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!
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