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Hugo Manuel as Chad Valley: duality wanders through
Sultry male vocals of yesteryear combine with enticing melody. This sound has been constructed before. However, the sentiment- in-waves those vocals lend blend kindly with the reconstituted synth-pop sound. Hugo Manuel, via his project Chad Valley, delivers on a feeling. Entwined with the Oxford pop scene, he gathers inspiration from fellow acts Foals and Trophy ...
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The Royal Concept: ever-reaching enigmas
It’s familiar. It’s a cup of hot coffee on a crisp fall day. You know what to expect but it still delivers that same sensation. Warm cozies. Danceable warm and cozies at that. Thrice-named and all-inspired Swedish music-makers, The Royal Concept, showcase their electric sound and vigor on a five track, self titled, EP that ...
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Lucius: anything but the girl
It’s been awhile. The writer stumbled upon a block and her mumblings ceased to be constructive, held dormant for the summer months, awakened by the fall and one hell of a band that was capable of startling me from slumber. It’s a girl group; it’s likely the first girl group that’s captivated me in quite ...
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The Broken Record Chicago: volume five
Live shows, that’s the word on the street. These live music venues are hosting real live bands and they want you to patron their establishments, imbibe, and enjoy some hand-picked sound. The list is below with venue links to follow. Those in bold type are shows I’d attend if given the opportunity and anytime you ...
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The Broken Record Chicago: volume four
A holiday weekend has come and gone. You’re left lonesome and vulnerable. It’s best you take a look at the shows around town in the days to come and curb your melancholy affliction of the soul. Shows in bold denote those I recommend and a list of venues follows in case you need more information. ...
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The Broken Record Chicago: volume three
Once more I’ve arranged some type to guide your weekly music endeavors. Highlighted items are shows I would recommend. Take a gander and choose freely. Venues are listed and linked following the article, an asterisk denotes an all ages event and band links will be added shortly for your perusing pleasure. Monday: Extraordinary Popular Delusions @ ...
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Scattered Trees: A telling romp through Chicago
Grief is an unusual bedfellow. It often manifests as a tear, a manic bought of heroin use or a sullen romp into the arms of an ex-lover. Nate Eiesland of Scattered Trees composes said feeling into brutally honest lyric, however. This lyric lends a familiarity… yet is wholly different from any form of grief I’ve ...
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Wax Poetic: Tom Waits presents Alice
I’m not certain if there is another compilation of tune that sounds better on vinyl. This album invokes romance, longing and sheer terror all at once and the warm skip of a needle adds to its charm. I acquired this record on a stormy night. It wasn’t just a drizzle, the drops were racing sideways ...
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The Lovely Feathers: kinetic songsters
Some years ago I picked up a CD from the sale bin at Reckless. That CD led to a fascination with an energetic band that wound up touring through. Their live set was among the best I’ve seen and the men that make-up the musical outfit were very kind and apt at taking the audience ...