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DS Photo Gallery & Show Review: Aweful / Alternative Radio / The Side-Bets (Liar’s Club – Chicago, IL 1/21/2023

There were good times to be had at Liar’s Club in Chicago on Saturday January 21st. Tracie Trouble of Aweful put together a fantastic lineup for the night: a trio of power trios! Three bands with three members each. Let’s dig in! It’s a bit of a surprise I haven’t seen the SIde-Bets before. Local […]

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1 year ago

February 9, 2023

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It’s a bit of a surprise I haven’t seen the SIde-Bets before. Local to my Chicago scene, they’re self-described as loud, rowdy, and minimal garage rock, and my description of them would be no different. These boys started the night off right. Dougie Ramone laid out some catchy bass lines that meshed great with Joe’s tight and punchy drum beats. Brendan topped off their sonic footprint with a great driving, crunch guitar sound and grungy solos. Led by Dougie’s snarling vocals, what more could you ask for? If that sounds like your bag, check them out immediately. Side-note for the Side-Bets, they were the only band where none of the members fell down, or laid down on stage for the night.

Alternative Radio filled out the middle of the evening’s entertainment. Hailing from Milwaukee, this was their first time playing in Chicago. If I had to describe them I’d say mix a fair amount of 70’s rock ‘n roll with some 80’s punk edge. The first thing that went in my notes about them was their drummer performing lead vocals on all the songs; you don’t see that every day. The second were his stylish red leather pants. Yes. This dude played drums in tight leather pants. I can’t imagine how sweaty and uncomfortable that must have been but it didn’t slow him down at all. Their bass player had some very fashionable shoes on that may have been his downfall, literally, as he tripped over a cable and fell on his ass. To his accord, he didn’t miss a beat. He did start a trend though, as it wasn’t long before their guitar player was down on the stage too, kicking his feet in the air while rocking his guitar parts. Alternative Radio put on a damn good show, give Milwaukee some love.

Aweful ranks way high amongst my favorite currently-active Chicago bands. I’ve seen and photographed them numerous times before, and boy howdy was I excited to do it again. They just keep getting better and every new song is better than the last, it’s been awesome following them. They came out of the gate strong with a newer song, “Bubbles.” Rocking hard, it had everything I’ve come to love and expect from Aweful. The stage was full of energy and movement as the girls romped around with a whole lot of head-banging and hair flips. I’m a big fan of Tracie’s thick-ass bass tone. It filled the whole room with her earworm bass melodies, sure to be stuck in your head. And when she kicks on the distortion it absolutely crushes. I never cease to be impressed with Izzy’s phenomenal drumming, he makes a very minimal drum set sound like a much larger kit! After the show I was talking to him about his excellent drumming facial expressions and he let me in on the secret. It’s all a reaction to, or an effort to prevent, the stinging of sweat in his eyes. Drummers take note for your own photo charisma. Lucy’s power chords and guitar licks tore up her signature sparkly leopard print SG. Her distinct phaser effect always brings a great atmosphere to the set. The interplay between Tracie’s dark vocals with Lucy’s backup singing brought great dimension, making the songs even more memorable. At the culmination of their closing song, Time, Tracie and Lucy followed the trend started by Alternative Radio, rocking out laying down on the stage floor. I have to say, besides being awesome musicians the whole band is so friendly and welcoming. I really love them And you should show them some love at all of their shows.