Their live performance puts their album to shame, is one of the many distinct facts of The Frantic, who played an 18+ and over show on a Friday night at the Metro. The band that is known-to-be today’s version of the Ramones and local Alkaline Trio, have formed a following from the kids of punk rock lovers. These barely-legal enthusiasts of punk music gave an insight into their psyche Friday evening before their set, only to mention they ‘just wanna have fun.’
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The Frantic
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 Entertainment
Art
Metro
Chicago, Ill.
June 20, 2008
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Chicago locals, who admit they have ‘mixed company’ when it comes to Cubs vs. Sox, grew up in the burbs and mostly south side. The Frantic formed in high school and recorded their first album in November 2007, Audio and Murder before lead singer, Kyle Dee and guitarist Ian Farnesi, even graduated. Their first release “Audio and Murder” from their album, was streamed all over Q101 and made for a catchy hit, possibly something to look further into.
They also have been recognized as one of AP Magazine’s 100 Bands to Watch of 2008 and mentioned, “It is an amazing classification to be under.” Farnesi goes on to say, “I remember going to see bands just because they were listed. Paramore was on the list for 2007 and they blew up. So it’s a good thing to be known as.” But the boys of the Frantic said that it is not going to limit them. They have other awards they would like to receive “like GQ’s Sexiest Man Alive,” laughs Farnesi.
So was their live performance as good as the hype these youngins have received? Perchance, Yes. Prior to the start of their set, the Frantic pitched their latest cartoon to the audience, which they are hoping will be seen on Adult Swim in the near future. “We pitched to them, so people can say we made the band after the cartoon,” says Dee. “Or that we ‘sold out,’ laughed Farnesi. The cartoon actually wasn’t too bad; a short, comical five minute cartoon and perfect description of the boys in colorful form. A different but memorable approach to their entrance.
They started off with high energy, but different from ordinary bands, it wasn’t arrogant or in-your-face. The band members stayed pretty stationary for their set. Dee was the only one that was hopping around while Ian and his brother, bassist Chris Farnesi, as well as drummer Brett Hartwell seemed concentrated in their talents. They played many songs from their album like “Fast Girl,” “Hollywood Homicide” and “I Don’t Want to Be Alone.”
The old-school punk feel was definitely present, threw me for a loop and I thought of “Rock N’ Roll High School” from the Ramones, matching tight jeans included. Their lyrics were simple, fun and definitely playful. The Frantic never seemed to let up during their set, only when the band took a breather, while Dee played a simple strum to their somber “Movin’ Along,” a song about being on the road. They did finish up their set with an encore while they played “Audio and Murder.”
Their show at the Metro is not the only chance locals can catch The Frantic. They will be on tour for majority of the summer, rolling into fall. While living their lives on stage, you could catch them at events like the Q101 Great America Six Flags Adventure, the Milwaukee Summerfest, Taste of Chicago and of course, Van’s Warped Tour.
“Playing in Chicago is not like playing anywhere else,” says Farnesi. “The scene is different. It has a great sound and such opportunity.” But the boys of the Frantic have admitted that they do enjoy the opposite end of the states. “Texas is like a second home to us. Austin is the best to play at, but Texas in general is great,” says Dee and agreed Hartwell, while admitting that it might be because of those “southern girls.”
As for a new album from the guys? “We haven’t hit the studio yet,” says Dee, “but we have been working on some new songs. Our main priority right now is touring.” And touring, touring, touring they are.
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