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Live Recap: Magdalena Bay and Cecile Believe at Lincoln Hall

February 26, 2022 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Thursday night, LA pop duo Magdalena Bay headlined their first ever Chicago show to a sold out crowd at Lincoln Hall, in honor of their debut album Mercurial World.

Cecile Believe warmed up the packed house with her electropop tunes that perfectly complemented the musical styling of Magdalena Bay. Cecile performed her set with a backing DJ and minimal other gear, but she awed the crowd with a magnetic performance and interpretive dance moves that accentuated her songs. Many of the audience members enthusiastically soaked up her songs, particularly the fan favorite “Bitch Bites Dogs.” If you’re a fan of Caroline Polachek and FKA Twigs, you should definitely check out Cecile Believe.

Eager energy pent up throughout the venue during Cecile’s set, and the release of that euphoric energy was palpable when Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin of Magdalena Bay hit the stage to perform their set. The show began with a Y2K-era style graphic appearing on the background screen and a robotic narration to introduce the band, which essentially felt like the band’s website for Mercurial World had been brought to life.

The set began with the introductory track from the album ironically entitled “The End,” which features Tenenbaum’s philosophical musings. From there, the duo quickly launched into the record’s title track and played out the setlist in the precise order of the album’s tracklist. Magdalena Bay’s mesmerizing stage presence and immersive stage props gave their show an air of a blast from the past— Tenenbaum’s microphone headset gave me flashbacks to those Britney Spears used in the 90’s and early aughts. That tinge of nostalgia added to the sense of escapism that Magdalena Bay was providing to their fans, who were all dancing and screaming along to the lyrics.

When the time came for the last song of the record called “The Beginning” (again—ironic), the robotic narrator returned to instruct the audience to cheer for an encore. Tenenbaum and Lewin obliged and returned to perform some of their earlier material, like the singles “Killshot'“ and “Good Intentions.” The show ended with the entire room jumping up and down on Tenenbaum’s command.

If you missed out on the show, check out our photo recap below, and see where you can catch Magdalena Bay next here.

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categories / Gigs, Reviews, Photos
tags / Magdalena Bay, Cecile Believe, Lincoln Hall, Live Review, Live Recap, Photo Set, Concert Photography

Live Recap: CHAI with Su Lee at Lincoln Hall

February 08, 2022 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Friday night, Chicagoans braved the cold and snowy conditions to overflow the room at Lincoln Hall for CHAI and Su Lee. The sold out show acted as the inaugural date for CHAI’s current North American tour.

South Korea’s Su Lee kicked off the evening with a set that combined comedy with her quirky bedroom pop music. As it turns out, the Lincoln Hall show was actually Lee’s first live performance, but she easily endeared herself to the audience with her funny between-song banter and relatable song topics. Her stage set up was minimal with just a microphone, a keyboard and her laptop but her presence captivated the audience and her songs—including the vial “I'll Just Dance”— had the crowd dancing along. Lee’s set included a cover of “Cocoa Butter Kisses” by Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper and the iconic “Take On Me” by a-ha. The crowd ended up loving Su Lee so much that they chanted for an encore.

After a brief stage changeover, the time came for CHAI to hit the stage, marking their return to Chicago for the first time in over two years. Every time I’ve seen CHAI perform in the past, they always deliver an incredible element of theatrics and production, but this was the first time I’d seen them perform as headliners—which only elevated their levels of theatrics. The band members Mana, Kana, Yuuki and Yuna entered the stage decked out in matching silver capes and performed a choreographed opening dance number before launching into their single “No More Cake.” The choreography and coordination continued throughout the show as the four members of CHAI used dance movements to accentuate their music. As the group performed a mix of songs from their 2021 album Wink and earlier releases, they rotated to different instruments and places on the stage, showcasing the multiple hats that every member of CHAI wears.

Just before CHAI left the stage for an encore, they welcomed special guest Ric Wilson to sing their collaboration track “Maybe Chocolate Chips,” giving the Chicago audience a unique performance the rest of the tour won’t experience. As with any past CHAI show I’ve attended, I left the show feeling the pure jubilation that the band conjures with their bubbly spirits and effervescent tunes.

If you missed out on tickets to the show, check out the photo recap of the evening below, and see where you can catch CHAI on tour next here.

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categories / Photos, Reviews, Gigs
tags / CHAI, Su Lee, Photo Gallery, Lincoln Hall, Photo recap, Concert Photography, Live Review, Live Recap

Live Recap: The Wombats with Clubhouse at Park West

February 05, 2022 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Thursday night, The Wombats returned to Chicago on their US tour and proved that while everything may be going wrong in the world, we can still be so happy.

Despite the evening being frigid and snowy, as is typical February-in-Chicago weather, and Covid surges still going strong, fans relentlessly flocked to Park West to attend The Wombats’ tour in honor of their fifth studio album Fix Yourself, Not The World. The night began with a set from Columbus’ Clubhouse, who warmed up the crowd with their fun-spirited tunes and friendly demeanor. The band performed songs from their 2021 album Are We Going Too Slow? as well as a rendition of MGMT’s hit “Electric Feel.”

The friendly tone from Clubhouse’s set lingered after they left the stage, as the audience chatted to fellow fans about their favorite track from Fix Yourself, Not the World and recollected on past experiences at Wombats’ shows. I personally ended the night we a few new concert buddies, and couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to be standing next to. By the time Matthew “Murph” Murphy, Tord Øverland Knudsen, Dan Haggis took the stage, it no longer felt like standing in a room full of virtual strangers because the mutual admiration for The Wombats’ music created such a connected atmosphere.

The music kicked off with the single “Flip Me Upside Down” from the new album, and from the second the song began, the problems of the outside world faded away for roughly 90 minutes as The Wombats produced a euphoric escape. The three members of The Wombats met and began making music in Liverpool, and while life has since taken them to different home locations across the globe, they managed to record the new record remotely thanks to the help of Zoom. Despite the distance they’ve faced in recent years, the bond between the trio remained as strong as ever during their live performance as they played with a sense of camaraderie that can only come from their many years of making music together.

The remainder of the set list incorporated a lot of the new material like “Wildfire,” “Method To The Madness,” and “If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You”—the latter of which Murph joked that his wife had told him in a “creepy yet endearing” way back when they were dating—however, fans were not deprived of the chance to revisit some of their older favorites from the band’s earlier days. The Wombats sprinkled in bits of each of their past albums, going all the way back to 2007’s A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation. Throughout all these years, I’ve always admired Murph’s pensive and witty lyrics that are surrounded by intricate melodies and production, but hearing these songs in a live context only elevates that magic. Familiar crowd favorites of the evening included “Techno Fan,” “Kill The Director,” “Let’s Dance To Joy Division” and “Turn” but there truly wasn’t a moment when the audience wasn’t echoing the words back to the band and dancing along. A flip was switched from the second the opening note rang out, and the lighthearted energy remained intact even after The Wombats left the stage.

If The Wombats are coming to a city near you, don’t deprive yourself of a similar experience, and be sure to snag your tickets here. Check out photos of the evening and tune into the new album below.

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categories / Photos, Reviews, Music, Gigs
tags / The Wombats, Clubhouse, Live Show, Live Recap, Review, Park West, Chicago, Live Music, Photo Gallery, Photography, Photo Set

Live Recap: Beabadoobee with Christian Leave and BlackstarKids

December 16, 2021 / Sarah Wilson

One of my favorite things is hitting a show and finding that there really is no “headliner” and that all the bands on the roster are freaking fantastic in their own right. That’s what happened at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE last Saturday night.

First in line was Blackstarkids who, I admit, I was not prepared for and maybe that helped to make their brand of crunchy, punk-rock guitar and beats so damn amazing. Or maybe they just are amazing. Let’s go with that. Their entire 30 minute set was full of energy and movement. It was the last night of the tour and they clearly weren’t going to pack up and go home early. They’ve just released a new album this fall, Puppies Forever, and it begs to be checked out.

Next up was another pop team with a nice dash of noise, sweetness and punk rock, courtesy of Christian Leave. Another act that was so much more than I was anticipating. The group had great energy and fantastic tunes that make you want to dance or maybe just lose your mind. The music feels clever, witty and above all, catchy and fresh. Christian and the band really set it up for the headliner.

Beabadoobee. What can you say? Her understated look and demeanor belie the depths of the lyrics she writes and sounds she crafts to compose her music catalog. She, and her amazing band, just hammered the audience with sound and emotion. From her anthem “Care” to the crunch of “Back to Mars” to the sweet soft of “Cologne,” the show was just incredible. I left wanting another 30 minutes or so!

These three great bands provided very different takes on similar musical styles with acute differences. Overall, it was a great night of bands you know are going to be good going in, but are just thrilled to find they’re that good.

Check out photos from the evening below, and keep up with beabadoobee here.

All words and photos by Sarah Wilson

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categories / Reviews, Photos, Gigs
tags / Beabadoobee, Christian Leave, BlackstarKids, Stage AE, Concert Photography, Concerts, Live Recap, Live Review, Photo Gallery, Photo Set

Live Recap: COIN and Mazie at the Roxian Theatre

December 14, 2021 / Sarah Wilson

ANCHR ventured out to the Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh to catch COIN’s Rainbow Dreamland tour with opener Mazie. The show was so high energy and so much fun that the floor of the Roxian was literally bouncing. Between the great music, huge energy and a packed house, Sunday in Pittsburgh took on a distinctly Saturday night vibe.

Starting with Mazie, who I can only describe as what would happen if Disney created a pop-punk princess, but in the best way! Her set, backed by two monitors playing the original animated Alice in Wonderland (which may be what triggered the Disney princess comparison?) behind her as she consistently danced, twirled and bounced on the stage. She literally danced right out of her shoes! Music that starts sweet, goes raw and back to pop princess again. Even Mazie was out of breath at times, as was the crowd who were immediately brought up in the raw energy and excitement of her set.

But that was just the start. Mazie certainly set the vibe, but it was up to COIN to keep it going…and they did. The Rainbow Dreamland tour started strong in Pittsburgh with “Into My Arms.” Front man Chase Lawrence sounded fantastic and got the crowd going, dancing, running and singing, taking up every inch of the stage that he could with an almost larger than life presence. From the flashing lights to the infectious dance beats, the show never slowed down. A strong set list ending with an encore featuring “Talk Too Much,” because really, what is a COIN show without their biggest hit (to date)?!

Check out the photo gallery of the fantastic evening below. Catch up with all things Mazie here, and see where you can catch COIN next here.

All words and photos by Sarah Wilson

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categories / Gigs, Photos, Reviews
tags / Mazie, COIN, Roxian Theatre, Photo Set, Live Recap, Concert Photography

Live Recap: Two Feet at Metro

November 29, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

Last Wednesday night, The Metro kicked off the Thanksgiving weekend with an incredible performance from the musician Bill Dess, better known by his moniker of Two Feet.

Turnout is usually hit or miss with shows around the holidays, but before Two Feet even took the stage, eager fans filled in the Wrigleyville venue for a support set from the electro-pop duo Fiji Blue. The pair got the audience grooving and ready for the night with their songs like “It Takes Two” and “I Should’ve Told You.”

The first time I saw Two Feet perform, he had been the support act for Jain at Subterranean back in 2017. Since then he has played in Chicago at Lollapalooza and venues like Lincoln Hall, but his headlining performance at Metro showcased an elevation in his production and stage persona. As the stage changed over for the main event, tall light bulbs lined the stage, lending to the ambience of the evening.

Since we last saw Two Feet in Chicago, he’s released two albums, including 2020’s Pink and this year’s Max Maco is Dead Right?, the latter of which is a concept album written from the view of the title’s character, so he had plenty of new material to share with the crowd that evening. The set began with some songs from Pink, including “BBY” and “You?” and continued by weaving in the newer material with fan favorites like “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” and “Had Some Drinks.” Throughout the show, the lights that decked the stage shifted colors and added visual depth to the mix of bluesy and electronic sounds of Two Feet. For example, during “Pink,” all the lights shone pink in honor of the song name, blending the tangible element of the performance with the atmospheric tones.

The evening closed with the abrasive hit “Go Fuck Yourself,” which had the entire audience swaying to the beat and soaking in the last few moments of the show.

Two Feet recently released the single “Until I Come Home” in collaboration with grandson, and the new single leads up to the next full-length album from Two Feet, which is expected in 2022. If you missed out on this show, see where you can catch Two Feet next here, and keep and eye out for that new music by following along on Instagram and Twitter.

Photo recap of Two Feet and Fiji Blue at Metro

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categories / Photos, Reviews, Gigs
tags / Two Feet, Metro, Metro Chicago, Fiji Blue, Photo Gallery, Live Review, Photo Set, Concert Photography

Live Recap: CHVRCHES Brings Screen Violence to Aragon Ballroom

November 24, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

Last Friday night, Scottish trio CHVRCHES hit the Aragon Ballroom stage in Chicago in celebration of their fourth studio album, Screen Violence. While it was already mid-November and many of us have moved into the festive and cheerful holiday mode, CHVRCHES brought us all right back to spooky season with this performance.

As Donna Missal warmed up the first fans to arrive to the show, more and more fans filtered in and packed the ballroom to the brim before Lauren Mayberry and Martin Doherty took the stage with their live bandmates. Just ahead of the Chicago stop, the band had announced that unfortunately Iain Cook had tested positive with Covid-19 and had to quarantine, but luckily the show was able to continue on with assistance from the group’s touring crew member, Dave Simpson.

Following an eerie and spooky introductory track that sounded like it came straight from a horror film score, the band began their cinematic performance with “He Said She Said,” the second song off the new album. I’ve always admired the fun and captivating energy that CHVRCHES, and particularly Mayberry, have presented onstage, but this return from them felt even more epic and developed than previous experiences. Mayberry kept all eyes glued on her as she twirled around the open stage while singing to the likes of “Violent Delights” and “Science/Visions” as colorful lights engulfed her and projections played out on the massive screen behind the band. Despite one of their core bandmates being unable to join them, Mayberry, Doherty, and Simpson kept their sound polished and on track the entire show.

During their set, CHVRCHES kept things extra theatrical with a couple of costume changes from Mayberry, including one where she swapped out her outfit to a t-shirt reading “FINAL GIRL,” which is the name of one of the songs on 2021’s Screen Violence. The song pays homage to the final girl troupe we see in many horror films, and to play into that sentiment, Mayberry even covered herself in fake blood after singing “Final Girl.”

Of the new album itself, Mayberry has said she went into the writing process with the idea of writing something escapist, adding, “That felt freeing initially, to have concepts and stories to weave your own feelings and experiences through but in the end, all the lyrics were definitely still personal.” While that concept comes across listening to the album, the live show from CHVRCHES truly drove home the escapist aspect as they hooked us into an entrancing production that played out in front of our eyes.

Check out our photo recap of the evening below, and see where you can catch CHVRCHES on tour next here.

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categories / Reviews, Photos, Gigs
tags / CHVRCHES, Lauren Mayberry, Screen Violence, Martin Doherty, Iain Cook, Live Recap, Photo Gallery, Aragon Ballroom, Jam Productions, Chicago

PHOTOS: Kacy Hill at Schubas

November 22, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

Last week, Kacy Hill headlined a sold-out Schubas stage in celebration of her third album called Simple, Sweet, and Smiling. Check out our photo recap of the evening below, including support from Jack Larsen, and see where you can catch Kacy next here.

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categories / Gigs, Photos, Reviews
tags / Kacy Hill, Schubas Tavern, Schubas, New Music, Photo recap, Photo Gallery, Concert Photography

Live Recap: Wolf Alice at The Vic

November 12, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Monday night, Wolf Alice packed the Vic Theatre for a sold out gig in honor of the group’s third album Blue Weekend, which came out in June 2021. Though it’d been more than three years since the British quartet took the stage in Chicago, the rambunctious and eager fans greeted bandmates Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Joel Amey, and Theo Ellis with warm cheers. The reunion between Wolf Alice and all of their devoted fans felt like the kinship between old pals who can go years without seeing each other, yet they don’t miss a beat once they’re finally back together.

Going back to the earlier days of Wolf Alice, they’ve always exhibited an expansive and exploratory sound—particularly with vocalist and lyricist Ellie Rowsell’s dynamic range. For example, the hushed and melancholy tones of the title track on Wolf Alice’s 2013 "Blush” EP starkly contrast to the rowdy riffs and wailing vocals used in songs like “Fluffy” from their 2015 debut record My Love Is Cool. In their newest material, the band has honed in on that skillset and built upon their existing sound with nuanced maturity that elevated their already excellent live presence to another level.

The setlist on Monday night called back to the aforementioned debut album—including the wildly popular “Moaning Lisa Smile”— as well as 2017’s Visions Of A Life between the new songs. The perfectly crafted selection of songs allowed for fans to experience gentle and refined moments that juxtaposed moments of furious spontaneity. Wolf Alice has stated that Blue Weekend as a project is largely the product of Rowsell’s realization of the role of music in our lives, of the importance of the songs she writes. Seeing the crowd’s reaction at Wolf Alice’s live show demonstrated that importance of their music and Rowsell’s lyrics in a tangible and raw way.

If you missed out on the spectacle of Wolf Alice’s Chicago show, relive some of the magic with the photo gallery below, including the support artist Bria.

See where you can catch Wolf Alice perform next here, and pick up a copy of Blue Weekend here.

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categories / Music, Photos, Reviews, Gigs
tags / Wolf Alice, New Music, Live Recap, Live Music, The Vic, Bria, Blue Weekend, Photo recap, Concert Photography

Live Recap: Wet at Lincoln Hall

November 07, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

Last Tuesday night, Brooklyn trio Wet hit the stage at Lincoln Hall for a long-awaited comeback in honor of their new album Letter Blue.

The evening began with a set from fellow New Yorker Liam Benzvi, who warmed up the crowd with some of his newer songs like “Limes” and “Hypno.” Benzvi’s music perfectly complemented Wet’s sound and had the crowd grooving along during the entire set.

Next up, Kelly Zutrau, Joe Valle, and Marty Sulkow of Wet were greeted with cheers and applause as they opened their show with new songs “On Your Side” and “Bound” from Letter Blue. While a large part of the setlist called to the newer material, fans were still treated to some familiar favorites like “You’re The Best” and “Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl.” Although the Chicago tour stop was one of only a few on this run, Zutrau mentioned the band had received messages from fans who had traveled from other states in order to be there, and the band expressed their gratitude to everyone who made one of their first shows in nearly two years so special.

If you missed out of these select tour dates, be sure keep an eye out for 2022 tour updates here, and check out the photo gallery of the show below.