One of the cool things about this period of waiting for summer to end and fall to begin is we book a lot of local shows during the week. Whether the shows are in our basement Dirtroom bar or on the main stage, there will be a lot of local talent coming through our Double Doors. Here are some notable bands playing this week:
Conrad Richards – Thursday, 8/26
Conrad Richards claims to have written over 800 songs and poems. He has been playing and recording music in his basement studio for years. In the last 5 years he has been playing live at some of Chicago’s premier dive bars and music venues. The set-up and number of band mates varies from show to show: sometimes blues-punk, sometimes murder ballads, always odd. His sound has been compared to a mixture of Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits, Eels, and Nick Cave. Monica Kendrick of the Chicago Reader called him “a singer-songwriter working at a riveting level of energy and charisma.” She adds, “guitar and harmonica blare and rattle and chug like the soundtrack to a rail-riding hobo’s apocalyptic nightmare—like Captain Beefheart is back and he wants to kill you.”
Otter Petter – Friday, 8/27
Otter Petter is the four-piece rock outfit you’d hate to take off. Formed in Chicago in 2005, Otter Petter delivers “big, bright, hooky tunes with their hearts pinned proudly on their sleeves” (Chicago Reader). Otter Petter’s members include brothers Michael (guitar, vocals) and William Pritchard (drums), Raphael Dussaussoy (guitars, keyboards) and Amy Anderson (bass, vocals).
During the last two years, the band has performed throughout the Midwest and East Coast, pausing occasionally to work on new recordings; this resulted in 2008’s full-length, self-released album “Fireflies And Lamp Lights,” which was greeted with glowing reviews. The melodies found within are “devastatingly infectious” (New City), and described as a “perfect blend of roots rock, sugary pop and complex indie rock” (Gapersblock.com).
American Motherload – Saturday, 8/28
After a three-year hiatus, ”Chicago’s most notorious” AMERICAN MOTHERLOAD, returns to the Double Door for a special summer reunion show. Formed in 1999, American Motherload has toured the country supporting many national acts promoting their full-length album, “Come to Life”(2005). The band delivers pure American hard rock with stellar lead vocals by Ben Loop; the fire-laden guitars of Ray Rokicki, and tighter than tight rhythm section of Geoff Jania on bass guitar, Gary Kessler, keyboards; and Robert Harrison on drums. Expect some set-list surprises, as well as a hell of a after-party to follow the show…
This event is the band’s only summertime Chicago-area performance and is not one to be missed. Also, very special friend and host of the evening, Herb Rosen(Liar’s Club)as MC.
