three out of town dates booked up yet or what’s the plan?
KM: There’s a bidding war going on, it’s like when a city hosts the Olympics because when we come to a town it brings a lot to the local economy *laughs*, the dispensaries.
MD: No we haven’t booked anything yet out of town, but we’re gonna definitely play a lot more this year hopefully. We might do as many as four shows out of town *laughs*.
EG: Yeah maybe. We’re talking about maybe.
So when did you guys form, I’ve seen a few different dates, but I’ve come up with 2002?
EG: What you define as the band as it is today was 2002 yeah. John and I have been playing together for a really long time, way before that probably ‘96 or ’97, somewhere around there. I mean we weren’t really serious about it and the band that you see today was 2002. I think that was when we first played with you Moose, right?
MD: Right, I used to watch you guys from like ‘96 and then in 2002 is when I joined the band, holy shit *laughs*.
KM: Yeah we should have changed our name when Moose joined because I feel like it all became kind of different.
MD: But I saw the first Brokedowns show, I wasn’t in the band but I think John was fourteen I was 18
EG: Yeah I think I had just joined the band at that point. I don’t know if I even played that one maybe I wasn’t in yet.
KM: But John was like a fuckin’ 7th grader *laughs*.
MD: I have a DVD that my friend’s uncle sent me and it has the Brokedowns playing like before you and I were in the band Kris. I think it was Taylors last show in the band. Kris and I weren’t even in the band at the time, Eric was but …
KM: Today those are referred to as the who gives a shit years *laughs*.
I’ve talked to a lot of guys who have either quit music or stopped for an extended period of time after doing it for so long, and I mean you guys have been at this for a while and I mean, based on the new record, it doesn’t seem like you guys are slowing down. What’s kept you guys going?
KM: We’re all very close friends and we don’t do much and even when like we were young, the band was never like the top priority. And because it’s never been the top priority, we’ve never had to like really sacrifice. It’s created a very low pressure situation you know.
MD: I always said it was like fishing buddies, but we play music together instead. It’s like when we lived together, sometimes our Fridays are Saturdays would be just going into like Kris’s garage or whatever and just playing for hours, get drunk in the process and sweat it out right.
KM: It’s just as simple as like if someone doesn’t want to do something, we don’t do it. And then the three people that did wanna do it just quietly resent them behind their back *laughs* and we vent to each other about how terrible that person.
MD: It’s always Kris, we always hate Kris.
KM: That’s funny because I always hate you *laughs*.
MD: Oh shit that’s so funny because I hate you even *laughs*.
KM: Honestly though, 21 years, like the band is old enough to legally drink now and I can’t think of an actual fight, like a single one.
EG: I don’t think so, no.
MD: Maybe something I did, probably. If we fought, it had to have been about something I wanted to do or didn’t wanna do.
KM: I love that false modesty there *laughs*.
So you guys have been referred to as the funniest guys on red scare, who’s second, who’s coming for your title right now? I saw Sam Russo a few months ago and that dude was pretty funny.
KM: Wow. We would never say we’re the funniest. Brendan Kelly is obviously insanely funny. The Copyrights are really funny, they’re super funny.
MD: Like personally those guys are funny as hell.
KM: They refer to movies as Kilmers and books as Grishams; every book’s a Grisham and every movie’s a Kilmer, that’s a good bit *laughs*. I love that bit.
Okay, last question here. I know the record’s not even out yet, but do you guys have any other upcoming plans far future maybe? I know you’re kind of known for doing splits, do you have any of those planned for the coming future?
EG: Not really, we don’t have anything planned. Got a bunch of stuff demoed.
MD: I was gonna say Kris already sent us demos for whatever we’re gonna do next, it’s probably gonna be a split.
Any bands that come to mind for doing splits?
KM: We were supposed to do one with Canadian Rifle actually, so probably them. But they recorded their songs and we never recorded ours *laughs*. So we blew that one. But there was a pandemic, in case you didn’t notice *laughs*.
Well that about wraps everything up, I really appreciate you guys taking some time and sitting down with me. Once again, congrats on the new record and good luck with the album release on the 28th.
The Arrivals and The Brokedowns helped a jampacked Reggie’s Rock Club crowd close out 2022 and ring in the new year. They were supported by Time Thieves, and a collective of musicians calling themselves C.O.M.A. for this specific event. There was sparkling wine, goofy New Year’s swag on fans, terrific performances, and a bit of […]
The Arrivals and The Brokedowns helped a jampacked Reggie’s Rock Club crowd close out 2022 and ring in the new year. They were supported by Time Thieves, and a collective of musicians calling themselves C.O.M.A. for this specific event. There was sparkling wine, goofy New Year’s swag on fans, terrific performances, and a bit of Auld Lang Syne.
The Arrivals is a pretty good band name to have as a headliner for welcoming the arrival of the New Year. Of course, the Chicago quartet, comprised of “Little Dave” Merriman, Isaac Thotz, Patrick Costello, and Ronni Dicola is not good in name only. In fact, they are pretty damn good and have been for a long time.
Merriman and his wife Lyndsey Anne Wollenberg-Merriman welcomed their first child, a daughter named Josephine, earlier in the year so 2022 was already one for his memory books. He told me post-show:
“It was the best one [year] yet“
The Arrivals helped add another entry in the memory books for those in attendance as well. Merriman described the event:
“The show was a hell of a lot of fun and all the bands were great.”
Leading the crowd with Auld Lang Syne as the clock struck midnight, the band then launched into a set including, “Two Years,” “I’m Sorry For Saying I’m Sorry,” “The Ballad Of Lon Stokes,” “Elise,” and “Last Lullaby.”
Chicago’s The Brokedowns finished their set shortly before the midnight hour, meaning they were the last band to play Reggie’s in 2022. So it was especially important that the band members Jon Balun, Kris Megyery, Eric Grossmann, and Mustafa Daka make it an unforgettable performance. They Brokedowns delivered with a frenzied set which included “Wizard Symptoms,” “I’m A Ritual,” “Life Is A Breeze,” “Pardon The Light,” and “Born On The Bayou Too.”
Mustafa Daka reflected on the show, not quite a fortnight later, and the meaning it held for him:
“The NYE show was very special to me because we all loved The Arrivals for more than 20 years and have lots of great memories touring with them and watching them play amazing sets night after night, especially at Fest! And all the bands were amazing and we’re all friends and friendly, it was a blast! To start the early hours of 2023 playing a show like that and with all the people there, I’m hoping for a year of fun and creativity! And travel!”
C.O.M.A. (Christy, Orion, Monica, and Austin) is actually a collective of two solo singers, Monica LaPlante, and Christy Costello, and their bandmates in Extraterrestrials, Orion Treon and Austin Cecil. All three acts are from Minneapolis and play in each other’s bands.
For their set, the musicians rotated the three identities, and in the combinations, performed “VCR Guy” (Extraterrestrials), “Compression” (Monica LaPlante), “Uranium Baby” (Christy Costello), among others. It was a unique and fun way to introduce themselves to Chicago.
Time Thieves is from Chicago and is comprised of Jonathan Pool, Tim Reynolds, Annie Saunders, and Mike Oberlin. The band played a more than solid set which included “Road,” “Night,” Message,” “Flicker Of Light,” and a lovely cover of the INXS classic “Don’t Change.” It was an enjoyable start to a night meant to mark the end of the year.
Chop Shop in Chicago was the site of a kick-off for September live music. The Windy City’s own Apocalypse Hoboken headlined the bill after having pull out of their show there earlier this summer due to a positive Covid case. Joined by three other Chicago area bands, it was well worth the wait to see […]
Chop Shop in Chicago was the site of a kick-off for September live music. The Windy City’s own Apocalypse Hoboken headlined the bill after having pull out of their show there earlier this summer due to a positive Covid case. Joined by three other Chicago area bands, it was well worth the wait to see Apocalypse Hoboken take the stage once again.
Chicago’s Apocalypse Hoboken, whose first incarnation began in 1987, played at Chop Shop on September 2, 2022. It’s still playing shows but with a wink to the members’ ages perhaps, an AARP sticker was spotted on one of the amps. Nonetheless, AH shows are still a blast and these recent one was no exception. Wearing a needed eyepatch over his left eye, and a Hawaiian style shirt, Apocalypse Hoboken lead singer Todd Pot bounded onto the stage and wasted no time hitting top speed. However, even before he sang the first note, the band wanted to ensure that crowds members could sing along. Band members handed out folders full of pages with AH song lyrics on them. It was reminiscent of a first day of high school choir practice, or for me, middle school band practice for this former Alto Sax player. Of course, it also alleviated the need for sweaty, exhausted but satisfied fans to grab for an often wrinkled and torn set list post-show. Complementing Pot’s energy were the animated expressions on the face of guitar player Scott Hoffman. Sean Seeling, also on guitar was less animated in his expression but still equally compelling to Hoffman in his playing. Bass player Kurdt Dinse appeared more stoic in comparison but he and drummer Andy Peterson provided a pulsating rhythm section. Apocalypse Hoboken kept fans excited through nearly three dozen songs, including “Jerk Lessons,” “Pop Goes The World,” “Pocketful of Lips,” and “Monchhichi.”
The Brokedowns, founded in Elgin /Fox Valley region of IL, are usually a quartet but Covid struck again, this time temporarily knocking out guitar player and vocalist Eric Grossman. However, his presence was felt. Actually it was cardboard, in the form of a large cardboard cutout of Grossman, his bandmates brought out on stage with them. Kris Megyery, guitar and vocals, Jon Balun, vocals and bass, and drummer Mustafa Daka tore through a set which included older songs such as “Born On The Bayou Too,” and “Cash for Gold.” It also included the newer tunes, “Cinnamon King,” and “Samurai Sword.”
Canadian Rifle might reference the USA’s neighbors to the north, but they are one of Chicago’s beloved own. With a backdrop sporting their signature visuals of the words “dreams” and “goals” within what is commonly known as the No Symbol, the band slashed through its set. The dynamic performances of Jake Levee, Tim Murphy, Josh Snader, and Dustin Christian, prompted some members of the enthusiastic crowd to jump up and down repeatedly. Perhaps none more exuberantly than Lucas Sikorski of opening band WIG.
The aforementioned WIG, got things popping with a lively set. Sikorski on bass, and bandmates, Chris Gottlieb, on vocals and guitar, and Clayton Demuth on drums, ensured no weaker spots on this bill. WIG is a Chicago band on the rise and very worth checking out. So please do that stat!
