Windy City
Crash Pop Fest
Co-Prosperity Sphere
November 16th
allđź“· : Mark Morrissey
Co-Prosperity Sphere, nestled away in the heart of Bridgeport, one of Chicago’s lone hold outs not infiltrated by transplants and stills holds on to the nostalgia of a true Chicago neighborhood. Co-Prosperity serves as a multipurpose use space as an art gallery, radio station, and music venue. All three were working in unison during the event as the radio station continued their regular broadcast, art pieces still hung on the walls allowing the audience to peruse during set breaks, and then of course the main attraction, the bands playing Windy City Crash Pop Fest. In its third year the annual fest offers a very unique concert going experience. Located under a mile away, Marz Community Brewing Company supplied the beer for the evening. The brewing company even brewed a special beer for the event, Shoegaze Haze, a Nordic double IPA.
Fauvely
To kick off the night, locals Fauvely came out with their dark dream pop. Lead by Sophie Brochu, the sad songs intertwined with hazy instrumentals feel like the soundtrack to one of the most tumultuous moments in your life. With a “Fall Asleep to TV” that seemed like it would continue forever, the repeating of the line “I am so fucking crazy,” made for anyone feeling marginalized to make an instant connection to the music. To finish the set, Fauvely tried out their new song “Florida.”
Lightfoils
Right from the start bassist, Cory Osborne engaged the crowd, and continued to do so for the entire Lightfoils set. Osborne was in the crowd dancing around and getting people moving. The group primarily played their 2018 release, Chambers, which is a mind bending exploration of the depths of dream pop and continues go further than one could expect.
Panda Riot
Panda Riot, the final group from Chicago, hit with their noise pop and raucous atmospheric vibes. Cory Osborne playing for the second time and once again made himself apart of the crowd The Chicago locals are making themselves a vital part of the scene, and with a new album in the works they keep bolstering their street cred.
Cathedral Bells
Not sure if it was on purpose, but as a good intro, Fauvely happened to play “Florida” right before Cathedral Bells came on who hails from Florida. Cathedral Bells is the dream pop project of Matt Messore. The duo took on an astral experience vibe, which would uplift anyone from their bedroom dreams to even higher planes.
Citrus Clouds
Coming in from out West, Citrus Clouds bring more of an indie rock feel to their brand of shoegaze. The Phoenix locals music embodies the contrast of being surrounded by the desert. The beating sun and total darkness that can occur at night. The group blend nicely with the rays of sunlight coming through the guitar work and an ambient background noise that made one feel completely alone.
Emmaline Twist
Kansas City, MO locals Emmaline Twist, take more of an 80’s new wave type twist on shoegaze. The group mixes the foundations of new wave with current shoegaze sounds, and adds some post-punk for a combination that comes together nicely. Each element feels natural and allows for you to get lost in the different vibes.
Bloody Knives
Austin natives, Bloody Knives, the final band to go on, consists of a duo of bass and drums with guitar programming. With Preston Maddox on bass holding it down for the attack of noise that is synonymous with Bloody Knives. Just turn the bass up and you forget that there are other pieces to this band.