Arkells at Sleeping Village 8/3/19

I’ve covered Arkells shows a bunch in the last few years, so I doubt I have anything new to say about them. They impress me every time I catch a show. They lean into the political, unlike a lot of bands. Rally Cry might be the best Canadian album ever to deal with American politics. They call out Trump and his dangerous rhetoric and actions … Continue reading Arkells at Sleeping Village 8/3/19

Michigander at Sleeping Village 8/3/19

It may be easy to figure out where Michigander is from, but it’s much harder to pinpoint where Jason Singer’s project fits in the soundscape of music today. He blends rock and pop together in a way that is somehow both and neither at the same time. His ear for melody is solid, with lyrics that range from broken-hearted to hopeless romanticism. Here in Chicago, … Continue reading Michigander at Sleeping Village 8/3/19

Arkells at Bottom Lounge 3/14/19

Last week Arkells came through Chicago looking for the “People’s Champ” on their Rally Cry Tour supporting their latest record of the same name. This was my fifth time catching them in the last three years, and they keep getting better every time. At this point they’re basically playing arena shows in small clubs, just waiting for the booking agents to catch up to what … Continue reading Arkells at Bottom Lounge 3/14/19

Top Concerts Of 2017

I went to a lot of shows this year. They weren’t all great, but many of them were. Amazing, even. When you write about music, or take pictures at concerts, you sometimes get to witness moments that can have a lifelong impact at a greater rate than those that experience music in a more casual manner. These were my favorite concerts of the year. Sons … Continue reading Top Concerts Of 2017

Arkells at Lincoln Hall 11/3/2017

Arkells play with the same heart and energy in a sold-out venue that holds 1,000 or a poorly attended show in a tiny bar. I’ve never seen the latter happen, but I have seen them at three different-sized places and the vibe was exactly the same each time. They’re entertainers there to put on a show, and they do not disappoint. ​ ​ A band … Continue reading Arkells at Lincoln Hall 11/3/2017