Category: Reviews
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Discourse on Gravity with Shlump and Company @ Bass Station
Shlump knows how to thump. By way of scintillating dub and wicked wub coded in otherworldly frequencies, his beats transport the willing through musical galaxies of tuneful construction. As a matter of fact, that’s how he greeted his audience preparing for liftoff at Bass Station on April 13th as part of his ‘Zero Gravity’ tour.…
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Sleepless Nights: Embrace ‘Insomnia’ on the Dance Floor
I’m no stranger to the condition of insomnia. I’m a bit of a night bear. Were you expecting owl? What a hoot. My mind constantly brims with thoughts and ideas, spectral and otherworldly, distracting me from sleep I dearly adore. It can be difficult to shut these processes down. Rest and recuperation are a lovely…
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Bend to the Light: Rinzen’s Sensational Storytelling
Musicians and producers imbue emotive messages into their harmonies. When their creations touch my ears, my mind conjures images of meanings. One of the beautiful byproducts of song is the myriad of ways it affects listeners of differing walks of life. It reminds me of a quote from legendary, multi-faceted composer and producer, Roy Ayers.…
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HR Shovenstuff and the Battle of the Bands//DJs Throwing Hands
A good old-fashioned battle of the bands provides an excellent opportunity to discover new music, personalities, and talent. What’s at stake, in this instance? The chance to secure a spot performing at this year’s Solshine Reverie, presented by Summer Camp. The arena for this showcase? The Point, a comfortably slick little music venue in Chicago’s…
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One Last Dance with Minnesota, @ the Chop Shop
When Frisky recommends music, I listen. He knows his stuff. This past Friday, March 22, as I put the finishing touches on an interview I’d been working on for the better part of the week, a text arrived from my guy, Ty. Minnesota at the Chop Shop, was I in? Heck yes, buddy. Apparently, it’s…
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Sqwerv’s Hors D’oeuvres, Part 1: A Tasty Sampler
Finding and listening to new music, however it comes my way, is one of life’s treasures as much as a leisurely stroll through the natural serenity of Earth’s splendor. English poet William Cowper famously said in his 1785 poem, ‘The Task’, “Variety is the spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.” Through this…
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Andy Frasco & The U.N. at the Metro
“Brothers and sisters, lend me your ears. Let me tell you about a performer that can bring you to tears. His name is Andy Frasco, and he rolls with the U.N. A group of top-notch musicians, talented to no end. Camaraderie aplenty, erstwhile friends. Good times oncoming, I happily give them a full send.” On…
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Claude VonStroke Reflections from LaLa Land
It’s enthralling, the emotions that evoke when fantasy and reality intersect. As spectator and supporter, we form an image of an artist’s identity from performances, songs, and sound bites. When face to face, excitement settling for a few moments, one gazes at the energy alight in a person’s eyes. Barclay Crenshaw’s read bright and warm.…
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Exxxcision’s Exxxcellent Nexxxus Christmas Event
“I slept in today, because that’s certainly my way. No need for a checklist, I execute my plan. All I need is a ticket in hand, and I’m off to see the elder of Lost Lands.” Mr. Monger is coming to town, and I’d like to wake up early for Excision. As it turns out,…
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A Night with Zeds Dead
When Zeds Dead tours through Chicago for a trifecta of dates, one picks a night to spend with the world renowned duo. For this story, that selection happened to be Friday, December 15th. Complete with supporting performances from BLXK MNTN, Boyarbeatz, Khiva, and Friction, the night slammed with energy all the way through until the…
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Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival (Day 2)
The events of day one impressed in such a way that I harbored high hopes for day two’s entertainment. I would not be disappointed. From the moment I entered the building shortly after 8pm Saturday night, energy surged throughout. I could tell tonight was going to be special. As I made my way to embrace…
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Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival (Day 1)
I imagined Lunar Tide as a dojo where three orders of sound, Elements, Funktion, and Hennessy, would square off in a display of technique. I was not far wrong. However, this isn’t combat. It’s a celebration. Any sparring is metaphorical, and for the benefit of entertainment. There is a friendliness between crews, as the personnel…
