Archives:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Greg of The Bouncing Souls by Katie Hovland
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds
Photo by Katie Hovland
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds unveiled their debut full-length a short time ago, entitled I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever. It marks Brendan’s latest musical project and sounds distinctly different from his primary band, The Lawrence Arms. We spoke with Mr. Kelly about the album’s unique style, what inspired some of its lyrics, the manner in which it was recorded and more. Pictured above with Brendan is Nick Martin, who played a variety of instruments on the album. Continue Reading…
The Lawrence Arms, Congress
Photos by Katie Hovland
Brendan Kelly & Joe McMahon – Wasted Potential Split
Red Scare - Release Date: 3/16/10
Punk rock front-men vacationing from their bands and taking the solo, folk/acoustic route is all the rage these days. In many ways, it’s not unlike the ska/punk craze of the mid-‘90s in that everybody’s doing it, there’s not a lot of originality and its lifespan is destine to be brief. However, just like quality ska/punk, when the punk singer/songwriter thing is done well it’s damn good. Such is the case on this split record, entitled Wasted Potential. Sharing the limelight on this release are Lawrence Arms singer/bassist Brendan Kelly and Smoke or Fire singer/guitarist Joe McMahon. Brendan’s songs are up first and they primarily consist of stripped-down, lo-fi versions Lawrence Arms classis, such as “Like a Record Player” and “Quincentuple Your Money”. He also covers what is arguably Jawbreaker’s best song, “Kiss the Bottle”, providing more of a somber mood than the original and doing so with ample success. His half was recorded by Justin Yates, with the intent of achieving a raw and uncut kind of feel, which serves to magnify the true heart and guts of each song. It’s a unique and effective approach, and quite representative of what a lot of Brendan’s recent solo shows have been like. Joe’s contributions though are slightly more produced and offer a bit more passion and gruffness in the vocal department. Highlights included renditions of Smoke or Fire hits like “Filter” and “Little Bohemia”, yet the real gem is “What Separates Us All”. It decries America’s widening economic divide with heart-wrenching authenticity and surefire hooks. Fans of either The Lawrence Arms or Smoke or Fire should try this out to gain a new and appealing perspective on songs they’ve grown to love from the aforementioned bands. Followers of the folk/punk movement ought to sample it as well, because it’s one of the best examples of this hip and fashionable format.
Matt Allison, Atlas Studios
Photo by Katie Hovland
Growing up in a musical family from Rockford, Illinois, Matt Allison began his path to becoming a producer while playing guitar and bass in various high school bands. He later moved to Champaign, Illinois to pursue an English degree, yet his passion for music remained. Allison continued playing in bands, but also took interest in recording demo tapes for his and his friends’ bands alike. “I kind of realized you could really exercise a lot of whatever creative urges you had via recording music, while at the same time making a much better living than you possibly would as a musician,” he said. “In some ways it was like hedging a bet, career-wise, but on the other hand I never have been interested in being a touring musician. Working in a studio is something I really enjoy doing.” Allison and a friend eventually constructed a small studio in the attic of the home where they were living, though it soon became apparent that Champaign was simply overcrowded with studios and under-populated by bands. This revelation is what ultimately led Allison to migrate to Chicago. Continue Reading…
Riot Fest, 2010
The Lawrence Arms
Photo of Brendan Kelly by Katie Hovland
The toast of Chicago punk rock, The Lawrence Arms, recently celebrated their tenth anniversary. They of course did so in style, by playing a commemorative concert at Chicago’s storied Cabaret Metro and releasing their first seven-inch. Singer/bassist Brendan Kelly graciously agreed to an interview in late December of ’09 and freely dished on a great deal of the band’s decade-long history. Everything from record label dealings to tour stories to the future of the band and more was discussed. Continue Reading…
-
Flickr Photos
