This past Wednesday night, Chicago artists V.V. Lightbody and Ohmme delivered a beautiful performance to a packed room at Rockwell on the River.
Check out photos of the evening below, and make sure to snag tickets to Ohmme’s August 26th show at Thalia Hall here and V.V. Lightbody’s record renewal show here.
Who: Caroline Polachek, Born Days, Desert Liminal
What: TNK kicks off at Lincoln Hall with a show that will be sure to have the crowd dancing. Headlining the evening of electro-pop is Caroline Polachek (formerly of Chairlift), known for her knack of crafting unforgettable hooks. On her 2019 album Pang, Polachek weaves her catchy melodies around diverse electronic soundscapes that stand out as individual chapters, but still manager to flow together. If Polachek’s live shows are even half as energetic as her performances with Chairlift, be prepared to be captivated by her stage presence. Also, true to the TNK fashion of showcasing local talent in Chicago, local artists Born Days and Desert Liminal will be opening up the evening.
When: Wednesday, January 15th
Where: Lincoln Hall
Tickets to this show are sold out, but you can get TNK Five Day passes here.
Who: Goth Babe, Slow Pulp and Jude Shuma
What: All three bands on this line up create whimsical tunes that’ll fuel day dreams or make the perfect sunny day soundtrack. The evening’s headliner Griff Washburn, AKA Goth Babe, lives a nomadic lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest, so it’s only fitting his songs feel like snap shots of different adventures. Chicago’s own Slow Pulp and Jude Shuma perfectly complement Goth Babe’s sound with their dreamy, psychedelic tinged songs that’ll have you grooving along.
When: Thursday, January 16th
Where: Lincoln Hall
Get tickets here.
Who: Stella Donnelly, V.V. Lightbody, and The Ophelias
What: Stella Donnelly put on one of my favorite shows in 2019 at Lincoln Hall’s sister venue, Schubas. As a songwriter, Donnelly fearlessly writes lyrics that’ll hit you right in the gut, but they’re wrapped around melodies that are damn catchy. Her stage presence is just as infectious thanks to Donnelly’s positive energy and witty banter that’ll have you laughing between songs. Alongside Cincinnati rock band The Ophelias, Chicago’s V.V. Lightbody will warm up the show with her silky vocals and captivating performance.
When: Friday, January 17th
Where: Lincoln Hall
Get tickets here.
Who: Hand Habits, Fran, Garcia Peoples, Fauvely
What: Hand Habits, the brainchild of musician and songwriter Meg Duffy, also made for one of my favorite 2019 shows, and I can’t wait to kick off 2020 with them again. On 2019’s placeholder, Duffy spills out vulnerable tales that encompass listeners with doubled vocals and warm guitar tones. Like most of the shows in our top picks, there’s no shortage of Chicago talent that complements the evening’s headliner perfectly, and Fran and Fauvely do just that on this line up. New Jersey’s Garcia Peoples round out the evening with their trippy style that pulls influence from classic psychedelic rock bands.
When: Saturday, January 18th
Where: Schubas Tavern
Get tickets here.
Who: Deeper, Corridor, and The Hecks
What: TNK Fest wraps up at Lincoln Hall with a stacked bill that highlights three bands that put a refreshing twist on post-punk and new wave influences. Deeper’s 2018 self-titled debut was one of my favorite local releases in recent years, and if their latest singles “Bennington” and “Run” act as any indication of what their sound will continue to develop into, it’s safe to say their next record will also come in at the top. Montreal’s Corridor packs punchy guitars and nostalgia-evoking tones that pair perfectly with both Chicago bands on the bill. Lastly, The Hecks will be sure to get the energy ramped up and get the crowd moving with their synth-soaked melodies.
When: Sunday, January 19th
Where: Lincoln Hall
Get tickets here.
Just before I stepped through the double doors at Schubas’ entrance, the alluring sound of laughter and good tunes hit me and plastered a smile on my face. I must have looked a little too excited based on the way the bouncer couldn’t help but grin and chuckle at me as I walked in. This didn’t come as any shock to me, as this is a typical occurrence when attending an ANCHR event. Some might envision their ideal birthday party to have a photo wall, a tiered cake, and champagne. ANCHR Magazine crept its way into my birthday party dreams and had a bill packed with rocking bands, plenty of PBR to go around, and funky party hats for all. After two years, ANCHR Magazine has become a cornerstone in the Chicago music scene and that wouldn’t at all be possible without the dedication from our readers and the community of friends in the city. It is an honor and a privilege to exist and contribute to said community. With that being said, a celebration to match the love and excitement that this past year has given to ANCHR was imperative to continuing this wave of prosperity and good times. Plus, who doesn't love a party celebrating music?
I was elated to see friends from all across the Chicago music scene there to celebrate ANCHR. As we all cheered and made our way towards the stage, OHMME’s DJ set had the arduous task of setting the scene for the evening. Don’t fret, they were more than capable and filled the room with bops that had everyone moving before the bands even began. Schubas completely sold out music hall coupled with the dance worthy tracks filled the room with what I like to call a cozy concert temperature. (Let’s just say my denim jacket didn’t stay on for long and we all got nice and comfortable with each other for a night filled to the brim with live music.)
As the lights dimmed and the first act, Ruins, came onstage you could feel that pre-concert electricity buzzing throughout the room, through the floor, and right up into your toes; tapping with anticipation. Adam Schubert of Ruins began a solo performance that would match the energy of all the other bands playing. Schubert’s vocal and guitar skills engulfed the room in a magical musical sheen the same way a full band would. His melodious tunes had Schubas entire hall swaying to and fro as he sang. Cheers to Ruins for starting the night off with groovy tunes that would set the momentum for the rest of the evening.
As the next band, Cold Beaches, took the stage, I was completely hypnotized by some badass style before the music even began. The diversity that existed onstage between all the band members resulted in the most captivating hodgepodge group of musicians I have ever seen. From Adidas sneakers to glitter loafers, I was already invested in Cold Beaches even before any note was played. Cold Beaches possesses an infectious, inherent energy in their records but also in the performance of their music. I can’t play a lick of base or drums, but I wish I did just to be able to share the stage with Cold Beaches, maybe even take a little seat and continue to shred with lead singer and guitarist Sophia Nadia. When the lights came up on their set too early, Cold Beaches members waved their hands in the air calling out, “Wait, we aren’t done yet! There is more!” If there was a catchphrase for the evening, this would be it. Cold Beaches unintentionally set a major mood for another year of ANCHR Magazine. From their most recent releases to a birthday serenade, Cold Beaches swaddled ANCHR in some groovy birthday love.
V.V. Lightbody was next and to say she graced us with her presence is an understatement. I felt like a magical mermaid was serenading me and luring me into her lair, and I think I can vouch for all of Schubas when I say, I would have followed her voice anywhere. Before playing, V.V. Lightbody made it clear that live music was happening and conversation should not. “That’s what a bar is for,” she addressed the crowd. This might have been one of my favorite moments of the evening. Nothing hurts my heart more than when a band plays my favorite song that I am excited to see performed live, but it keeps getting interrupted by the group of people next to me near screaming about the tacos they had for dinner. V.V. Lightbody requested and the audience listened, and they obliged. If I ever had to create a chill cocktail lounge playlist, it would be jam packed with some V.V. Lightbody. With collaborative efforts from other Chicago musicians, including Macie Stewart and Sima Cunningham of OHMME, the hall was filled with enchanting siren tunes, and some major flute action. Yes, there were flutes. (And yes... It was awesome.)
Slow Pulp closed out this birthday party with songs that are still running through my mind. Sometimes when a band comes on stage and gets all set up, I get this feeling in my stomach like, “Yea…they’re gonna be good.” This feeling goes double for Slow Pulp…the band just completely owned the stage. There was this ease about their stage presence that completely supported their dreamy, psychedelic music style and drew me in even closer. Despite the fact that they only moved to Chicago recently, Slow Pulp looked completely at home on the Schubas stage that night. They had a sense of familiarity that seeped its way into the audience and is pretty rare to come by. Every audience member in attendance no matter how different their taste in music from the next person was, could enjoy Slow Pulp. In Schubas’ sold out music room, the show felt intimate. Lead singer Emily Massey has vocals that are smooth like butter, and her silky vocals paired with some attitude made it nearly impossible to not sway along to her melodies. Their lively tracks from Spotify became even more animated on stage, making for a truly mesmerizing performance.
Just like that, ANCHR's second birthday party came to a close. Thank you to all the bands and audience members in attendance! Without this unwavering support, ANCHR would be adrift; lost at sea somewhere. We may ground you with tunes, but your support is the ultimate foothold for success and prosperity. As I made my way out of Schubas on Friday night, the bouncer chuckled at me again. I don’t think he realized my giddiness could be heightened, but after this birthday throw-down, how could you not? Cheers to another year for ANCHR and cheers to all of you.
