Oct 31, 2007
Oct 29, 2007
There is much to say about the show on Friday. I got to the Parkwest around 5 just in time for sound check and after quick talks with the Lotus gang I hit home to relax before the long night. Back at the venue around 8, I grabbed some diner with the boys and then just hung out. Park West is an amazing venue and the backstage is plush. From clothes steamers to penthouse quality bathrooms, the set up was sweet. I was expecting some hard core after-partying so I took it easy. I also kept the camera off. Unwed Sailor, the opening band, put on a great warm-up. We watched from the balcony and again - no photos. Once Lotus was ready to start I made my way down to the front and began snapping as the music and lights took off. What a trip. Each show gets better as the crowd get bigger. The band feeds off the crowd, the crowd feeds off the band and each other. The place was at about 80% which is great considering all the stuff going on free or cheap related to Halloween. The first set started slow - no surprise to me because the guys had been discussing the first 3 songs and felt like it would be slow. As they said it was the in the nature of the songs. But after those 3 - explosion.
Oct 23, 2007
Oct 18, 2007
ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) stretches so far live that they often end up right back at the same place. From trance to reggae, their sound generally stays in the realm of danceable funk. ALO's live sound is certainly their forte and other acts have taken notice. Opening slots for Dave Matthews Band, Galactic and Jack Johnson (whose label their on) keeping coming and so do the fans. A sure theater sell-out on the West Coast, ALO is quickly winning over fans across the nation. Riding off the success of a spring release, Roses & Clover, ALO is making inroads here in Chicago. Catch them tonight at the Double Door with Dearborn.
Oct 17, 2007
One of our favorite venues in the city is Kinetic Playground. The vibe in the place is sort of loungish and the sound, lights, staff and decent drink prices are solid. The historic club now in Uptown stays open late and brings in some quality acts weekly. Last Friday the bill featured The Hue from Chi-Chi and U-Melt from NYC. Both bands play a progressive-rock, electro style, perfect for our dancing feet. We brought the camera for concert pix, saw both bands put on sweet shows, shot the breeze with some kids and got a cheap swill buzz on. As you follow alone the maturation process of our photo work, you'll see in this set the lighting is really good, so the pix from the show are strong. The candid's - not as much. Chronologically this set came before the marathon, Elvis/Brighton, MA and Dr.Dog, but it contains the best band pix for indoor club. We'll put it all together soon. Take a look at Kinetic Meltdown and look for more soon. 
Sep 25, 2007
Sep 19, 2007
Aug 31, 2007
There are 3 great bands to see at this show - but our friends Aleks and the Drummer are the best. We're not partial - it's fact. But Stereo-Total and Octopus project are cool too. Go to Abbey Pub tonight and check them all out.
Recent Comments