Minneapolis in Chicago: STNNNG at the Empty Bottle

Download: STNNNG - "Dubbed Warehousing"
Download:STNNNG - "My Golden Oldie"
Download:STNNNG - "...And Then It Was Vanished"
(all via STNNNG Webpage)

Here's what the Chicago Reader had to say about STNNNG:

Though this Minneapolis quintet covers territory familiar to fans of the Fall, Big Black, Jesus Lizard, and the smart, aggro posthardcore of the 90s—the underrated Dazzling Killmen are a good example from close to home—the predictable elements fall together and come apart in ways just unpredictable enough to keep pushing you back to the edge of your seat. Stnnng has released two gripping albums on Modern Radio in four years, but the real reason this band exists has got to be the live shows, where everything the records threaten to do to you gets done—repeatedly—in a sweaty sausagefest of stage abuse. I’m forced to agree, as the song title says, that “The Id Is a Dude.”

Here are the details for the show, taking place at one of my favorite places in the city:

STNNNG
Comedian Brett Erickson
Miracle Condition
Gay Baby
10 PM,
Empty Bottle,
1035 N. Western

Tickets are $8. The band will also back in Chi-town in October for a gig at the Beat Kitchen. So if you miss this one, fret not.

STNNNG MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)

Minneapolis in Chicago: Daughters of the Sun, Tonight at The Note

Download: Daughters of the Sun - "4am Astral Projector

Tonight at The Note:

The Black Hollies
Wolfden
Daughters of the Sun

$10. 21+. 9 p.m.


Daughters of the Sun MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)

Minneapolis in Chicago: The Alarmists at The Hideout

Download: The Alarmists - "Hired Gun"

The Hideout is widely regarded as being one of the best venues to see live music in Chicago. As a Chicagoan, I can tell you that the reputation is duly justified. Hopefully, MPLS bands that play in the Windy City will find that out for themselves by stopping by the venerable Chicago institution. Tonight, The Alarmists happen to be the group that will have the privilege of playing the intimate Wabansia ave. watering hole. The psychedelic alt-rock quintet will be opening for Judson Claiborne and Ezra Furman and the Harpoons at a 21+ show that will cost you $8 bucks. Be sure to get there at 8:30, as that is when the band goes on.

Oh, and if you have the time, stop by Stanley's if you need any fruits and vegetables of any kind. By far, one of Chicago's hidden (well, until now) treasures, and only about half-a-block west of The Hideout. Trust me on this, you'll love it.

(Jonathan Graef)

The Alarmists MySpace Page

*Full Disclosure: A writer for this blog has recently worked publicity for The Alarmists. Their mention in this blog is in no way due to favoritism, nor should be viewed as an endorsement, per se.

Minneapolis In Chicago: Dillenger Four, Birthday Suits Tonight At Beat Kitchen Saturday Night

Download: Dillinger Four - "Fuzzy Pink Hand-Cuffs"
Download: Birthday Suits - "Slowly Motion"

Our Chicagoland (sounds like an amusement park, no?) readers who are curious about Minneapolis punk may want to check out the bill tonight at Beat Kitchen, an excellent place in Chicago for food and music if there ever was one. Beloved Minneapolis pop-punkers Dillinger Four are stopping by the Lakeview live venue to play 2 shows. Ever the ones to be the populists, one an all-ages show starting at 5 p.m., and the other show is a 18+ show starting at 10 p.m.. Maybe if you're lucky, they'll play material from Civil War, the album that the Star-Trib reported as finally seeing the light of day in 2008.

That would make War the band's first release in six years. Hopefully, their fans will think that the album has been worth the wait. Joining them at the later show will be fellow Minneapolis punk duo Birthday Suits. The duo's last record was 2005's Cherry Blue. Hearing both the Suits and D4 in the same building will undoubtedly make your legs sore from all the pogoing. But at least you're ears will be ringing with the sound of two distinctive punk rock voices from the Twin Cities.

Buy tickets for both shows here.

Dillinger Four's MySpace Page
Birthday Suits' MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)