Walking into the Metro always evokes a sense of nostalgia. Even if it is your first time at the venue, the weight of its influence in Chicago’s music scene is apparent. For every audience member with a vintage jean jacket and combat boots, there are an equal number of buttoned down shirts and slacks. On April 25, all types came out to experience a night of music.
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Here We Go Magic, The White Rabbits, Pet Lions
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The Metro
Chicago, IL
April 25, 2010 |
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The bill was packed with talent from the local band Pet Lions, Luke Temple’s former solo project Here We Go Magic and the highly energetic White Rabbits. Pet Lions were the first to grace the stage. Never having heard this band before, I was quite pleasantly surprised. Within minutes of their on stage arrival, the crowd was head-bobbing and toe-tapping to their infectious beats.
Performing songs from their current EP, Soft Right, Pet Lions easily won me over. With songs like “Roman Holiday” and “Propeller Plane”, I fell for lead vocalist Karl Ostby. His voice compliments the bands effortless blend of up-tempo drumbeats and melodic guitar licks. I did not know the words but that did not stop me from wanting to sing along. Originally from Chicago, the band felt right at home at the Metro. While lamenting about such hardships as their tour van breaking down and losing their practice space, Pet Lions still managed to inject happiness and vitality into their performance.
Next up was the highly anticipated Here We Go Magic. Led by front man Luke Temple, this psychedelic band brought to the crowd their bright vocals and free spirits. The band plays with tight rhythms and steely guitar lines. Temple’s existential lyrics seem to encompass the room while echoing deep into the stairwells and souls of the fans. The songs ranged from the upbeat “Collector”, to the body-swaying “Fangela.” Armed with everything from resonating keyboards to clapping solos, Here We Go Magic truly impressed me.
Their first release as a full band, “Pigeons,” is set for a release on June 13. This New York band came together through a series of coincidences. Considering how well they interact on stage, it was the best of coincidences. Backing vocalists Kristina Lieberson and Jennifer Turner highlight Temple’s airy vocals. The whole band appears to be the cogs and gears of a human metronome. The word that comes to mind while this band is playing is organic. The music was fresh and raw. Keeping the beat as much with their bodies as with their instruments, Here We Go Magic pulled you into their vortex of indie rock bliss.
The room was abuzz after Here We Go Magic lulled us into a musical stupor. As the White Rabbits leisurely strolled onto the stage, the crowd sprang to life once again. They played songs from their first album, Fort Nightly, and their 2009 release, It’s Frightening. Known for their focus on percussion and catchy rock songs, the band kicked the beat straight into the audience. Drummer Jamie Levinson backed the band with an expertly light hand. Rhythm drummer Matthew Clark helps Levinson bringing power and a tribal energy to every song. Each member plays an equal part in creating their infectious sound.
I love piano-infused rock. White Rabbits displayed what most bands seem to lack. They can feature an instrument and lend it to the background music. During their performance of “While We Go Dancing”, vocalist/pianist Stephen Patterson played a great piano line. Similarly with the instruments, Patterson and other lead vocalist Gregory Roberts traded and shared vocals. While Patterson’s voice has a harder edge and Roberts has more of an alternative voice, their harmonies are beautiful and full. Closing with their hit “Percussion Gun”, the bands energy never waned and I loved every second of their performance.
For the encore, White Rabbits came back on stage while members of Here We Go Magic slowly trickled on to join them. Grabbing any instrument available, the two bands began to play. An artistic combination of the jam band with indie rockers thrown in the mix, brought the show to its climax.
I left with a smile on my face and music resonating in my ears. All three bands deserve any attention that comes their way. Less than twenty dollars for over three hours of music is quite a deal. Hopefully people continue to come out to support great local bands like Pet Lions regardless of whether they are paired with seasoned professionals or not.
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