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indie-snob>+!#
life at sea @ the fireside (10-18-03)
with lying in states, monday's hero, the lovekill |
 The funniest part about this show: I thought I was going to see a different band. No joke. Well, I was actually seeing Lying in States, who was opening for Life at Sea tonight, but I definitely thought Life at Sea was a different band (i.e. the one who opened for Mates of State last time they were here, but that was BURIED at Sea). I get to the Fireside a couple minutes early, so I walk up and down the street (they don't allow waiting) and see these vans filled with punk rawk bands (who gave me dirty looks for being there), but turns out they just got there way too early (they were doing a late show and I was at the early show). For the time that I thought I would be seeing them, though, I was very nervous. (Hah, no way I was going to deal with the 77-love kids around.) The Lovekill played first. There's something about basic rock music with a nice punky edge that I find charming. The Lovekill by no means had superb instrumentation or song-craft nor were they even attractive. Rather, they were just endearing. When I go to see local music, I never expect to be blown away, but it's nice to be surprised when someone is at least decent. The Lovekill played with enough energy to keep my attention and allow me to have fun, but at the same time still had artistic quality. I'm not sure I'd run out to see them, but I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if they were put on a bill. Grade: B Hmmm, you know those bands from your high school that everyone thought were probably really cool because they got a gig at the local club? Well, that's precisely what Monday's Hero reminded me of. They were just some pop-punk band who got a bunch of their friends to come. I got the impression that they had some following, as they mentioned they had played the Fireside before, but it seemed more like the band was just a small group of friends. They had a very emotional sound, and by emotional, I of course mean emo. But hey! Emo is super cool now, right? Their sound was very close to that of other bands of a similar nature; frequently Commander Venus was brought to mind (that's Conor Oberst's old band). I was left fairly unimpressed, but I also wasn't turned away by the band. Definitely willing to give them another try. Grade: B- Ahh, and now for the band I actually WANTED to see. I've seen Lying in States twice before, once with Cursive ages ago and then with Hot Hot Heat (some slightly fewer ages ago). Each time I have become significantly more impressed. At first, I thought they were terrible. Then, I liked them. And now, well, I love them. I honestly think that Lying in States is one of the best local bands, maybe along with acts like Head of Femur, Trubbled Hubble and the Like Young. Chicago has less magnificent local bands that you may be led to believe. Lying in States seems somewhat unique though. There's definitely a dark edge to the music, which seems to take roots in blues and resembles some mid-90s grunge to just some slight degree. Nonetheless, Lying in States' live show has progressed to be truly wonderful, full of energy, vibrant, and at the same time, lovely. Their new album has just been officially released on Flameshovel (as of March-something), and I highly suggest you pick it up (Most Every Night). And also: if you live in Chicago or ever see Lying in States on a bill in your town, I do suggest to go see them. Grade: A-  Life at Sea (photo by me) And now the record release show for Life at Sea. I must say that I enjoyed Life at Sea more than I thought I may, but at the same time, nothing was particularly amazing about their show. The songs off their new album are very pop friendly, not poppy, per say, but enchanting. They use slight samples (controlled via PowerBook by the drummer) and very nice guitar lines. The band seemed to be grateful for the show, and since have gotten to open for some pretty great bands around town. All in all, they played about 40 minutes, which, I think, was slightly less than Lying in States got. But while their show may not have been amazing, it was certainly entertaining. I mean, for playing all stuff I had never heard before, they kept my interest very well. I suggest seeing them, too, if you get a chance. Grade: B And I have more pictures if you want them. Related Reviews:
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