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

Haken at Bottom Lounge with Leprous and Bent Knee

Haken have become a major name on the prog scene since the release of their third album, ‘The Mountain’ in 2013. Not only did this get the band enormous acclaim, but it also gave them the chance to undertake a huge touring schedule. They played with bands such as Between The Buried And Me, The Neal Morse Band and Leprous, headlined their first ever US … Continue reading Haken at Bottom Lounge with Leprous and Bent Knee

Haley Heynderickx at The Vic 11/7/18

Back in March Haley Henderickx put out her debut LP, I Need To Start A Garden, which appeared in the first edition of my Records Of The Year page. Seven months later the album is still sitting comfortably in my list of the 50 best albums of 2018. Despite my enjoyment of her music, last night at The Vic was my first opportunity to see … Continue reading Haley Heynderickx at The Vic 11/7/18

K Flay at Concord Music Hall 9/15/18

K Flay followed up her appearance at Riot Fest on Friday with an after show at Concord Music Hall in Chicago Saturday night. It’s taken a few years for the mainstream to catch up with her talent, but 2017 was a huge turning point for the rapper/producer/songwriter. She’s been featured in TV commercials for Nissan and the NBA playoffs. My favorite drop was when “Blood … Continue reading K Flay at Concord Music Hall 9/15/18

Plain White T’s In-Store At Reckless Records 8/24/18

I wasn’t sure what to expect walking in to Reckless Records on a Friday night for an in-store performance by Plain White T’s. On the one hand it’s a local band who’ve made a name for themselves on a national level. On the other hand that was a while ago and the shine has worn off for the most part. The reality was was what … Continue reading Plain White T’s In-Store At Reckless Records 8/24/18