WHAT WE’VE BEEN JAMMING TO
ISSUE #50 / march 7, 2019
Dehd
Lucky
One of our favorite local acts dropped this little baby this week along with a record announcement. Dehd is releasing Water on May 10th, and we just can’t wait for what is sure to be a killer album. Emily Kempf, Jason Balla, and Eric McGrady have been capturing imaginations for years with their stripped down indie rock, and “Lucky” is more of the same signature jangle rock sound.
You can catch them this Saturday at The Hideout’s SXSW send off, see our News and Notes section for more info. And just announced they will have a record release party at The Empty Bottle on May 10th. Tix are only $10. Get em before they sell out!
Pool Holograph
Stage Fright
The indie rock hits just keep coming out of Chicago. Pool Holograph dropped a righteous number this week that is set to be included in a split 7” with Courtesy this summer. “Stage Fright” is everything we’ve come to expect from this local quartet.
They are off to SXSW next week but are set to play an Anchr Magazine Showcase with Varsity, Rookie and Stuyedeyed “In the Round” at Thalia Hall on March 22nd. Tix are a measly $12!
Novo Amor / Gia Margaret
No Fun / Lucky for You
A collab from Welsh musician Ali Lacey (aka Novo Amor) and Chicago dream folker Gia Margaret. A couple of sweet, simple, and beautiful tunes; released right before the two go on tour together.
Unfortunately their tour doesn’t bring them to Chicago but Margaret is opening for Hand Habits at The Hideout on April 4th. Tix are $12.
Rich Jones , The O’My’s
Overcoats
Overcoats
A melancholy little number from organizer/musician Rich Jones and the very special locals The O’My’s. “Overcoats” brings to mind the silence and solitude the city has during the long winter nights.
Rich Jones is appearing at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee on March 15th. $10 cover.
The O’My’s are playing SXSW next week but don’t have any Chicago shows on the horizon.
Kero Kero Bonito
Swimming / The Open Road
A new single from sparkling London garage-pop dance trio Kero Kero Bonito washed ashore this week. Side-A “Swimming,” is a dreamy, sun-kissed fantasy sandcastle, originally built on the southern shore of 2018’s phenomenal Time ‘n’ Space and transported here without a grain of sand out of place. It’s the B-side where things really start to get interesting... “The Open Road” is a previously unreleased stretch of lo-fi nostalgia fuel that is begging for its own Instagram filter. Be sure to add both tracks to your next road-trips playlist. Kero Kero Bon Voyage! Until we meet again!
-MDR
Anna Burch / Fred Thomas
St. Adalbert / Parkways
Two Michigan singer songwriters join forces for this split 7” from Polyvinyl. Anna Burch and Fred Thomas are excellent at what they do, and both display their talents in full force on this one.
Neither musician have Chicago dates coming up.
Tank and The Bangas
Ants
Another genre-bending tune from the queen of New Orleans! Tank and The Bangas continue their excellent funk infused jazzy art work with “Ants.”
Having hit Chicago twice this last year it seems doubtful we’ll get another shot at this excellent act before late summer.
Stella Donnelly
Tricks
The third and final single off the amazing Australian singer songwriter’s first full-length, Beware Of The Dogs, out tomorrow, March 8th! Stella Donnelly continues to be a revelation!
She is dropping into Schubas on March 29th. Tix are $12 ($15 doors).
Michigander
Circles
Jason Singer’s indie pop just connects. Michigander is one of those rare acts that just can do no wrong. Their latest “Circles” is a dreamy swirl of guitar and synth that just hooks you right away.
They are opening for Jared & The Mill at Lincoln Hall on April 12th. Tix are $15 ($18 doors).
River Whyless
The Pool
The gorgeous three part harmonies of River Whyless bring back memories of sunny late summer afternoons. “The Pool” is a stunner that just rips open your aura to examine your pure soul.
They don’t have any Chicago dates on the horizon.
Tanya Tagaq
Toothsayer EP
Indigenous Canadian artist Tanya Tagaq cannot be contained in words. Her award winning career continues with Toothsayer, a phenomenal collection of tunes that perpetuates her wonderful experimental work that has done amazing things for indigenous music in Canadian culture.
She doesn’t seem to tour often and only has one show in the States at the moment, at The Kennedy Center in DC on April 5th.
Della Mae
The Butcher Shoppe EP
Returning after a four year hiatus, the all female grammy nominated Boston bluegrass quartet Della Mae returns with The Butcher Shoppe EP. They haven’t lost a step, bringing their signature funky bluegrass jams to the world once again.
They are dropping by Old Town School of Folk on May 10th. Tix are $20.
Mint Field
Mientras Esperas EP
Mexican natives Amor Amezcua and Estrella del Sol Sánchez produce a stunning, ever enveloping, shoegaze influenced sound that makes Mint Field unique. A brewing stew of influences, Mientras Esperas is a definite must listen.
They have no stateside shows at the moment.
Deafheaven
Black Brick
A new single from the rulers of experimental metal. There is nothing else to say. Love em or hate em there is no denying the skill and innovation Deafheaven represent, and “Black Brick” is just another quality example of how heavy these guys can get.
The San Francisco headbangers are on a split bill with Baroness at The Riv on March 31st. Tix are $28.50.