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!