I love it when bands decide to rock. Is it a decision decided via pow-wow over peace pipe? Is it democratic, taken to a vote? Perhaps it is more transcendental than that, the guitar speaking to the hands through the amp or some other ghosts of rock and roll spiriting through the windy corridors of the city. These are all Chicago bands, so I have to think there must be some back room politics, palm greasing, and ubiquitous eye winking.
The Halamays were formally Katie & Pat. This incarnation sees them rocking harder and beefing up their multi-instrumental sound with more thumping rock drums and gushing synth rivers. The theme of the two songs on the Zombies EP is, well, surviving a zombie apocalypse. It frames the understated, direct lyrics of the band in a post-apocalyptic world, making their emotive verse playful and sometimes a little funny.
The Halamays - Zombies
Another Chicago band getting their feet wet in the making-waves pool. Sleek and richly tonal Chicago rock, I've got more on 'em here in my full review.
The Pear Traps - The Pear Traps EP
Guitarist Jay Ziegler unloads tasty licks galore in this bar filth 80's blues inspired party rock album to add a razor edge to Neil Turk's punk laments and gritty heartbreak ballads. Bassist Matt Cushing's torpedo rides and thick train rail lines glue these tracks to the back of your mind. Several songs feature School of Rock drummer Kevin Clark saddling the kit.
Top Shelf Lickers - Head First
Another great Chicago band who just rocked the Do Division fest which is reknowned for its hula hoop crazies and tattooed hotties stripping off sweaty layers near the free cigarette booth. This is the newest single from California Wives. For their EP review and tracks, there's more here.
California Wives - Tokyo
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