We're lucky to get to see tons of live music each year and the bulk of those shows are indie rock. (that's what Chicago gives you) So we were excited to see EOTO not only because everything we'd listened to from them sounded amazing, but because the jamband vibe at shows is so much more fun and easy going then other genres. Two opening bands were announced maybe two days before they show and both bands were side projects of Umphreys drummer Kris Meyer. Dumonde and Goodnight Nurse both were very solid for bands that may not have played a live show together before. (we've never heard of them) Aided by a DJ, both bands played jazz-fused electronic music that got the crowd very heated for EOTO. The crowd was around 75 %. If the opening acts had been advertised earlier, it's possible this show would have sold out. As the DJ kept the crowd dancing before EOTO we got a quick chance to converse with our fellow DePaul alumnus Myers and get a little more info on his side projects. As EOTO sort of ran their sound check into the opening number of the set, we'd found a prime spot stage left and started grooving with the very energized crowd. What EOTO is doing live is cool, but seeing it all unfold was awe-inspiring. Sadly there were no special guest appearances, and just the house lights for visuals but beyond that this show was really hot. The communication, stage presence and musical energy that Hann and Travis were pumping out came out rather subtle and forthright, making the most unsuspecting people groove a little. (i.e., the bouncers) Two straight hours of music left the Sub't a sultry, sweaty mess and another song for the encore put a nice cap on a joyous musical night. EOTO has a special sound and an approach that makes their live work very infectious. They're around at many festivals this summer, so take a chance to dance with them. We snapped a few photos as well- take a look.
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