Friday, August 20, 2004

Music Rules the School

Last Friday, I had planned on going to see Haymarket Riot at the Bottom Lounge. Haymarket's my favorite Chicago band. They rule. Their energy, technique...everything. When I went to look on MPshows.com, though, I read who was playing Fireside, and was intrigued. I decided to go see these bands instead. The first band was Secrets of Stylish Women, of Chicago.

I took a picture of them through a styrofoam dixie cup. They were a kind of hyperspaz electronic punk band. I wasn't thoroughly impressed with their live performance, but after a week with their 4-song demo, I've come to like them a lot. They're just a little messy live, but I suppose that could grow on one.

The second band, Princess, was a duo also from Chicago. Their website talked a little bit about contradiction, and it was very obvious from the first view that that was something in which they were very interested.

They both wore these feminine costumes, but played primarily rap music. Then, of course, to contradict the rap aspect, they'd segue off into bluegrass or just noise. Using drum machines, synthesizers, guitars, bass and thrift-store-bought objects, they'd create really cool music.

Since Farewell Society broke up, I actually considered joining this band, if they'd have me. The way they ride the line between art and music really appeals to me. I sent them an email, but it remains unanswered. :(

The third band was called Telenovela, which is Spanish for "soap opera." They were decent. Two females fronting, on bass and guitar. A cute guy drummer.

They kids from Secrets of Stylish Women danced it up during Telenovela's performance, which really heightened the experience for me. There was an energy and youthful vitality that made it lots of fun. I envied their reckless abandon and wondered if I had ever been like that.

The fourth band was called Toy Band. All of their instruments were toys. It was darn good fun. Poppy songs about Robot's, pop stars and of course relationships. Again, this band was a duo, male and female, hailing, I believe, from somewhere near Bloomington, IL.