Chicago Show Preview - September 2006

MySpace Links:
The Clientele
The Dears
Serena Maneesh
Evangelicals
Asobi Seksu

Aug 30 – The Clientele @ Abbey Pub

The Clientele is the British indie pop band designed for a rainy day spent indoors. That doesn’t only mean in springtime, since their music also fits well with golden falling leaves. I only worry because their formula is so fragile due to its retrospective quality. They might transport the audience to a 1960’s mindset, or they might fall flat (like the Shins at Lollapalooza).

(Detroit equivalent – Magic Stick, 8/31/06)

Sept 7 – The Dears @ Schubas

Last summer I caught wind of The Dears, who were being labeled as the next indie band to watch. Unfortunately, the public didn’t embrace them as they deserved. They take after the sophisticated pop and crooning vocals of the Smiths. Front man Murray Lightburn credits himself for “directing” the album. They’ll be playing a handful of shows before departing for an extensive European tour. Also, their new album “Gang of Losers” releases in the US on 10/3/06.

Video: "Ticket to Immortality"

Sept 15 – Serena Maneesh and Evangelicals @ Logan Square

Serena Maneesh hasn’t yet earned their brownie points, even if their debut album is one of the best reviewed of the year. They emulate the kings of shoegaze in some amazing moments, but usually favor the unstructured noise of late 80’s groups like Sonic Youth. The lack of structure hurts them, especially towards the end of their album when not enough emotional peaks have occurred. With so much critical hype, a live show will either make or break their future.

Evangelicals are not religious. At least I can find no indication of that anywhere. They do sound like a wild cult of some kind churning out dizzying psychedelic indie rock. 2006’s So Gone is the type of album that defines an entire year, like the much discussed Destroyer’s Rubies. They give a sonic interpretation to living as a free spirit. Their songs are catchy and inventive, but they never take themselves too seriously. If you compare them to other Oklahoma natives the Flaming Lips, I might box your ears. Listen to “Diving” while sitting in the sun with your feet in the water, and you will be happy.

(Detroit equivalent – Magic Stick, 9/14/06. Also, Evangelicals will be in Grand Rapids, MI with Say Hi To Your Mom on 10/10/06)

Sept 22 – Asobi Seksu @ Schubas

Normally, I try to avoid topics that EVERY SINGLE MUSIC CRITIC covers when discussing a new band, but this time I can’t help myself. According to my sources, Asobi Seksu is Japanese for “playful sex.” I mention it because it’s so appropriate. Their neo-shoegaze is like a more playful take on the movement that was often depressed and longing for love. Vocals alternate between English and Japanese, providing an alien feeling reminiscent of Sigur Ros. They are not from Japan, however – they’re from Brooklyn. And if they can escape that fortress of hype, they might have a bright future ahead of them.

(Detroit equivalent – Lager House, 9/23/06)

Video: "Thursday"