WEEK OF 11/8/2019

Djunah / all 📷 : Kyle Land

An electric and intense evening of Chicago music awaited the revelers who had come out to celebrate local duo Djunah’s record release. Known for their eclectic programming, The Empty Bottle had lined up two disparate yet sonically connected acts to open the festivities, and they brought their A game to the party. A buzz accompanied the atmosphere as duo Imelda Marcos took the stage to start the evening. Guitarist Dave Cosejo weaves and loops over himself as he crafts an instrumentally musical narrative all his own, while drummer Matt Durso stunningly keeps the driving rhythm going through every shift and sonic turn. These two have been at it since 2014, and their years of interplay shows in the seamless blending of musical styles. Surely named after the controversial first lady of the Philippines in the ‘60s -’80s, Imelda Marcos has to be seen to be believed. Take a listen to newest record Tatlo, and try and convince yourself only two people can create this recipe of experimental noise.  

Post-punk trio The Cell Phones hit next with the power of a wrecking ball. Even though she was seven months pregnant, singer Lindsey Charles belted her way through the set with her impressive pipes, backed by the furious drumming of Justin Purcell and the fuzz-filled riffs from Ryan Szeskycki’s low-tuned bass. Making the most of their last show, they ran through a massive amount of their catalog, helped by the fact that a good number of their tunes never break the three-minute mark. The Cell Phones balance on the edge between punk and metal, but know exactly who they are, as Charles’ wails and growls her way through every tune with the energy of a sugar-rushed kid, only held to earth by the steady beat and fuzzed-out chords.

Making her way to the stage in a full-hooded robe to the low hum of the bass pedal system, Donna Diane raised her arms while her partner in crime Nick Smalkowski took to his drums with a fury that never let up for the rest of the set. The ultimate in multi-tasking, Diane not only destroys with her deep rasp of a voice, but weave shreds on her axe, while playing the bass lines with her feet. It’s a feat that has to be seen to be believed. The ultimate razor walk between noise and metal, with a dark edge that would appeal to fans of both genres, new record Ex Voto jumps out from the first track;  their live intensity is something to behold. Smalkowskit’s hair flies around as quick as his drumsticks, and Diane’s gripping gaze flashes out with a hook that is as sharp as the music's edge. One of Chicago’s most compelling acts, in a scene full of enthralling bands, Djunah should go on everyone’s must-see list.            

-Kyle Land

Imelda Marcos can be caught at Cafe Mustache on November 23rd
and Emporium Wicker Park on December 3rd.
Djunah is headlining The Owl’s 8th Anniversary on December 1st.