Live Review: Stabbing Westward - Chasing Ghosts 2024 Tour

4/30/2024

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

House of Blues Chicago
Friday - April 26, 2024

The band still lives, thank god.
They're as fierce and as committed as ever- that being Christopher Hall and Walter Flakus of Stabbing Westward.

So refreshing, so invigorating to see them performing live, and in their element of embracing high energy with solid songs in a live and intimate venue such as House of Blues Chicago.
It's like you have to take a deep breath of sorts- that the band is still intact, after some 35 or more or so years of some serious tumult, and rugged ups and downs of staying together, staying intact as a band.
'
I'm not in their shoes obviously, but from interviews, and knowing the guys somewhat over the years- you get a sense that they understand emphatically the amount of courageousness it takes to make attempts throughout to keep things going, let alone find that creative spark to continue to write solid songs, let alone perform.

And it's like the oddball potholes never let up, including their Facebook page, let alone other social media sites, which before entering, have this kind of disclaimer: "Are you sure you want to continue? This search may include content that's graphic or violent, which may be sensitive to some people".
All because the word "Stabbing" is in the name of the band. And it's not as if there's a hotline or a customer service to Facebook and other social media companies to explain your case direct- let alone if any knucklehead who came up with the disclaimer has investigated their website or social media home pages further to check what they're about, and realize that the statement upon entering said website or homepage is the dumbest thing known to man, or at least pretty close, when actually viewing the website or home page firsthand.

Now you have a brief idea of what Christopher and Walter are up against, compared to other bands of similar genre and feel.
The definition of oddball- stuff like that to comprehend and overcome.
However they certainly know how to rise above so to speak, and just get on with it.
And when performing live, with the additions of Bobby Amaro on drums, along with Cyamak Ashtiani on guitars- they have that spark, that chemistry to elevate things, with an 18 song set that delivers, no let up in sight.

An invigorating show, with amped up enthusiasm from the main floor brethren, with Christopher Hall delivering flawlessly throughout, and Walter getting his fair share of letting loose when the moment strikes, keyboards not stopping the limited feel of space- hit a solid note and notes, and move around accordingly stage wise.

A simple set up at the House of Blues, not much clutter, the four of them, with a white backdrop that had solid visuals to amp up the mood even more, followed by solid musicianship.
And their songs, their catalog to the present day-
A wide breadth of coolness, with nothing seeming dated whatsoever.
Gotta like that about a band like Stabbing Westward, who since 1985 have persevered, and have continued to deliver songs flawlessly, even while under attack from incompetent this, incompetent that.

Christopher and Walter- two guys who know a thing or two about like minded vision- like minded intuitiveness to see things through to the end, done their way.
Touring on the strength of their latest release, from 2022- "Chasing Ghosts"- and yet their setlist reflects a lot from their back catalog, with "Dead & Gone" being the only song from "Chasing Ghosts" performed live- no matter.

The song selections were bangers throughout, including an invigorating cover from The Cure in "Burn"- a song that has the inkling and understated firepower of expansion, done with propulsive firepower followed by heavy backbeat, and made even more dark than the original.
Their whole set had that same sort of feel, where the songs matter lots, that taking deep dives into overall mood and striking delivery should be equal in measure.
My opinion- the band deserves more and more.
They are still that good and solid as all get out.

Makes you want to stand up and take notice, to get the word out- no slights whatsoever.
My kinda show that leaves a memorable mark in your cranium.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

Stabbing Westward, Bobby Talamine, House of Blues, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Chicago, Live Music, House of Blues, Jerry Bryant

0 Comments

Live Review: Young Fathers

4/16/2024

0 Comments

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

The Vic Theatre Chicago - Thursday April 11, 2024

Finally, Young Fathers are in Chicago.
So looking forward to this show- for months on end.
And they don't disappoint, even on a weekday / workday night, at The Vic Theatre in Chicago.

What's cool from the start, is the amount of real estate they use on The Vic Theatre stage- which is minimal.

The setup for gear, main floor mics, drums, floor wedges- that's all in the absolute center, recessed back from the main lip of the stage by about seven feet.
Same with stage left and stage right- total dimensions of the main stage floor setup looked like maybe ten feet to twelve feet deep, twenty feet or so in width.
And they utilized that space comfortably virtually for the entire show.
Large stage, small setup, making things more concise, more tight.

This works on many levels, especially for such a unique band as Young Fathers.
And they've been around for awhile, honing their craft in all aspects of renegade hip hop thought, with crafty beats, subdued emphasis on percussion, along with a walloping drummer to provide the necessary fills when needed.

Touring on the strengths of their latest release "Heavy Heavy"- from back in early 2023, the Scottish trio of Alloysious Massaquoi, on Vocals and occasional floor tom percussion, along with Kayus Bankole, also vocal duties and some percussion, and lastly Graham "G" Hastings, with vocal, percussion and other instruments- the three of them being together as Young Fathers since technically 2008- have constantly redefined their sound, all the while upping the ante in communal hip hop, shared vocal, heavy backbeat electronica, with a solid tribal feel.

A lot to take in in regards to description, sure, but meaningful, nevertheless.
You can't pigeon hole them, nor in my belief do they wish to be- let alone having a multitude of social subjects to talk about, to shout out about.
"Heavy Heavy" in particular, the strengths of that record alone- hit hard and deep.
Performed live, even more so, especially with the unique and concise floor setup, with songs such as "Rice", "I Saw", and "Drum" in particular.

Especially for me throughout- the procedural and communal choruses, followed by shout out call and responses were just mesmerizing to witness live, stopping you in your tracks, and with a sonic punch that never wavered whatsoever.
Just so unique and raw, let alone the slow build from opener "Get Started", from "White Men Are Black Men Too"- in 2015, and then off to the races with "The Queen is Dead", and into "Get Up", which by all intent and purposes is a barnburner, with an oh so catchy buildup four to the floor beat.

And these first three on the set for tonight- not even from "Heavy Heavy".
Yes, their back catalog up to the present day equally up for the challenge, and still noteworthy and powerful.
Some seventeen songs total, ending with "Toy", all the while immersed in solid optimism, even for troubled times, and navigating though landmines which seem to be coming at you from everywhere.

Their blend of optimism, followed by deep rooted soul, added with raw emotions and a commitment to perform as if its your last day on earth...all of this leads up to the simplicity of the whole presentation, the layout of the band, that the songs matter, and the delivery thereof, with minimal lighting, mostly orange hues with the occasional white strobes- all of this is meant for the songs and delivery, not nauseating bells and whistles and flashy pizzazz.
The overall feel they present to you, just so damn heartfelt- they don't need all that extra bullshit whatsoever.

Suffice it to say- easily one of the best shows, one of the most anticipated shows of the year.
So cool that the delivery was from an intimate and awesome venue such as The Vic Theatre- where sound in an intimate listening room such as The Vic matters.
It matters lots, especially for a band as uniques and astounding as Young Fathers.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

Young Fathers, Heavy Heavy Tour 2024, JBTV Music Television Chicago, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine, Graham "G" Hastings, Kayus Bankhole, Alloysious Massaquoi

0 Comments

Live Review: Brittany Bindrim - Velella Velella Album Release Show with Panic Priest and DJ Jeff Moyer

4/11/2024

0 Comments

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

Sleeping Village Chicago - Sunday, April 7, 2024

A stunning showcase was presented this past Sunday at Chicago's Sleeping Village with Brittany Bindrim, celebrating "Velella Velella", an album release showcase, one of two, at Chicago's Sleeping Village.
The first showcase was held a couple nights before, up in Madison Wisconsin at the Crucible.

From all intent and purposes, a jumping off point of sorts, to celebrate this amazing new album by Brittany, with a sort of local homecoming, more intimate, more celebratory and most of all supportive.

Even for a Sunday night, a great turnout, and very enthusiastic, and like me, want to see Brittany succeed, and to see her perform live.
She has a solid history, with I:Scintilla- a post- industrial workhorse of a band dating back to 2003.

And as the band evolved and incorporated other musical styles, backed with solid touring throughout- all of this just established feet planted firmly on the ground, solid performing and commitment, and most of all confidence.

Refreshing to see Brittany stretch out on her own, and making headway into by the looks of things from Sunday night, a promising and solid solo career.

I'm sure there's plenty of challenges, not just in recording and actual songwriting, but also in artistic expression, and how to convey the new songs in such a way that what you see in your head, what you hear in your head, can be expressed in a way that captivates and holds an audience, let alone reaching out a bit and adding to the overall sound and aesthetic with some amazing musician friends.

Trust me- there's most likely more questions and answer than that.
But still- love that she made the push, love that she's making the attempt.

Certainly the first volley of singles and videos, prior to Velella Velella being released- starting with "Obelisk" back in early December of last year, followed by "Fever Dreams" mid January, and then "One Fixed Point" back in February- the lead up to the album release on March 8th was so worth it, each song uniquely different and captivating, showcasing Brittany's breadth of musical tastes and talents, let alone vocal range.

This encapsulates a wide and splendid musical path, one with many doors to open, and most of all succeeds, not making you feel impatient, and hear partial- just the opposite- take your time and truly listen, these songs are that strong- at least for me and my take on things.
And now for the hard part.

Since they're so intricate, these songs- the entire album- how to make this work performing live, and not make them feel somewhat dead in the water surrounded by backing tracks this, backing tracks that.
"Go live", they say.

Go live with a couple musician pals who certainly know how to back you up.
None other than Jim Cookas on guitar, and occasional programming.
And also Alex Klausner- a beast of a drummer, with impeccable timing.
These two guys- they certainly provided the "Oomph", to get these majestic songs over the top.

The setlist- some eleven songs in total, opening with "Obelisk" (which certainly set the mood), followed by "Cast", and then into "Fever Dream"- and by this time the cast has been set, the band full on, and the striking visuals in the background are on full display.
And before you know it, it was over in a flash.
Around an hour total, ending with "Volcano".

The beauty of it all (amongst many things)- there was no time to waste, nothing meandering, or going sideways.
A showcase of Brittany's many talents performing live, letting us into her personal world, filled with honest intent.

And Jack Armondo, and his project Panic Priest- have known Jack for years, and just love how passionate he is, even when performing solo, no band, just equipped with a mighty electric twelve string guitar, and programmed backing tracks, followed by a heavy ba boom baritone voice that makes you stand up and pay attention.
He's fearless in his approach, been this way for years.

Certainly Jack has command of a stage, large or small, has fun chatting with his audience, and asking kindly from the crowd for the occasional shot of tequila- which of course, a couple people comply.

Always interacting, Jack Armondo, and with showmanship that transcends, with songs that have punch, followed by some serious swagger.

And of course to have DJ Jeff Moyer open the festivities, with a solid playlist that fit the mood of the entire proceedings, making you say "Let's make this a party!"
Yeah- It was that kind of night- even on a Sunday night- a night you wished would never end.

Bobby Talamine- JBTV Music Television Chicago

Brittany Bindrim, Velella Velella, Jack Armondo, Panic Priest, Jeff Moyer, JBTV Music Television Chicago, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine

0 Comments

THE JBTV BLOG

Live Review: Stabbing Westward - Chasing Ghosts 2024 Tour

Stabbing Westward, Bobby Talamine, House of Blues, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Chicago, Live Music, House of Blues, Jerry Bryant

Live Review: Young Fathers

Young Fathers, Heavy Heavy Tour 2024, JBTV Music Television Chicago, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine, Graham "G" Hastings, Kayus Bankhole, Alloysious Massaquoi

Live Review: Brittany Bindrim - Velella Velella Album Release Show with Panic Priest and DJ Jeff Moyer

Brittany Bindrim, Velella Velella, Jack Armondo, Panic Priest, Jeff Moyer, JBTV Music Television Chicago, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine

Categories

Archives

BLOG STAFF

Bobby Talamine

FIZA JAVID

Erika Force