Not gonna lie, this definitely made my week hearing that Double Negative were taking another stroll down Chicago again. Since I missed out on there previous visit at Treasuretown around the time daydreamnation was released, I've been kicking my self endlessly. Now, it's somewhat still there, considering the lineup changes the group had taken but it didn't stop me none the less; Double Negative is still Double Negative whoever is still in the band. Aside from that, it didn't hurt to see the rest of the lineup, hearing nothing to but great things so why not take the time to visit.
At this point, I'm already familiar with the Mousetrap, as well as some of the locals around the city. Ever since the last couple of shows have taken place (Notably Raw Nerve and Hoax), a lot of people are wanting to take a gander. Who can blame them really, there has yet to be a "bad" show there. None the less, the vibe there was pretty much the same; punks just hanging around conversing, waiting for the first band to grace their presence. I kept to myself mostly, keeping in the adrenaline of seeing Double Negative. I don't mean to praise them a whole lot, but I have my own favorites. Odds are you'd probably agree with me.
First band up was Cold Lovers, a four-piece local band that really reminded me of an aggressive version of Joy Division. For the most part, I dug there set though a lot of little factors made it hard for me to really enjoy their set. Nothing too huge, but either way, Cold Lovers really put on a good set. I was pretty impressed with their vocalist and her ability to engage herself with the crowd. Throughout the set, you'd see her strutting around and making room for a pit, pushing the guys hanging out in front of the band. The girl's got balls, and rhythm too. The rest of the band didn't do too bad either, keeping their pace and timing exact barely missing a beat. I may have to listen more to these guys to really consider myself a fan, but that wouldn't be a bad idea.
Sea of Shit were up next, another band to keep an eye out if you're fond of the powerviolence genre. It took me a couple listens to really get into the band but after awhile, I enjoyed their songs. Any who, the band played with flat out no bullshit aggression, based on the first notes being played. Their vocalist was pretty menacing I should say, having a deadpan look throughout but coming off very pissed once he open his mouth and howled out a guttural yell. Overall, Sea of Shit were pretty tight with their set, and the crowd provide a small spark of enjoy throughout. From what I heard before the show had started, it was going the guitarist's last show with the band. Though the search for a replacement is underway, a hiatus might take place as well if nothing comes to their way. Kind of glum news to hear, but I'm glad I managed to finally see them.
Next up was Broken Prayer, definitely a band to keep an eye out for in the near future. In my opinion, they definitely took some cues from past post-punk bands such as Fugazi and the Wipers and meshed it into their own sound. The crowd definitely dug their set, dancing and moshing for a good majority of their set. It was fun seeing everyone chant to the lyrics and even pry up their vocalists for a little crowd surfing here and there, with smiles on their faces. Sorry State Records is planning on releasing a future Broken Prayer LP sometime soon, so if Post-Punk fits among your repertoire of music, I'd go on and take a gander.
Last but certainly not least, Double Negative came up with a brief introduction of "We're Double Negative from Raleigh North Carolina" and went into their set at full speed. As I stated previously, the lineup has been shaken up due to the long-term absences of vocalist Kevin Collins and drummer Brian Walsby. Since then, former Logic Problems vocalist Cam and drummer Bobby Michaud have filled the void of Collins and Walsby. As disheartening it is to hear, the show must go on and it did. It would be hard to say that this was their most strongest performance (being it's the first time I'm seeing them), but they definitely put on a pretty strong effort of explosion throughout. Cam did a fantastic job of getting the crowd revved up and going throughout. Culling from their back catalog of hits from daydreamnation and the wonderful world, Double Negative pulled new tracks off their sleeve, specifically "Suicide Suicide", off their recent 7 inch Hits. The crowd were heavily into their set, chanting, moshing, and pull all sorts of mayhem. Though I didn't get to hear some of my own favorites such as "Meine Trappe" or "The Jacket", it really made my night once they cranked out "Beg to a Vile Nude" out of their pockets. Pretty fucking phenomenal.
It was epic finally able to see Double Negative and the rest of the lineup. If there's one thing I learned but missed opportunities it this; Make room for any thing cause second chances rarely happen. I would have kicked myself even harder if I had missed out again. Talk about fucking up.
If interested in some demos, merch, from any of the bands mentioned, I provided links. From the looks of the show coming up in June, it's shaping up to be one pretty awesome summer. Cheers!
Sorry State Records
Sea of Shit
Cold Lovers
Broken Prayer Soundcloud
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