Below is a statement written by Head Cheese Bruce Finkelman in reference to the most recent news on the Cook County Amusement Tax & the upcoming hearing on Monday, October 24th:There has been so much activity in the last couple months. So much support, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. As you will or have by now heard, Cook County has passed an amendment to the Amusement Tax ordinance mirroring the language set by the City of Chicago. This will clarify, thankfully, that all types of music are considered to be fine art and thus providing an exemption for small venues providing cultural experiences. Though we are grateful that the County has come to its senses, and appears to be doing the right thing going forward, they are not amending the tax rule in arrears. Thus we are still being taken to court to fight our position that we should have been exempt from this tax all along, as we’ve always provided a live culturally enhancing experience. We’re going to have to continue to incur time and legal fees on top of all that we’ve already spent to continue defending this stance. The County is trying to claim some sort of victory here, but we all know you can’t be half a jerk. So, until they come all the way around and dismiss our case, we will continue to fight.Our next hearing is scheduled for October 24, p.m. at 118 N. Clark at the Cook County Department of Administrative Hearings, 11th Floor. At that point we will be introducing our witnesses (and we have some goodies) to the Judge. With the date quickly approaching we are calling all our friends & family in Chicago to rally in support. We've followed the rules for years and shouldn't have these outrageous back taxes being forced upon us. Gather your fellow supporters & head down and show your support of live music. Space will be limited, arrive early we'll need everyone!For more information and updates on the Amusement Tax Hearing on 10/24, RSVP to the Facebook event.
Modern Baseball.
Hell ya! Lollapalooza is here and we are stoked about it. This year marks the 25th birthday of the iconic music festival, so get ready to see Lollapalooza cruising in its' new legally rented car? Along with hosting some official after shows for these massively talented artists at Empty Bottle, many of the bands playing at the fest have graced Ye Olde Bottle stage over the years. Check it out...Modern Baseball The Empty Bottle is excited to welcome MODERN BASEBALL to our stage for the first time Friday, July 29th with Gambier, OH band SPORTS& DJ BETH KLAKO, and. Indie rock quartet MODERN BASEBALL hail from Philadelphia, PA and crank out their own brand of emo, pop-punk tunes--citing some late 90s early 00s as their influences such as SAY ANYTHING, MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, and DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL. Self-recording their first album as college freshman, they have since garnered over 100,000 social media followers and millions of plays on popular streaming services. Their new album, Holy Ghost, was released on Run for Cover Records in May and captures a more refined version of their nostalgia-tinged punk sound. We JUST released more tickets to this show, so hurry on up! (If you miss out, limited tickets will be available with doors at 9 PM). MODERN BASEBALL plays Lollapalooza on Friday.
Chairlift
chairlift1
We are thrilled welcome back NY synth pop duo CHAIRLIFT on Saturday, July 30th for a Lollapalooza aftershow with New York artist ELA MINUS and DJ OSHWA. CHAIRLIFT
have been on our radar since their 2008 breakout hit
Bruises
which catapulted the band into the ears of millions after being featured in an Apple commercial. Now signed to
Columbia Records
, they released their third album this past January entitled
Moth.
On July 22nd, the duo
teased new music with the release of a single titled,
Get Real
.
CHAIRLIFT
is no stranger to The Empty Bottle stage, having played in both 2008 and 2012. We just opened up
to this show - get 'em before they're gone! (If you miss out, limited tickets will be available with doors at 9 PM).
Chairlift
plays Lollapalooza on
Saturday
.
More Empty Bottle Veterans:
Long before their headlining days,
FLOSSTRADAMUS
was just two guys from Chicago with a passion for music. Now Josh Young (J2K) and
Curt Cameruci (AUTOBOT) have played their electronic sets for millions of avid listeners, working with other high-profile acts such as DIPLO
, JUICY J, THE COOL KIDS, and A-TRAK. Back when they were just starting out in 2006-2007, FLOSSTRADAMUS played the Empty Bottle stage a couple notable times, including a July '07 show opening for CHROMEO. They headline on
Thursday night
of Lollapalooza.
San Diego rock band
WAVVES
,
have spent numerous nights on the Empty Bottle stage from 2009 to 2013, including two different Lollapalooza after shows! The brainchild of frontman Nathan Williams, the band has morphed into a surf-pop/punk powerhouse, creating upbeat tunes for almost a decade. They play Lollapalooza on
Thursday
.
Indie rock band
MOTHERS
has produced a lot of buzz in the past year. Originally a solo project
singer/songwriter Kristine Leschper started in 2013,
MOTHERS
blossomed into a full-fledged four piece and landed a deal with label Grand Jury. They played a show at Empty Bottle just this past May and play Lollapalooza on
Sunday
.
mothersband_021116
LA trio AUTOLUX
have made a name for themselves with their electronic-infused alternative rock. With three records under their belt and a deal with
Columbia
, these rockers are ones to keep an eye on. Their most recent album,
Pussy’s Dead
, was released this past April, the same month AUTOLUX played to a sold out Empty Bottle audience! You
can catch them at Lollapalooza on
Thursday
.
Hailing from Scotland, indie rock band
FRIGHTENED RABBIT
has been exciting audiences since 2003. With their sixth effort
Painting of a Panic Attack
released by
Atlantic Records
this year, they have established themselves as a steadfast rock band. Back in 2007,
FRIGHTENED RABBIT
played a show at the Bottle before playing two sold out shows in 2009. They play a sold out show at our sister-venue
on
Thursday
and Lollapalooza on
Friday
!
frightened_rabbit_0
NOTHING
has been pumping out heavy metal-infused indie rock since they formed in 2011.
NOTHING was born out of former HORRORSHOW member Domenic Palermo’s desire for a fresh start after a brief jail stint. They played Empty Bottle in 2015 and you can see them at Lollapalooza on
Saturday
.
While all girl punk band
POTTY MOUTH
hasn’t released an album since 2013, their melancholy 90’s inspired tunes continue to give us all the feels. Back in 2013, in anticipation of their debut full-length,
Hell Bent
, POTTY MOUTH
played the Bottle with HEAVEN and DISINHERITED. They play Lollapalooza on
Saturday
.
Potty Mouth's new album, Hell Bent, comes out Sept. 17.
Los Angeles indie band
LOCAL NATIVES
have been making dreamy rock songs since their formation in 2008. In 2013, the band played a free show at Empty Bottle sponsored by
93XRT
and
Bud Light
. They play the
Sunday
of Lollapalooza.
The Fourth is behind us but we're still moving forward with that special celebration of I-N-D-E... you know the rest. Fireworks are gonna keep sparking up the Empty Bottle stage and these fresh streams will persuade you to get your summer-self on in here. Grab your drink, grab your butt, and enjoy the finest of the fine.Moods, baby, moods... pair 'em with music, friendly, dancing and you have got yourself one of the finest evenings of the week. Sonny & the Sunsets are headed to the bottle this evening with that California sunshine following right behind them. Their sixth studio outing Moods Baby Moods invites you to take a dive into the creative mind of Sonny Smith for his fresh perspective on life supported with groovy base lines and spacey-synth beats sure to keep your shoulders swinging. Take a listen to the full album via Stereogum and grab your tickets for tonight's show here.Cinematic in scope and sound, Inter Arma’s newest release doesn’t hesitate to relish in opportunity to experiment. Clocking in at just over an hour, Paradise Gallows takes its time to cover as many languages of metal as the Richmond, Virginia based band can muster. Although the run-time can seem daunting, the breathability of the album allows the listener to settle in to the experience led by countless electric guitar solos and forays into instrumental motifs reminiscent of the 70s. Take a listen over at NPR before the album drops on Friday July 8th and make sure to grab your tickets for their show here at the bottle July 13th.The Julie Ruin are on their way to Thalia Hall next Thursday July 14th and NPR has a preview of their newest release, Hit Reset, set to hit shelves on July 8th. Tackling issues of her personal past and present, Kathleen Hanna and her band have a handful of tracks, here, set to propel them to the future. With an album closer that'll make your eyes wet, Hit Reset will get you nothing short of excited for a start-over. NPR has the album for streaming and Thalia Hall has your tickets for purchasing.
With the impending arrival of the 25th Anniversary of The Empty Bottle (t-minus less than a year) we’ve been feeling all kinds of nostalgic. Earlier this month we had the two-night book release of The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years of Music/Friendly/Dancing complete with prolific headliners BLONDE REDHEAD and THE PONYS. To continue our celebratory streak, let’s take a look back at some iconic shows from Bottle’s past:
May 2nd, 1998-For just $7 you could see Modest Mouse touring their then-recent album The Lonesome Crowded West with support from Portland garage rock vets DEAD MOON and longtime Bottle friends JOAN OF ARC, a Kinsella brother project.
May 12th, 2010 -Just six years ago we housed the Louisiana experimental pop group GIVERS along with electronic project PAPER BEAR and Chicago natives ABBOTT SMILE for a mere $8.
May 26th, 2005 -Over a decade ago the badass female fronted alt-rock piece HEARTLESS BASTARDS (who recently played Thalia Hall) graced our stage with LOCKED SOUND and classic rock lovers BIG WHISKEY.
June 7th, 2009 - What cost $12 in 2009? A ticket to see psych pop heroes PORTUGAL. THE MAN, a year shy of going from indie to Atlantic. With Spanish-infused pop act APOSTLE OF HUSTLE and bi-coastal Chicago/Portland indie group YOURSELF AND THE AIR filling out the lineup, the bottle was anything but empty that night.
Portugal The Man
June 14th, 2009 - An important band now more than ever, indie electronica icons PASSION PIT synthed out to “Little Secrets” back in 2009 with support from indie pop outfits HARLEM SHAKES and frequent PASSION PIT opener CALE PARKS, best known for his contributions to Polyvinyl Records’ band Aloha.
Passion Pit
June 28th, 2003-From Brooklyn indie newcomers to "the most vital, current band in America," (Associated Press) TV ON THE RADIO co-headlined with English post-punk band THE FALL for a two-night Bottle appearance starting the 28th.
TV ON THE RADIO
June 30th, 2000-Talk about a time warp. Split up into seven lovely parts for your internet browsing attention spans, THE WHITE STRIPES entire summer 2000 set is available for your nostalgia-craving pleasure. They hit The Bottle stage with STERLING and THE RACE.
white stripes
Want more history? The Empty Bottle Book, edited by JOHN DUGAN & published via Curbside Splendor Publishing. Get it from our webstore right meow.
...and you thought we had forgotten about you. Fresh Streams is back for your listening pleasure! Although we're running a little low in numbers this week, both albums featured are sure to make up for it in size. Size in sentiment, size in production, size in...Listen-ability! Welcome to fresh streams BottleHeads.You know those songs that get stuck in your head, the ones that seem to match the season, the feeling and the pace of the steps you're taking outside right when that sun finally comes out for springtime? Luckily for you, You Won't is dropping a full album of them on April 29th, and just in time for the sweet Chicago sunshine. Using all of the tools and eclectic assortment of instruments acquired over their 17 years as a creative duo, Josh Arnoudse and Raky Sastri continue on their road of saw-singing, piano plunking, cash-register dinging folk rock anthems to bring you their second LP, Revolutionaries. Stream NOW via Consequence of Sound and make sure to pick up tickets for their show on May 12.Ohio indie-rock band Wussy are back with their seventh studio album Forever Sounds and the tunes they're cranking out for this release are just as fresh as when they first hit the pavement in 2001. Giving you the opportunity to escape into that rare state of haze that only Wussy can provide, this special set of songs will have you sweltering in a sun-daze for days. Check out the new album courtesy of Noisey and grab those show tickets before they're all gone.There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list. Thank you for listening!IMAGE: Wouldn’t it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That’s what’s on our mind and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!
Me oh my oh man. Spring and sunshine, how we have missed ya. This week the ladies will be bringing the streaming magic to your ears with fresh spins from BLEACHED, TACOCAT, and MAMIFFER. Throw on a crop-top, tie your hair up, and get ready to rock grrrl power hard just after the jump.MAMIFFER's new album is streaming and it's slap you across the face good. The World Unseen, hitting music stores today, is full of sweeping soundscapes and "lost-in-your-own-mind" loops that prove the fourth times a charm. Although their change in venue is putting them at Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) the night of Saturday, 4/2, we are stoked to have them here in Chicago once again. Check out the album over at FACTmag and grab tickets for the show.Seattle-based post-punk-pop band TACOCAT are making their way to the Empty Bottle stage this spring in support of their new album LOST TIME, hitting record shelves today. Featuring "I Hate the Weekend" and "You Can't Fire Me, I Quit", the tongue and cheek approach to anger in TACOCAT's third studio outing make this album nothing short of a great time. Brimming with angst, attitude, and grrrl power that is sure to pour over to their live show, TACOCAT t is ready to impress with their Bottle debut on April 8. Purchase tickets right here and listen to their fresh stream via Noisy so you're nice and ready by next Friday.The second you start listening to the sophomore album from BLEACHED,Welcome the Worms, you're urged to keep on keeping on that beat… hell yes we will, BLEACHED. Hell. Yes. We. Will. Lyrically concerned with the importance of independence and musically devoted to three-chord hard hitters and heavy bass-line punches, this collection of songs is sure to get you feeling like a natural woman by the end of it's short half-hour runtime. You're not gonna want to miss these girls when they hit up the Bottle this Earth Day, April 22. Head on over to Consequence of Sound to stream that new release and purchase tickets for their show right here.There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list (and maybe even comp you a ticket to that show)… Thank you for listening — these bands wouldn’t be playing here if we didn’t like em!IMAGE: Wouldn’t it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That’s what’s on our mind this January and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!
1. Vaadat Charigim_0008
Gary Wilson_2096
HEalth_2212
OPN_2235
Gary Wilson_2139
Levitation_0071
Royal Trux
4. Lightning Bolt_0777
Ryley Walker_0438
Levitation_0383
CDY_1814
Earthless_1899
Faust_1958
Night Beats_1663
Levitation_1669
This past weekend of LEVITATION CHICAGO at Thalia Hall was quite the time! Spring is upon us and we find ourselves on the other side of a killer three days of music at LEVITATION CHICAGO music festival. Let's dive on in to revisit how great of a time we had music-friendly-dancing (and drinking LAGUNITAS beer)all over Thalia Hall. [Pictures by Allison Taich ]First things first, thank you to everyone that came out. We hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did!DAY 1Thursday began withthe jaw-dropping performance (both musically and acrobatic) by EARTHEATER aka Alexandra Drewchin. Israeli shoegaze group VAADAT CHARIGIM followed, their strictly Hebrew lyrics resonate with us all. The always entertaining GARY WILSON came next with his taboo experimental performance, backed by an entirely local band, including favorites JIMMY WHISPERS and BEN BILLINGTON. LA metal dudes HEALTH played the crowd with a serious lesson in head-banging.. This set the scene perfectly for headliner ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER, who's experimental set is still thumping in our eardrums. HAUSU MOUNTAIN DJS killed it spinning between sets.VAADAT CHARIGIMGARY WILSONHEALTHONEOHTRIX POINT NEVERDAY 2Australian postpunk band NITE FIELDS began Friday night by propelling the crowd into outer space. Next was the electronic drone solo project of Benjamin John Power, aka BLANCK MASS, who was blowing minds and taking names. Chicago folk musician RYLEY WALKER made everyone feel at home before Sir Richard Bishops' latest project RANGDA burned that house down. LIGHTNING BOLT, probably the best known (and perhaps only) noise band of their kind, parked their set on the ground for a more intimate experience. The reunited ROYAL TRUX proved that one big breakup and a decade of barely speaking did not hinder their musical chemistry. Through it all, THRILL JOCKEY DJS kept the party going in between sets.Additional photos + a recap of day two can be found via The Line of Best Fit.LIGHTNING BOLTRYLEY WALKERDAY 3The last day of LEVITATION CHICAGO began with METHYL ETHEL nailing it with their cozy indie-rock. NATURAL INFORMATION SOCIETY & BITCHIN' BAJAS were up next, a unbeatable combination with synths and sintir abounding. NIGHT BEATS were next, bringing along their garage-psych set, which made us feel like teens who just discovered their parents album collection. The awe-inspiring CIRCUIT DES YEUX left her ethereal home planet to grace the crowd with her presence, and then Stoner-prog instrumentalist EARTHLESS lead the audience on a musically induced trip. Direct support German krautrock godfather's fAUst gave an unpredictable, experimental Psychedelic set that was a privilege to witness. Headliner doom-folk goddess CHELSEA WOLFE closed out LEVITATION CHICAGO 2016 breathing life into her haunting yet entrancing songwriting. PERMANENT RECORDS DJS kept the party going in between sets.CIRCUIT DES YEUXEARTHLESSFAUSTNIGHT BEATSPERMANENT RECORDS DJs----NEXT UP on our EBP festival radar is Do Division Fest: Friday, June 3rd 5-10pm... Saturday & Sunday, June 4th & 5th 12-10 pm.
Monday got you down? Confused by the inconsistencies of winter's temperature choices? Settle down and look no further than this week's Fresh Streams to calibrate your system featuring two debut albums and a familiar face.First up, it's time to travel across the pond, figuratively not literally please, for your new favorite grunge-pop band Yuck. Stranger Things, set for a 26 February release, is scattered with sentiment and just what the doctor ordered for that Valentine's hangover you're still nursing. Wearing their hearts proudly on their sleeves, newly appointed leading man Max Bloom sets the band down a new path for their third album. Lucky for your ears, they wear it well. Listen to the full album via NPR and grab tickets for their April 6th show.If you're one of the many millennials roaming the streets of Chicago in search of truth and authenticity, look no further than Mothers new album When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired . The album supplies honest lyrics paired with instrumentation ranging from sweeping string arrangements to garage band guitar riffs that will make even the most pessimistic of lovers have hope for the future. Mothers has everything, yes... everything, you are looking for in a debut album. NPR is also bringing this one to you and you can grab tickets for their May 7th show by clicking here.Get ready for a trip. An Acid Dad trip that is. Consequence of Sound is providing the noise and Empty Bottle is providing the boys. Listen below and grab those tickets before their April 21st show.There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list (and maybe even comp you a ticket to that show)… Thank you for listening — these bands wouldn’t be playing here if we didn’t like em!IMAGE: Wouldn’t it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That’s what’s on our mind this January and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!
Two Fresh Streams segments in one month?! You better be grateful. Welcome to January streams round TWO. We are making sure to keep you in check with your emotions while also giving you the opportunity to be saturated in nostalgia with these upcoming releases.Delving into uncharted waters, Irishman Cian Nugent takes on the role of singer-songwriter for his new album Night Fiction to present a series of songs unlike any he has released to date. Not only is he using his own voice for the first time, the particular blend of American rock, blues, and folk Nugent encircles you with creates a sense of safe nostalgia that makes you want to turn the record over and over and yes, over again. Take a listenbefore it hits shelves on 29th January and buy tickets to his show at The Bottle here.Trying to capture the most intimate moments of new love, Idiot Glee front-man James Friley takes you on a journey from 1st base to home plate in the bands new self-titled release out January 29th. Described as "an alluring slice of psych pop" by Consequence of Sound, these tunes will get you longing for the days of going out to slow-dance to synthpop. Like yesterday... at 70s night... at Beauty Bar. Listen here and grab your tickets for their set on the Empty Bottle Stage February 23.——————-IMAGE: Wouldn't it be nice to climb to the top of a mountain and look out over the land like a God as the sun was setting on a late-spring afternoon? That's what's on our mind this January and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!
Hello and welcome to another segment of Fresh Streams. Today we’ve provided quite a range of musical selections to address a number of feelings on your complicated emotional spectrum. There’s a solid chance you haven’t heard some of these albums, because these babies entered the world no more than 3 days ago! So cute.Six piece post-metal band Bloodiest have just released their second full-length album. The self-titled record is droney, dreamy, in-your-face rage at its finest. The album is currently available to stream on Nerdist. We recommend you listen, otherwise, here’s a link where Stereogumexplains why you should listen. Get your tickets for their show at the Bottle on March 12, where they’ll be playing with Sweet Cobra and Electric Hawk.Eleanor Friedberger’s third solo record New View is currently available to stream on NPR Music's First Listen. ‘New View’ is a rock’n’roll album, recorded live to tape in a studio in upstate New York. She’ll be paying the Empty Bottle a visit on February 24, get your tickets tickets here.Psychedelic garage rock prince Ty Segall has released his tenth solo album over the span of 8 years. The album, titled Emotional Mugger, is also streaming on NPR's First Listen. To hear the trippy adventure in person, head to Thalia Hall either March 7 or 8. Tickets available hereand here.Interestingly enough, Chicago locals Tortoise's latest album was brought to fruition through a commission from the City of Chicago. Their first album since 2009's Beacons of Ancestorship, The Catastrophist infuses improvisational hooks performed in their live shows over the past six years with reworked tunes pulled from the City of Chicago suite composed to represent the local jazz and improvised music communities. Get ready for a journey from synth-swept to dance jam when you preview the whole album at The Guardian and grab tickets for their two show run at Thalia Hall here and here.——————-IMAGE: Wouldn't it be nice to head to the open prairie and do a little fly fishin' in the warm, late-spring afternoon? That's what's on our mind this January and we found this pleasant pic from our good pals at Google. Simply marvelous. Thanks, Google!
Fresh Streams is a new segment we’re doing, which will pop up as it fits with our calendar. On these posts you’ll find album streams of bands that are playing the Empty Bottle in the coming days/weeks/months. For music fans who are constantly inundated with music news and new records, we think this will be exstreamly useful (sorry! / you’re welcome?). There’s a lot to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we’ll add it to the list (and maybe even comp you a ticket to that show)… Give a listen to the fresh new albums below — these bands wouldn’t be playing here if we didn’t like em!TRIATHALONSavannah, Georgia based three-piece, TRIATHALON released the second single from their second full length album, Nothing Bothers Me, out November 13th on Broken Circles Records. Go stream it via Aint-Bad Magazine, and get tickets to watch 'em take on our stage Wednesday, November 4th!PINKISH BLACKThe Forth Worth, Texas-based experimental "goth-wave" duo PINKISH BLACK are back with the release of their third LP, Bottom of the Morning, out FRIDAY, 10/30 via Relapse Records. You can stream the album now on Noisey before you buy your tickets to catch them opening for ZOMBI on Thursday, November 5th!VIDEO // MIDNIGHT RERUNSOn Monday, November 9th, our Free Monday series gets some tough lovin, courtesy of hard-nosed Texas punks VIDEO and Milwaukee rock & rollers MIDNIGHT RERUNS. The new single from VIDEO, "Shackles", is a razor sharp dose of blistering post-punk... or "hate wave" as they like to call it. Their new record, The Entertainers, is out THIS FRIDAY on Third Man Records, and the band calls it "The greatest record since Leather Leather" (their first record).MIDNIGHT RERUNS are pullin' out the big guns with the release of their second full length album Force of Nurture, out on Milwaukee's Dusty Medical Records (other releases from bands such as BLACK LIPS, STRANGE BOYS, CALL ME LIGHTNING).You can stream the full album via Bandcamp (below), and make sure you don't miss these power-pop thrashers, along with Chicago's CLEARANCE & MAMA for that stacked FREE MONDAY on November 9th!-------------------IMAGE: It's times like these where we could use some mountain air to help welcome the fast-approaching winter. We found this nice pic from our friends at Google and think it's just stunning. Thanks, Google!
Fresh Streams is a new segment we're doing, which will pop up as it fits with our calendar. On these posts you'll find album streams of bands that are playing the Empty Bottle in the coming days/weeks/months AND also have records streaming on the good old world wide web. For music fans who are constantly inundated with music news and new records, we think this will be exstreamly useful (sorry/you're welcome?). There's lots to sift through each week, so if we miss something, shoot us a comment with the link and we'll add it to the list (and maybe even comp you a ticket to that show)... Give a listen to the fresh new albums below -- they wouldn't be playing here if we didn't like em!SWEET SPIRITAustin, TX's SWEET SPIRIT does it big. The nine-piece country-rock band featuring a beautifully energetic “self-contained party” are streaming their debut album, Cokomo, out 10/16 on Nine Mile Records, via NOISEY specifically for those ears of yours. Stream it all here. The nontet (definitely a thing) make their way to our corner stage Wednesday, October 21st as part of our fresh to death monthly installment, GLITTER CREEPS, which is ONLY $5 to get in!WAX IDOLSAn EB favorite and project of Oakland-based songstress HEATHER FORTUNE, WAX IDOLS is releasing her third recording, American Tragic. Out on Collect Records 10/16, the work is equal parts declaration of independence and meditation on togetherness, as well as hauntingly propulsive. Listen via SoundCloud, and don’t miss ‘em swamp our stage Tuesday, October 27th. GET TIX.HERE WE GO MAGICFollowing a well-buzzed 2012 LP release, the New Yorkers in HERE WE GO MAGIC are releasing a follow up record via Secretly Canadian, out 10/16. The album, Be Small, revers their longstanding lyricism and manages an effortless command of sense, style and sound over a backdrop of guitar pop, psychedelia and assuredly strutting melodies. Peep the entire album (and interview) here, and don’t even try missing them at ye ole Bottle on Friday, October 30th. A pre-Halloween treat for you, so grab tickets now.ZOMBIThe Pittsburgh, PA post-prog-synthlords in Zombi are back at it and man oh man, what a treat it is. The duo’s last release was around four years back and rumored to be their last, until Relapse Records hit us all with a surprise that slapped us silly. The band's signature sound, achieved using only electric bass, drums, and a collection of analog synthesizers, is deceptively lush considering its two man skeleton crew ensemble. Scheduled for a 10/16 release, you can stream the album here via Northern Transmissions. The duo comes to our neck of the woods on Thursday, November 5th and you don't wanna miss it, so snag some tickets, doofus!--------------IMAGE: Fall is in the air, as you can tell by our "Featured Image" -- we found that beauty through a simple "Google Image Search" and it's called Antarctica Wallpaper #6872200... Mmmm, delightful.
If you thought we didn’t like writing about Canadian punks, then there's a good chance you've never read this here blog. Canada’s ever-growing punk landscape has become a hotbed for varying guttural acts and the sludgy cult leaders (not actually) in Toronto, Ontario’s post-punk, grimed-out outfit HSY ("Hussy") beg for your ears' attention. This four-headed beast has a few splits under their belt, as well as a self-titled 7-inch and their spankin' new, debut full length, Bask, out September 11 on Buzz Records, is completely out of control.If messy, distorted, sludged-up punk tingles those flaps of tissue on the side of your head, then listen listen here... right now. The twelve track muck-plunging mania is just as scuzzy as the best MELVINS records and the pairing of raw lyricism and thick, driven chords brew a loud, dark, and twisted solitude. The group’s been tearing away at Toronto’s underground since 2011 and the amalgamation of releases haven’t quite developed a maturity as much as a culmination of a distinct sound. The record sees HSY maturing into their full potential while grappling with higher concepts, both musically and lyrically. With gritted out progressions getting more and more abrasive and hurried as the album inches forward, you’re ultimately left with a disheveled-yet-cohesive mess on the floor. It’s a dark anxiety that pushes a healthy, cathartic response.Besk’s seamless blend of hardcore, noise, metal, industrial and post-punk elements wrap inside a parasitic underbelly. Despite a very noisy, and sometimes busy mix, vox/guitarists Anna’s and Jude’s (both mononymous) voice ring through like a clouded atmosphere hellbent on narrating your latest nightmare. Jagged melodies turned into abrasive story-telling jab your gut. Fans of Nashville punk four-piece NOTS (also EB faves) take note as Anna’s vocals match pretty similarly in tonality and aggression to the trio’s double x vox. HSY recently opened with the sludge forefathers OLD MAN GLOOM in Toronto along with MARE on their recent tour, and you should kick yourself in the head with a boot if you missed out on that, Toronto readers (one love, though, for reals). Although GLOOM’s recent tour did stop here at everyone’s objectively favorite punk rock bar (see Chicago Reader and Buzzfeed if you think we’re wrong), HSY weren’t apart of the night’s beastly bill. Having last visited our beer soaked floor in November of last year, the four piece HSY keep on keepin’ on and we’re thankful as hell for this solid release.----------Words by Alex Conover
DSC_0062
DSC_0065
DSC_0108
DSC_0387
DSC_0340
DSC_0414
DSC_0356
DSC_0565
DSC_0559
DSC_0680
DSC_0514
On September 10th, 2015 we returned to the Bohemian National Cemetery on the northwest side of Chicago for the fourth installment of the Beyond The Gate series, which Empty Bottle Presents produces alongside J.R. ROBINSON, leader of Chicago doom collective WREKMEISTER HARMONIES. For this end of summer concert, EARTH, DISAPPEARS and HOLY SONS performed on stage and ROBINSON kept the tone in place with cryptic vinyl selections before and in-between bands. It was a thrill to host such this line-up in such a gorgeous and haunting setting, especially since the skies were clear after a long (and stressful) day of rain. We are incredibly thankful and excited that all of the artists were as into the idea of performing in this setting as we are.Heavy midday rains put a literal damper on plans, but as the time for Beyond The Gate approached, the sun broke through the clouds and the skies remained clear, giving our surroundings a rich coloration. It could not have been a better - or more fortunate - introductory setting for each group's unique take on enchanting, atmospheric rock music. Bite Café came through with some tasty dogs and slaw, not to mention some delicious, homemade elotes, and we were so happy to work with Half Acre Beer to keep the night loose with their unmatchable brews. Special thanks to Brownshoesonly for the endlessly stellar visual projections that highlighted each band's sonic personality while helping further illuminate the beauty of Bohemian National.After ROBINSON eased us into the night with some droning, atmospheric records, HOLY SONS took the stage for a set of bluesy hard rock that never sounded like the tired "blues-rock" you'll hear some bar bands playing around town. Led by EMIL AMOS, who also plays in GRAILS, OM and LILACS & CHAMPAGNE, the trio worked through lush and complex arrangements that showcased AMOS's chameleonic versatility. Performing songs off their 2014 & 2015 Thrill Jockey releases, HOLY SONS were heavy and hooky, soaring out of the cemetery towards the planes passing overhead.As the sun began to set and the lawn really started to fill up, Chicago staples DISAPPEARS took the stage and once again wowed us (and the large crowd) with a set of stark and chilling post-punk. Their shimmering and clanging guitar work, provided by singer/guitarist BRIAN CASE and guitar maestro JONATHAN VAN HERIK, and driving, Krautrock-inspired rhythms, led by bassist DAMON CARRUESCO and drummer NOAH LEGER, took on a new life at Bohemian National. The confines of the mausoleum walls and the surrounding landscape had the four piece sounding as good as ever, and as day turned to night, Brownshoesonly's static projections gave the environment - and the band - an exhilarating look and feel. DISAPPEARS performed some of our favorite tracks off their first four records and we were delighted to hear some new numbers, which can only mean a new record will be on the way, hopefully before the end of next year.We've had the pleasure of welcoming Seattle doom/drone metal band EARTH to the Empty Bottle stage a few times over the past couple years, but nothing can compare to witnessing their live show inside the gates of a cemetery. Slowly and methodically, EARTH guitarist and leader DYLAN CARLSON led his band through a set of grinding and thunderous instrumental rock, complete with mountainous guitar chords and crushing rhythms. With low lighting on stage, multi-colored liquid ink projections danced on the walls of the mausoleum, morphing the cemetery into a warped and psychedelic alien landscape. The musicians cast gigantic shadows on the walls behind them, echoing the hugeness of the music they performed for a rapt crowd of nearly eight hundred onlookers. With all three bands performing entirely unique sets, the combination of the musicians, mixed with the projections and the hundreds in attendance, combined to create a truly transcendent experience. It's something we won't forget for a very long time.We're honored to be given the opportunity to present forward thinking, expansive music in a setting so deep in history as the Bohemian National Cemetery. Endless thanks to Beth, Steve, Rob, and the rest of the staff up there for being so accommodating from day one and believing in the idea that these events are more than just a party in a strange setting. Thank you to everyone in attendance. Your respect for the area is the reason why we are able to continue hosting events there. A portion of the ticket sales go directly to the cemetery and help to maintain the dignity of the grounds for years to come. Would also like to thank Alderman Laurino and the Albany park residents for working with us and continuing to be on board with this series.---------------Words by Brent Heyl & Michael GebelPhotos by Zachary Spinner
Thank you to everyone who voted in the Chicago Reader's 2015 Best of Poll, especially if you voted for us to win Best Music Venueand Best RockClub. It's our third year in-a-row taking home both top spots and fifth year getting the Best Rock Club nod in the Chicago Reader. Of course, awards and recognition aren't the reason we do what we do, but it's always damn nice to be recognized by the community for all the hard work that goes into making this place run day-in and day-out. Special thanks to all of the incredible artists who've graced our stage over the past 365, all the fans who've come out to see the shows, and of course, to our incredible staff for all of their hard work.The Empty Bottle is a special place in Chicago and beyond, so we'll keep busting our tails to keep it that way... Here's a cool video of THE VASELINES playing earlier this year!Past awards in Chicago Reader's Best Of...Best Music Venueand Best Rock Clubin 2014Best Music Venueand Best Rock Clubin 2013Best Rock Cluband runner-up for Best Music Venuein 2012Best Rock Cluband runner-up for Best Music Venuein 2011Best Venue to Watchand Best Venue to Playin 2010
cloakroom philly
sweet cobra diet
sweet cobra darkoord day by Sarah Krowka
grumpy tour socks
kurt ballou wall of amps
cloak practice jason
cloakroom driving
sc boston
remis bottom lounge
Jason sweet cobra double door
remis grumpy on tour
Sweet Cobra are old pals of ours, they’ve been producing monstrous hardcore rock since the early 2000s and we’ve been fans since the beginning. They have a lengthy road behind them as they set off to trample out yet another path with their latest ground crushing record “Earth”. And anyone who knows knows that they’re really sweet dudes. It’s no surprise then, that when Cloakroom’s drummer Brian Busch was unable to do their most recent tour, Jason Gagovski drummer for Sweet Cobra filled in.Birthed as a three piece in 2003, Sweet Cobra began as the collaborated efforts of Jason Gagovski, Robert Lanham Jr, and Botchy Vasquez (Tim Remis). They quickly added a second guitar player, Neeraj Kane to round out the line-up for their debut album, then later adding Mat Arluck, before entering Electrical Audio to record their sophomore album. They made their presence known in the Chicago noise scene, touring with Russian Circles, Pelican, and The Life and Times to name a few. Prior to “Earth”, the band has put out three full length albums throughout the 2000’s, and have collaborated with the likes of Young Widows, Doomriders and Get Rad. With all the rigorous touring these guys you’ve got to watch what you eat. Only the essentials.In 2009, their second guitarist Mat Arluck lost his battle with cancer, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in the Chicago music scene. The three remaining members carried on, determined to continue relentlessly carving out their path and reinventing their sound, driven by the glorious new avenues that the four members had already built for themselves in hardcore.Sweet Cobra have always emitted a fury that rang as loud as any noise/metal band, but with a calculated and forthright commitment to rock based rhythms: a combination of heavy, booming noise and resonating, memorable flow.Instead of seeking applause and fame with gimmicky approaches and obnoxiously loud motifs, Sweet Cobra devote to making quality hardcore that allows the music to speak for itself; a rare quality today, and produces a sound that is still obnoxiously loud and catchy, but unassuming, and true to its explosive core.Their latest record ‘Earth’ (Magic Bullet Records) will make its debut at the Bottle THIS very evening. Sweet Cobra gave us a tasty little nibble yesterday when they premiered this woozy new music video release for the track “Future Ghosts”. Loud and hypnotic as ever we’ve been getting nothing done over here cause we just keep watching it on repeat.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eD4g3oEj9EJoining them for their record release are tour buddies Cloakroom. A trio, hailing from an industrial corridor of northwest Indiana. Significantly younger than their friends in Sweet Cobra, Cloakroom formed in 2012, and created a sound that takes influence from a number of different genres. Like some sort of musical wizards they swirl hard rock, alternative indie, and hardcore together in a giant cauldron to create a heavy stew that we love to pour down our ear holes!Taking on a more minimalist approach to hardcore, it’s impressive the dynamic and intoxicating effect that a few well-articulated tones can produce. Thunderously heavy riffs have been pieced together in intricately placed buzzing waves that resonate inside the walls of your skull. Their music puts you in a morose and almost catatonic stupor that leaves you exactly where they want you to be. They’re in the driver’s seat so buckle up pal, the ride is worth it.Sweet Cobra celebrate the release of their latest record at the Empty Bottle tonight June 19th with Cloakroom, Electrick Hawk (one of our other faves!) who are also record releasing, and Chris Hansen of Pinebender. Tickets are only $10 so don’t be stupid, get them here.Sweet dreams boys!
ewankay_2015-04-22_01-59-34
The Road to the Empty Bottle for Doldrums and Moon King began way back in early April up in the Canada. Since then it feels like they’ve been almost everywhere. Still they somehow manage to bring “nonstop energy” to each night’s performance.
(everybody’s gotta take a turn driving with this crew)
sitting on porch
Montreal’s DOLDRUMS is rooted in the mind of Airick Woodhead, who began releasing material under this name in 2011, making waves with his first single, an official remix for PORTISHEAD. Since, DOLDRUMS has been signed to a little record label out of Seattle called, Sup Pop. Sharpening their live performances through tireless touring, Doldrums has matured into a full band. Incessant live practice has allowed them to get creative with their performances, often setting up in the middle of the crowd and willing their audience to dance with them or be left behind.Having just released ‘The Air Conditioned Nightmare’, the follow up to their 2013 debut album ‘Lesser Evil’, DOLDRUMS has marked their ground along the famed lineup of Montreal born artists, including GRIMES, PURITY RING, & MAJICAL CLOUDZ. The album’s concept draws on themes that carried Henry Miller’s 1945 collection of short stories of the same name. Primarily: his dystopian descriptions of American culture, anxieties and inner conflict.
The sound of ‘The Air Conditioned Nightmare’ is one of tastefully calculated chaos and rhythm; with a more sonically cleaned up approach than their previous releases.
dude by fountains
The album begins, and immediately the growl of HOTFOOT’s stuttering bass dances in parallel to the tantalizingly repetitious drums. Before you even realize it, you’re swinging to the beat that builds and breaks in just enough layers, while maintaining the same groove that you’re just never quite ready to break out of.
Flying man gif
One of our favorite tracks, ‘Funeral for Lightning’ begins with an uplifting, borderline childish, brassy sounding synth melody, and sinks into a hypnotic and slightly unsettling groove. Throughout the pulsebeats there is a moment of quiet serenity when the rhythm breaks, and Woodhead’s teetering melody croons back and forth in a seemingly optimistic way, though the contents of his message are less rose-colored. Using death as a parallel to the loss of art, he offers “..a drink for every, every forgotten dream. Let’s rate the dead 1 through 10, hoping they enjoy the peace.” The song functions as a sonic distillation of the unique sound DOLDRUMS has cultivated.
dude dessert
‘Video Hostage’ also offers striking perspective on modern existence illuminating the mundane repetition and disconnected trance that our culture has become entangled in thanks to our fixation on success. The track snags on itself in yet another repetitive anxiety, which finds it’s flow once Woodhead offers his smooth melodies to tie it all together.
Toronto based duo MOON KING, comprised of Maddy Wilde and Daniel Benjamin, who joined DOLDRUMS on a cross country US tour throughout April and May. Their new LP ‘Secret Life’ is a blend between a classic take on fuzzy, washed out shoegaze, with psychedelic elements that take the genre in a new and exciting direction. The bright and upbeat vibe of the album is balanced out by the subtly more dark lyrical content. The recording of the album was done in a little cottage in the depths of the Canadian wilderness surrounded by snow, which seems fitting, as the whispery vocals of Maddy Wilde in combination with the twangy destroyed guitar sounds give one the impression of walking through a blindingly white blizzard.
Moon King dessert
Opening track ‘Roswell’ incorporates a whompy, fizzy synth that carries the track, as bright sporadic synths compliment the slow moving, trippy progressions of the guiding melody.
‘Hexe’ is a high energy track whose frenzied drums are tied to a gently tapping piano melody, and as Benjamin’s vocals come howling in, the track sails through the clouds. While the sound of the song is elating, the lyrics pull you back down to earth as the duo sings to the theme of loss: “Hate yourself for what you're thinking, there's nothing you're left here all alone. Why'd I waste my time and breath, you're a face that I'll forget, you know.”
maddie moon king
Moon King gives us a taste of the sun in their track ‘Apocalypse’, whose gorgeous guitar melody loops, peacefully at first, until it tenses up into a frenzied repetition and finally explodes into a buzzing, loud, and full take on the riff that allows the melody to repeat itself endlessly without ever losing its hypnotizing effect.
naked dude in dessert
You’re never caught wishing for more or less in this album amongst the intricate and gratifying layering that is both subtle yet oh so satisfying.
MOON KING and DOLDRUMS play the last show of their collective tour with us at the Empty Bottle this Saturday before heading to Europe. They’re joined by exciting young locals DEEP BREATH and the boys from WHITNEY will be slinging tunes from our piano DJ booth all night.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Get yours now and save money for “other stuff”.
Fresh off the start of their Negative Qualities tour, SINGLE MOTHERS came through Chicago with one intention: To tear apart our cold ass winter and leave us in a sweaty pile on a beer-soaked floor. Making rounds with fellow Canadian punks THE DIRTY NIL, SINGLE MOTHERS outperformed their last Chicago show, despite a few sound issues, and the crowd’s response was still a perfect parallel to the blood and sweat that was left on the stage. The show’s adversity isn’t new to the London, Ontario natives either; with break-ups and members leaving since conception, these Canadians aren’t afraid to roll through the punches. The core seems healthier than ever and their debut LP is the only proof you need.
SINGLE MOTHERS IS DREW THOMSON, MICHAEL PETERSON, EVAN REDSKY, and BRANDON JAGERSKY
Frontman Drew Thomson has developed an uncanny ability to walk a fine line between wearing heart on his sleeve and not giving a shit what you think. The in-your-face commentary about girls, pretentious attitudes, drugs and anger all with a nice, healthy twist of sarcasm, cynicism, and an overall sense of jadedness that one acquires with age and emotional pouring shows just how much these guys put on the table. Thomson's lyricism is just the face of their gritty punk instrumentation, swamped by lo-fi guitar work, abrasive drumming, and a pace that beckons your mosh boots; this is a brand of hardcore/garage punk you don’t want to miss out on. There’s no reaching here; only straightforward amped up punk with swelled/noisy bass, distorted chords and some momentous hooks and layering. No wankery, no ostentation, just complementary grooves and riffing whilst Drew slays societal vanity.
Between the fast paced riffs and the giving-it-all, raw lyricism Drew clings to so well, these guys really do choke it all up for their ever growing audience. Still on their rise to the spotlight, Negative Qualities, the group's second official release, definitely helped put them on the map. Landing a Sunday PitchforkFestival slot, the Canadians have big summer plans to look forward to, including Barcelona’s Primavera Sound and a European tour. They’ve come a long way since first releasing their S/T EP (2011) and their raw energy still hasn’t faded in the least... Definitely catch em if you can this summer and check ‘em out now, ya dummy!
The new album by Ryley Walker, Primrose Green, out Tuesday on Dead Oceans, ebbs and flows effortlessly in all the right ways. It's an album that's easy to lose yourself in, one that helps you travel through time as it streams through your speakers. As a newcomer to the music of Ryley Walker, I was instantly captivated by his unique blend of jazz and folk. Learning that he had his hands involved in the noise and punk scene as a precursor to his current sound came as no surprise. His acoustic influences, paired with an affinity for improvisation make for an album that builds into a wonderful sonic landscape that is well beyond his 25 years and his songs have found their way on my playlist more times than I'd like to admit.
If you've have the pleasure to see him IRL ("in real life" grandpa!) you know that Walker's live show is like a graceful, audio-enigma. No two shows are the same and you often times leave having bore witness to a genesis of new songs, songs in progress, and favorites that have been re-worked, stretching and expanding beautifully before your very ears. Walker plays alongside a rotating cast of some of the most talented Chicago jazz musicians, a collection of friends and colleagues developed over years of involvement in the underground Chicago music scene. From the first recordings to the photos on the covers, everything is Chicago-centric, showcasing the beauty of a city that collaborates and grows together.
I was fortunate enough to exchange some quick words with Ryley the day after his Chopin Theatre record release (and the day of his solo show at Permanent Records). When talking with Walker his intentions are unspoken but clear, and he intends on continuing to make music he likes, with people he likes. Lucky for us, the product of these collaborations continue to be damn good.
ASHLEIGH DYE: I wasn't too surprised to learn that you started off in more punk, and then noise based scenes, especially after listening songs you'd recorded like that Live in Toronto excerpt and Sweet Satisfaction on your latest album. I do wonder, though, why you think those earlier folks influences like Nick Drake, or all your Zeppelin inspiration, started appearing in your sound when it did. What cause the shift from a more industrially progressive sound to a more organic one?
RYLEY WALKER: There wasn't really a switch that went off. I think I’ve always just liked doing everything at the same time. I was always in punk bands in High School, but I was in jazz band, too. I just like music a lot, they’ve always co-existed. This style has just worked out for me, it’s been more rewarding.AD: It seems like you’ve found your niche at combining the improvisational with the structured.RW: Coming up through the noise and punk scene definitely helped with that. It was really important for me that those things happened first.
AD: The way your music originates live and grows and flows from that moment seems very painterly to me. A lot of painters I know say that a painting is never truly finished and they'll work on them slowly for years. Do you feel the same way about your music?
RW: Yeah, yeah. A song can never really be done or set in stone. It’s kind of painful, especially when you don't have CBD oil for pain like the ones recommended by HMHB.
AD: When do you decide “OK, I feel cool recording this iteration of the song”?RW: Whenever in the band says “Shut up and record the song.” That’s why I like having them around. They’re really good about keeping me in check.
AD: Do you ever find yourself looking back to old songs from years past and revisiting them?
RW: No, I mostly feel embarrassed when I hear an old song, like you get that cringe feeling almost. I like to leave room for new things to grow once that time has passed.
DSC_7905
AD: Primrose Green (Dead Oceans) was recorded and written as a whole band, as opposed to just you alone. How did this very free-form style work when you had a more concrete deadline?RW: Just from the nature of the musicians. We hardly even practiced. We were just like, “Yeah, lets go.” I just had ideas going in, like little seeds and we were sowing them in the ground of the arts, so to speak. We kind of just watched them grow right there. Everyone I'm playing with is really talented and have been around the Chicago music scene for years.AD: How long did you guys record?RW: Just for one day.AD: You recorded with Cooper Crain, right? How was that?
RW: It was great. He did my last record and I’ve known him for a long ass time.
AD: Your sound is obviously very influenced by decades past, but your lyrics seem to evoke more of a sense of nostalgia to me. Do you find yourself writing about things from the past often? I know your lyrics tend to change a lot, but is there are certain moments or memories that you find yourself pulling from more often?RW: It’s all about time and place, really. I like poets like Yeats or even classic American guys like Frost, where instead of telling you a story, they describe a painting to you.AD: So more of an ethereal, elusive experience. Does your writing style change when you’re on the road versus being here, grounded at home base?RW: Totally. I can’t really write in the city of Chicago.AD: Really? I would think it would be the opposite.RW: I like it here and I like being here, but I can’t write here. It’s weird, but it’s like I have too many ties to this place. My brain's too wired around it.AD: Do you think the anonymity of the road inspires your writing?RW: Yeah, that’s what I like about it, it’s really easy. I mostly tour alone a lot. I’ll just be in Europe on the train, like “Duh, classic American in Europe,” but it’s really fun to do because you'll just be alone, like “I don’t fucking know Dutch. I’ll just hang out backstage for four hours.” I think a lot of weird situations present themselves for you in those situations.
DSC_7849
AD: Do you play and write alone still? How to you ebb and flow between playing with the band and playing on your own?RW: Yeah, for sure. I like having them around as much as possible, but I like playing alone a lot, too. It’s like the same songs, but a bunch of different bands playing them, but I get to be in everyone. Sometimes I’ll play with a trio and it’s keys, an electric guitar and me, sometimes I play and it's just me. I really like every live show to be different, that’s something that kind of matters to me.
DSC_7894
AD: I was really glad I saw you live first, before talking with you. It was such a different experience than your album, which is also wonderful. I like when music can have an all encompassing, sensory deprivation sensation, seeing you live was like that. Do you ever feel inclined to play more true to the record?
RW: Not really, but there’s also only so much I can do live. No one wants to watch me play a 20 minute breakdown alone. It definitely deviates more the more characters you have the in the cast.
AD: Do you see a large variance in the types of crowds between when you were playing more noise-focused shows and playing now?
RW: Uh, there are less dudes, for sure. But, I started playing this kind of music at noise shows and it translates pretty well. I’ve always had pretty open-minded friends so the crowds are wildly different.If you know what's good for you and your ears and your soul, buy Primrose Green here.Watch the new music video for "Sweet Satisfaction" (via Noisey):-------------------------------------WORDS & PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH DYEhttp://noisey.vice.com/blog/ryley-walker-interview-sweet-satisfaction-video?utm_source=noiseyfbus
Ripley Testicle festival 3
Milwuakee The Fonz
Sanae Gas Station Montana
Cactus Club soundcheck mirror
I94 East - North Dakota
upside down road
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?)