The Event (5/5):
Never have I been prouder to make Chicago my home. I think Mat Divine said it best when he said that nowhere else-- not in LA, Not in New York, only in Chicago could this have been pulled off.
I apologize in advance if this section becomes a bit unprofessional; I am extremely passionate about this event.
In case you haven’t been plugged into the Chicago music scene, or missed the news report, let me fill you in.
Madina Lake bassist, Matthew Leone, is home now after needing brain surgery due, because he did a heroic thing, and very nearly paid with his life.
According to his brother, Madina Lake frontman Nathan Leone, Matthew was walking to go meet a friend for a drink when he saw a man assaulting his wife. Matthew intervened, subdued the man called the cops, and the man beat him nearly to death. He suffered severe injuries and was left to die on the sidewalk. The woman left with her husband. (Article and follow up here, here, and here if you’re interested.)
Being a young musician, Matthew had no insurance and barely any money.
So Chicago, being the kind of city it is, stepped up. Many Musicians from Chicago came home to perform at the benefit shows. Not only did musicians donate their time, but also the Hard Rock Hotel and several other organizations donated both space and equipment. . Literally every penny went to Leone via Sweet Relief. Filter even came down and played a few songs when they found out about the show.
If this had happened in LA, he’d be dead. I’m unbelievably proud of all of the bands involved. And deeply honored to be a part of it.
Now, on to the show.
The Venue (3/5)( Hard Rock Hotel):
Honestly, like much of the Hard Rock franchise, it was glossy and pretentious, without real backing for it. The equipment was quality but the sound balance was terrible. Vocals were excessively quiet and the lead guitar was so loud I lost hearing in one ear part way through the show. Before the band I actually came for. It was upsetting.
The Crowd (3/5):
It was the typical Kill Hannah crowd in all honesty. I’ve noticed that the Kill Hannah audience does not have the same energy that the band they follow does. I love the fan community, I do, but I’ve seen how much they look up to these people-- they should act like it. You’re at a rock show for peat’s sake, not watching TV. Give back what is being thrown to you.
When filter made their surprise appearance, the crowd lit up like new years in time square and I think it primed them fro Kill Hannah. Which really turned up the energy of the overall show, but sit was still not the kind of energy I would expect.
The show itself:
Makeshift Prodigy (3/5)
This band has improved since the last time I reviewed them. I feel I owe my readers a bit of an apology, I was nervous when I wrote the original review as one of the people who work with them was going to be reading it, so I erred on the side of being nice.
These people are good, no question, but honestly they need more grab. They are great to listen to but there is nothing keeping me interested. They are one of those bands that I don’t actively listen to, but every time I hear one of their songs when my mp3 player is on shuffle I think, “wow, who are these guys?” and love it. But something isn’t quite making me actively seek them out. I can’t quite put my finger on what exactly it is.
Part of it is they need to hone the coordination of their instrumentation and work on balancing the parts. Also front man, Anthony Banagara needs to articulate his words more clearly. He has a lovely voice, but it’s hard to understand the lyrics live.
I can tell you what they aren’t missing though: Energy and presence. These people are constantly in motion; Bangara is simply off the hook, literally doing back flips off the piano. All of them are in constant motion. You can’t help but watch.
Local H (4/5)
As a warning due to the above mentioned speaker issues I actually lost my hearing in one ear half way through their set so my review is little truncated.
What a pleasant surprise! I had only heard of “Local H” in passing, maybe seen them on a few lineups, but never really listened to them. For a starter, front man guitarist and bassist Scott Lucas’ voice has slight gravel to live that doesn’t exist recorded. It’s sexy. Lucas is of a slight build, so it’s quite a surprise to hear the voice of a seasoned gunslinger come out of his mouth.
Despite having seen just him and his guitar for most of the show, he had a strong presence and fantastic energy. He is playing was often dramatic, and very well done. I was intrigued to learn that on the albums he plays everything but the drums, an impressive feat indeed. Lucas’ lyrics grab the listener’s attention forcefully especially in the song “Hands on the Bible.”
Extent, catching, energy.
Kill Hannah (4/5): I adore these people; even half deaf they were a treat to see. Mat Devine has wonderful energy and presence with a band that is full of talented members, flawless coordination and with songs that are steeped in passion, jadedness, and hope all at once. I’ve previously gushed at great length about how dear Kill Hannah’s music is to me.
Mat also knows how to work a crowd, and his fans are devoted enough to know exactly how to respond. The result is an intimate give and take with wonderful, touching moments.
The band itself is also in constant motion, however it all happens so smoothly that its hardly noticeable until one of them is standing in front of you.
They are wonderful performers, very talented artists, and very kind to their fans.
I Have to add something here, I feel their tour guitarist, Michael Maddox, is a wonderful performer, and has a very good rapport with the fans. I would love to see him take the place of former guitarist Johnny Ratdke as a permanent member.
Great show, average venue to be honest. Truly wonderful cause.
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