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The Road to the Bottle for Moon Duo has not been especially long or arduous. The journey began in Portland, which these days is home for front man Ripley Johnson. From there they've made a line across the top of the country, with stops in Fargo, Minneapolis & Milwaukee before arriving at our doorstep to celebrate the release of their latest LP. We're no strangers to Ripley and his work. His other group, WOODEN SHJIPS, celebrated the release of their breakthrough 2013 album, Back to Land, in front of a way sold out crowd right here at the Bottle. More reason to get here early tonight, since all the heads know this one is sure to be a ripper.(Testicle Festival - Welcome Bikers)MOON DUO's new album, Shadow of the Sun, remains true to Sanae Yamada and Ripley Johnson’s distinctly addictive, buzzy and fuzzy 70’s psych rock sound, but with a playfulness and ear for improvisation that shows the finesse they have developed within their musical style. With new percussive elements, compliments of their new drummer John Jeffrey, Moon Duo have created an album that perfectly walks the line between classic and refreshing.(Hanging with The Fonz in Milwaukee)A Moon Duo tune is instantly recognizable by their unmistakable repetitive, explosively metallic guitar riffs that make you feel like every sound wave is being dragged through a contorted mess of gnarled metal scraps, with the remaining shards of sound bursting into your chest at a steady, intense pace. Shadow of the Sun’s lead single “Animal” is a notable example of their delightfully aggressive groove.(Clean moves)As each riff momentarily seems to fall in energy, it immediately catches itself in a loop of feverish rhythm, with simplistic guitar and synth melodies screeching in that grow and become colossal amongst the repetition. The slow progressionsomehow feels unrelentingly exciting with each new layer; it’s a buzzing plateau that never really reaches a point of static.Ripley’s droning, warm vocals and Sanae’s occasional delicate whispers drift through the music and give you a satisfying melodic contrast this serves more to compliment the breaking instrumentals and make you want to dance.(Sound check at Cactus Club in Milwaukee)The new album takes a sunny turn on tracks “Slow Down Low”, where bright keys and guitar licks are supported by a strong backbeat that feels reminiscent of early rock n’ roll.Expect much of that familiar explosive kraut-rocking groove that made their earlier albums so energetic and addictive, but with fresh new interpretations on their distinctive sonic attack. Come dance under the Shadow of the Sun with MOON DUO tonight at the Empty Bottle as they take the stage for their fresh release.Show @ 9. Verma & Richard Vain open. Cop some tix here, while you still can, ONLY $10, YEAH!!(The Road)(The Road?)

This Friday we'll be celebrating the release of the debut album by Chicago's own BARE MUTANTS. Comprised of some of our favorite local bands - THE PONYS, MANNEQUIN MEN, THE 1900s and LIKE PIONEERS - the LP is titled The Affliction and it was release released on one of our favorite LA-based labels, In The Red. If you know us, which you probably do by now, you know we can't get enough of these bodacious dudes and lady-dudes. Front-dude JERED GUMMERE continues to blow us away, and this record further solidifies his place as one of the absolute top-notch songwriters to grace our stage...In case you don't already know, if you buy tickets in advance to Friday's show you'll be entered to win some sweet, sweet vinyl records! BARE MUTANTS have given us a copy of their new LP, as well as their debut 7" on HoZac, and the smokin' hot members of VERMA have provided their new LP Coltan (Trouble In Mind) along with their new HoZac 7-inch. WOWE what a prize! The winner will be contacted the day of the show and can pick up his/her prize the night of the show.Here are some nice things "the press" has to say about that excellent BARE MUTANTS LP...

"This album is a heartbreaking motherfucker of sublime despondency. The simple but not simplistic arrangements underscore the matter-of-fact lyrics by former Ponys front man Jered Gummere—they read like a chronicle of the stocktaking and soul-searching you do while spending an afternoon recovering from last night’s epic bender." (Brian Costello, Chicago Reader)"In the absence of new music from the Ponys, fans of noise-streaked rock can turn their lonely eyes to Bare Mutants... Bare Mutants have previously shared "Crying With Bob," and now you can hear "Growing" first below. Both are patiently sculpted works rich with fuzzy guitar, garage-rock organ, and echoing baritone vocals." (SPIN)"How many reasons does Jered Gummere need to give us before we start invoking his name tirelessly? What's this guy got to do for us that was not already proven with The Ponys, Guilty Pleasures and influencing Jay Reatard and the burrough of Brooklyn for the better part of the Aughts? Turns out, it's start yet another killer band." (Impose)

SMOKER, previously known as STEPHEN PAUL SMOKER, celebrates the release of their new record Strange Ways, at the Bottle on Friday, September 6th. Hey, that's tomorrow! Or tonight, depending on when you're looking at this! Opening the show are Chicago sisters THE KUHLS and direct support will be the wonderful weirdos in WILD JESUS & THE DEVIL's LETTUCE. Wowe what a night! Buy advance tickets here, or pay $8 at the door!Listen to the new record below...More info on the album...

"STRANGE WAYS is the Sophomore release from Chicago's own SMOKER (Formerly Stephen Paul Smoker). Following the acclaimed release of RIPE FRUIT in 2012, the band has expanded on their often times honest and sometimes down right weird approach to song writing. This is a musicians band. But on STRANGE WAYS they reach out to everyone with what might be their most accessible record yet. They continue to inspire and surprise with their ability to draw you into the song. It seems to be their highest endeavour, and they succeed with grace and brilliance."— Paul Kauffman