Filed under: Concert Reviews.
On October 16th, 2009, I attended a concert and a venue that I’ve never been to before. A friend and I headed out to Poplar Grove, IL [about 80 miles outside of Chicago] to Chubby Rain [www.chubbyrainhouseoftunes.com]. Before I go into the details of the show, I just want to touch upon how amazing this venue is. It’s small, intimate, and clean. The walls are covered with gig posters and signed band tees. They have a section with chairs and bar stools to order food and enjoy a few drinks before the show. The atmosphere is dismal and relaxed, but enjoyable. Probably one of the best venues I’ve ever been to.
The crowd gathered, and eventhough this wasn’t a sold-out show-the fans were ready for a good time. INEPT [www.myspace.com/ineptband] opened the show, they are a local band from Plainfield, IL that I’ve followed for a few years now and they have always been a crowd pleaser and they have been amazing live. Sadly, they only have a few shows left because they are going onto other things. Check out their MySpace, if you like what you hear then be sure to check out one of the few shows that they have left before they are done for good. They have a final concert in December at the Beat Kitchen.
After their set, the members of Bayside cleared their throats and hopped on stage. They opened the set with “The Walking Wounded,” one of the band’s most recognized songs in their ever-growing catalogue.
Anthony Raneri’s voice sounded outstanding live. It was exactly how he sounds on the studio releases.
Regardless of appearing to be slightly intoxicated, Jack O’shea’s lead guitar work was flawless. He was throwing around his guitar charismatically without missing a single chord. The definite highlight of the set (and even the night) was when they played their song “They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns.” The crowd got really into the song, and it happens to be a personal favorite of mine.
Bayside closed the set with the brillant and popular “Devotion and Desire.” The only flaw in the set was that it was too short, and I was left with wanting to hear more, eventhough they did come back for a double encore.
But, this concert has been the best concert I’ve seen in a long time, so I felt the urge to blog about it. I’ve missed bands that are raw and just use real rock instruments to project their sound. It seems like now everyone else is hiding behind synthesizers, but it’s good to know that Bayside is a band that is still real.
On Friday, November 6th, 2009, they are playing with a Chicago band called The Bouncing Souls at the Metro. The show isn’t sold out yet and it should be a great time. If you’re interested in their sound, come and enjoy the show!!
“They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns”
I was able to record the high light of the night on my digital camera. I apologize in advance for the camera movements. Enjoy Bayside doing what they do best.
Megan
A mellowed Anthony Raneri covering “Megan” by The Smoking Popes.
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