Houndmouth

Houndmouth brought their southern charm and Americana sound to Lincoln Hall a few weeks ago. The quartet played a high energy show, often trading instruments in between songs to showcase their versatility. They have fun with each other on stage and that energy translates to the crowd. Solid songs and a solid band. For more of my photos from the night, go here.

Howell Dawdy joined them on stage for a nice cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."

Chvrches and Still Corners

Scotland's Chvrches made their Chicago debut at Lincoln Hall last week. They played two nights, both of which to a sold out crowd. Their debut album is set to be released in September, but their EP (Recover) has already created quite a buzz among indie and synth/electropop enthusiasts. Chvrches put on a solid show: their songs hold up live, the light show is cool, and they had some funny commentary in between songs. London's Still Corners opened with some cool visuals and dreamy soundscapes of their own. Both bands are definitely worth a listen. Check out more of my photos over at Do312 (where I'm happy to announce that I'm now a contributing photographer!!) or on Lincoln Hall's Tumblr. 

Crazy fog blanketed the city just as the show began. 

Still Corners 

Chvrches 

SBTRKT and Willis Earl Beal

I can't explain how excited I was to see SBTRKT live. I spent my winter looking forward to the show in April at the House of Blues Chicago. His self-titled debut album has been on my iTunes "Top Played" list ever since its June 2011 release. The day of the concert finally arrived, and I'm pleased to report that SBTRKT did not disappoint - at all. In fact, I'd see him live again in a heartbeat. He was accompanied by Sampha, who does the majority of the vocals for SBTRKT, and he sounded just as good live as he does on the album. Near the end of their set, they surprised the audience by bringing out local rapper, Rockie Fresh, for a song. Chicago's own Willis Earl Beal opened the show. He put on a powerful, minimalist show - just his voice, some backup recordings, and his odd stage antics. Boy does he have a voice - but the young, drunken crowd was ready to dance so unfortunately I don't think they appreciated Beal's unique, soulful performance as much as I did. 

Willis Earl Beal 

SBTRKT 

Neon Indian and Friends

I have seen Neon Indian live more than a few times and they always know how to bring the party. Last weekend was no exception. Their music is psychedelic and upbeat. It makes me want to dance. It also makes me long for summer, when you can drive with the windows down blasting dance music. So naturally, Neon Indian is a great band to see in the spring because the anticipation of summer is only heightened. Bring on the season of sunshine and outdoor music festivals! It's gonna be a good one too. Friends, a Brooklyn band, opened for Neon Indian at the Metro. Between their vixen lead singer's captivating stage presence and their awesome cover of INOJ's "Love You Down," I was sold. 

 Friends. See what I mean? Vixen.

 Friends

Neon Indian

 Neon Indian himself: Alan Palomo.

Last time I saw Leanne Macomber (Neon Indian keyboardist), she was not attempting to copy her look from Alice Glass of Crystal Castles.

The Black Keys

As I explained in my Fiona Apple post, I was planning on attending The Black Keys show at the United Center when I got a call from my friend saying she had a ticket to see Fiona Apple at an intimate venue. The thought of missing either show was not appealing, so I opted to figure out a way to attend both. And I did...and it was awesome. 


Now, there will always be a special place in my heart for my Akron boys because, well, they're from Ohio. And while not everyone who grows up in Ohio rocks, The Black Keys certainly do. Their no-frills, straight-up blues rock has catapulted them into stardom - and for good reason. While I would have preferred to see them at a smaller venue, they still managed to dominate the massive United Center, with Patrick Carney pounding away on the drums and Dan Auerbach belting out vocals and jamming all over the stage in his Kent State shirt. The new addition of their touring members, a keyboardist and a bassist, helped to fill out the sound. Party on, fellas.

Fiona Apple

Last week, Fiona Apple played two intimate shows at Lincoln Hall. On the day of the first show, I came to terms with the fact that I just wasn't going to be able to see her - the tickets has sold out in seconds months ago and I wasn't one of the lucky ones. I was hoping that a ticket might magically appear, but figured it was highly unlikely. On the second day of her show, I tried to put Fiona out of my mind because I received great last minute seats to The Black Keys concert at the United Center. And then a phone call came from my friend, Nancy: "If you can be here in 30 I've got a Fiona ticket for you." I thought for a moment and then hauled ass out the door, determined to make it to both shows. And I did! (Photos of The Black Keys show will be my next post.) 


But back to Fiona: I wasn't sure what to expect, given her lengthy departure from the limelight, but she was as incredible as ever. Even though she was under the weather (to the point where she had to cancel her show the next night in D.C.) she belted out classics from all three of her albums and treated the crowd to a few new tunes from her upcoming release. Like Tori Amos, she seems almost possessed by her music - and that intensity is quite a beautiful thing to witness. I am forever grateful to Nancy for giving me the opportunity to see Fiona live, after all of these years, in such a special setting.

Toots and the Maytals

The night before St. Patrick's Day, my friends Rebecca and Brian offered me a ticket to go see Toots and the Maytals at the House of Blues Chicago. Although my knowledge of Toots is somewhat limited, I knew it would be a feel-good show, so I happily accepted. I'm glad I did because the show was a blast; my face hurt from smiling by the end of the night. Toots was rocking a Thriller - I mean killer - red and black leather outfit, which only enhanced his charismatic stage presence. Along with the Maytals, Toots kept the crowd dancing the whole set, ending with an extended version of arguably their most famous song (because it is awesome), "54-46 Was My Number."