Black Flag is the most influential and iconic band I have shot to date. They proved they’ve still got it with a stunning show at Avondale Music Hall in Chicago on April 14th. The legendary quartet played the seminal 1984 album My War in its entirety, followed by a second set sampling the rest of their catalog. There were no openers for Black Flag, but The Evictions and Shitizen rocked LiveWire Lounge for the official after-party. The result was a night of raw, intense and uncompromising music that left the audience breathless and exhilarated.
The first set was a masterclass in punk nostalgia, as Black Flag unleashed the fury and power of My War, one of the most noteworthy albums in their extensive catalog. From the opening riff of “My War” to the closing feedback of “Three Nights,” the band delivered a flawless performance that captured the anger, frustration and alienation of the original record. The songs were played with precision and passion, as vocalist Mike Vallely spat out the lyrics with his trademark ferocity. Guitarist Greg Ginn picked and strummed his way through the complex and dissonant riffs, while bassist Harley Duggan and drummer Charles Wiley provided a solid and dynamic rhythm section. The second set was a treat for the fans, as Black Flag played some of their most popular and classic songs from their earlier and later albums. The band showed their versatility and range, as they switched from fast and furious punk rockers like “Six Pack” and “TV Party” to slower and heavier sludge metal tracks like “Slip It In.” The crowd went wild with every song, singing along, and starting more than one circle pit. The band seemed to feed off the energy of the audience, as they played with more intensity and enthusiasm. The highlight of the set was a blistering rendition of “Rise Above” which ended with a massive chorus that shook the walls of the venue. They gave the fans a night to remember, and a reminder of why they are legends in the scene. The remaining dates for this tour are on BlackFlag.com.
The Evictions are a Chicago-based fuzz punk band that have been making waves in the local scene with their catchy and energetic songs. They got a chance to showcase their talent and charisma at the Black Flag after-party show at LiveWire Lounge, and they did not disappoint. The band played a non-stop set of high-octane tunes that had the crowd moving and grooving. The band’s sound was loud and powerful, with a solid and driving bass, high-tempo drums, fast, biting guitar work, and confident gruff vocals. The band’s songs were catchy and memorable, with hooks and choruses that stuck in your head. Their performance was tight and polished, but also spontaneous and fun. The stage presence was strong as members slang their bodies around the stage. The band was clearly enjoying themselves, and their enthusiasm was contagious. The crowd at LiveWire Lounge was a mix of Black Flag patrons and dire hard Evictions fans, and all seemed impressed by their performance. The crowd responded well to the band’s songs, slamming, clapping, and shouting for more. The band won over many new fans that night, and left a lasting impression on everyone present at the show. The Evictions showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the punk rock scene, and that they have what it takes to rock any stage. They deserve attention and recognition, check them out, you won’t regret it.
Shitizen had a tough act to follow, as The Evictions set a high bar for energy and intensity opening up the show. But the band rose to the challenge and proved why they are one of the most exciting bands in the Chicago scene right now, delivering a blistering set of thrashy old-school tunes that kept the crowd moshing and singing along. The band’s sound is a mix of classic hardcore influences, with a touch of metal and crust. The bass was deep yet articulate, letting it stand out in the mix. The drums were swift and furious, pounding out relentless beats that drove the songs forward. The guitar was dirty and cutting, shredding riffs and solos that added some melody to the chaos. And of course, there was Claudia, the band’s unforgettable frontwoman, who stole the show with her aggressive snarling vocals and wild stage presence. She was a force of nature, spitting out lyrics, angry toward individuals, herself, and society as a whole. You could see the madness in her eyes and hear the angst in her voice as she unleashed her fury on the mic. She constantly interacted with the crowd, jumping off the stage, getting in people’s faces, and continuing to sing while slamming in the pit. The crowd loved every minute of it, especially the band’s loyal fans who were up front screaming along. There were a lot of new faces who came from the Black Flag show, curious to see what Shitizen was all about. They were not disappointed, as Shitizen put on a show to be remembered. They showed that they’re a band to watch out for in the punk scene, with their powerful sound, passionate message and energetic performance. They also showed that they can hold their own with any band, even legends like Black Flag.
If you missed this show, you missed one of the best nights of punk rock in Chicago all year. Check out the full gallery below!
