Black Lips Lollapalooza – Playstation Stage Chicago, IL August 6, 2011

Formed in 2000 while they were all still teenagers the group caught the attention of Bomp! Records after a series of out-of-control shows led them to be banned from multiple Georgia venues. In an age where many rockers are choosing to play it safe the Black Lips have chosen the route of beautiful musical anarchy.

With a sound that is best described as 60s surf rock with a southern punk twist the band goes seems to go for broke in every song they play. With eight albums in the last decade they have no intention of letting up either.

Not simply willing to play only their well-known hits the band seemed to be choosing the songs they were playing on the spot. Listening to songs like “Don’t Mess My Baby” and “You Keep On Running” are fluid enough to be enjoyed by your father but subversive enough that your younger sister will ask for more.

As with many bands playing the fest being placed on the right stage is crucial. Bright Eyes pulled off playing a bigger stage but just barely. Big Audio Dynamite may have been more comfortable on a smaller stage despite their status as a long-running band headed by a punk rock legend. The Black Lips, playing on a medium sized stage, seemed to be bursting out every chance they could. Like Cage the Elephant last year the stage was simply not big enough to hold their music or the persona they brought with it.

In a festival with over 200 bands playing it is easy for many to fall through the cracks. The Black Lips are quickly making a name for themselves and it is safe to say anyone that hadn’t heard of the band before today is certainly going to seek them out now. Here’s hoping to see them again at Lollapalooza, the sooner the better.

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hotstuff Written by Guest on 2011-09-09 12:03:55

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