
On again Off Again Three reasons to go-folk-yourself tonight at Subterranean... 1. Chicago quartet On Again Off Again mesh folk pop and groovy jazz funk together to create the smoky jams found on its debut full-length Acres . And the band is celebrating the album's release tonight. On Again Off Again has grown considerably since its last EP (Re)Cycles , which saw the group showcasing its quirky indie rock leanings. Adulthood looks good on them. LISTEN: " Gemini " [...]

Whoa-ho-ho, there. Looking to rock out once more time before X-mas day? Here's our abridged Holiday version of Weekend Diversions that'll no doubt bring you yuletide cheer. FRIDAY THE BINGERS They look like such nice young men... is what I assume many grandmothers say about Chicago trio The Bingers due to their penchant for dressing up in suits and ties. Despite all appearances the band has no problem getting down and dirty with super fuzzed-up [...]

Le Butcherettes Welcome to the weekend, folks. There's plenty on our plate yet again with free shows by Wax Idols and Mannequin Men, plus sexy shows by Le Butcherettes and much, much more. Onward, ho! FRIDAY LE BUTCHERETTES Last time we saw Mexico garage punkers Le Butcherettes in Chicago, the drummer puked all over the photo pit at Lollapalooza [...]

seafarer Three I-hate-to-see-you-leave-but-I- love-to-watch-you-go reasons to skip on down to the Empty Bottle tonight... 1. I hate farewells; they're so final. But, alas, tonight we must say goodbye to Chicago quartet Seafarer . The group quickly became known for its endearing approach to indie rock with just enough folk not to be annoying and a decent blend of both crunch and melody that lands somewhere between angsty Pavement and country-fried Pavement. Seafarer, we hardly knew ye. [...]

If there are any Chicagoans out there who need one more festival before summer comes to an end, say hello to The Square Affair . Held on August 2nd at the epic Logan Square Auditorium , The Affair (put together by local scene-makers Harmonica Dunn and Grape Juice!, the hip beer heavy-hitters Pabst Blue Ribbon, super-venue The Empty Bottle, and us here at CoS ) aims to showcase some of the best talent from the incredibly musically active neighborhood. While other neighborhood festivals will pull in whoever will fill out the [...]

chaperone Some bands will do anything to ensure their listeners have a tangible connection to them, whether that's releasing music via vinyl, cassette or even limited edition artwork. Folk rockers Chaperone have released a promotional video showing the band themselves handcrafting the artwork that will grace its brand-new 7-inch Raised by Wolves . The digital version is now available through Grape Juice Records . The band is currently hard at work making 500 covers for Raised by Wolves , it's first vinyl pressing. [...]

September is shaping up to be a fine month in terms of local music, and now there's another great event to add to the list. The Square Affair is back on Friday, September 2, at the Logan Square Auditorium. Presented by Grape Juice Records , The Empty Bottle Presents! among others, the concert is, as the tag line reads, "A concert and celebration of Logan Square's residents, businesses, and artists focusing on it's surging and eclectic music scene." The celebrating the surging and eclectic music scene is does with a pretty red line-up, which [...]

If you are looking to hear some quality local music tonight you should head over to Lincoln Hall and check out Chaperone with Animal City , Geronimo! , and Mutts . The show is just $10 and everyone that attends will receive a free raffle ticket for free merch from all the bands.

Three how-the-hell-is-it-already-Thu rsday-I-need-a-drink-to-cope reasons to head over to Lincoln Hall tonight... 1. Mid-90s indie rock will always have a special place in my heart and clearly the hearts of the four men who comprise Chicago's Animal City . The power poppin' quartet is a little bit country Pavement-style and a little bit Guided by Voices-esque rock'n'roll. They even have a sense of humor. Check out these album titles: Win some, You Loser and Mouse Face . Animal city is lo-fi indie rock at its [...]

Listeners first got a taste of Chicago's lo-fi folk quintet Chaperone with their truly memorable debut EP last fall. We here at CoS gave audiences more when we had the band play our record release party for Scattered Trees. Now, we're giving you another aural morsel by premiering Chaperone's new single, "Raised By Wolves". While Shaun Paul and crew's Cripple King EP leaned more towards Avett Brothers, this new track tips the needle distinctly towards Modest Mouse. Frantic, almost anxious guitars and a heavy bass tramp [...]

chaperone Hot town, summer in the city. Summer is creeping upon us, Nick Minaj-style . But enough of the weather report, we have a lot of music to get to. We're talking about Urge Overkill at Bottom Lounge , Tommy Stinson at Double Door and Rambos at the Whistler . Let's get to it, gang. FRIDAY [...]

'The Chaperone' DVD (UK Release: 18 April '11) // Words: Saam Das Expectations are hardly astronomic when a new WWE Studios film is unleashed upon the viewing public but simply put, 'The Chaperone' is painful. Even in the previously capable hands of Stephen Herek , director of Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure' , there can be little doubt that 'The Chaperone' is a botched job. Levesque leads [...]

Scattered Trees , Scattered Trees , Scattered Trees . You've heard the name countless times this month - what with an album review and our first Cluster 1 music video contest - and now they're on your screen again. This time, though, you can see them in-person. Well, if you live in Chicago. Next Saturday, April 30th, Consequence of Sound will be hosting Scattered Trees' record release party at the delightfully intimate Schubas Tavern . The folksy alternative sextet will be unveiling their full-length debut, Sympathy , to [...]

Chaperone | Photo by Josh Terzino Three what-if-everyone-wore-gold-gli tter-jumpsuits-like-Prince reasons to swing over to Quenchers tonight... 1. Chaperone get around. I'm not saying they're easy, but between now and May the jangly, indie pop quintet have shows scheduled at such revered venues as Schubas and the Metro. However, it is Chaperone's show at Quenchers tonight that you'll want to catch... I mean, if you need to choose. 2. As you may remember, we named those crazy kids in [...]

Loyal Divide OK - It's the calm before the storm, people. There are only a few days before the Springtime monster known as South by Southwest Festival awakens and all hell breaks loose. Despite the madness to come, we're proud to highlight a tiny portion of the excitement bubbling around the city this weekend. Our finest musical acts may be readying themselves for a full-on invasion of Austin, Texas, like the mighty Napoleon going to battle but first they must tread our stages once more. We've got two [...]

Photo Credit: Carrie Musgrave - livebabylive.com So as you're probably aware, last month we revealed our 11 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2011 . One aspect of the list that we think lacked a bit was the audio component. I mean sure, we can tell you about the bands, but we really want you to listen to them. Therefore we proudly present, albeit a few weeks late, The Loud Loop Press 11 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2011 Compilation . Tracks from all the bands on the list, Rabble Rabble [...]
![Chaperone - "Thomas[!]"](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/3232276_lg.jpg)
Here's one of the sweetest little indie rock EPs I've heard lately. The Chicago-based Chaperone scores big with their 5-song gem Cripple King . Soulful guy/gal duets sweet talk the listener over lush, folky orchestration tinged with a ripe sense of countrified regret. Above all it's red-blooded indie rock that smacks of early Arcade Fire -- you know, the pots-n-pans " C'mon Alex, you can do it/C'mon Alex, there's nothing to it "-style of reckless abandon that you'll be hard pressed to find in the supergroup these days. Well, Chaperone's got it in spades, and you [...]

Chomp, too Columbia College Chicago's student-run record label AEMMP is releasing a new local music compilation called Chomp, too , today, Feb. 17. The collection contains 14 tracks by Chicago artists including the likes of A Lull , Chaperone , Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and Secret Colours . It can be purchased via the AEMMP's bandcamp page and Shop Columbia . Chomp, too is AEMMP's second compilation album. It follows AEMMP's 2009 release, the cleverly named, Chompilation [...]

Dick Wolf! The thaw has begun, so snow is no longer a valid reason keeping you away from live music. There are lots of great shows this weekend, quite a few of them going on tonight. Decisions, Decisions. These things are never easy, so we'll help you and give our picks for top weekend shows. This time around, we talk Dick Wolf! at the Viaduct Theatre , Gang Of Four at the Metro , Bleeding Hearts Arts Fest and more. Let's get to it, shall [...]

Photo Credit: Carrie Musgrave - livebabylive.com It's that time again! Simply put: There are thousands of great local bands playing every week in our fair city. Some you might know and some you might not. Seeing as it's the beginning of a brand new year, we thought we'd point out some local bands who we think you might want to keep your eye on in 2011. And isn't it always cool to say you were a fan of popular act back in the day when they were playing for eight people [...]