Record preview: Shiloh - 'Mrs.'

By Gene Wagendorf III   

Just under a year removed from the release of their debut full-length All My Friends Are Going To Be Strangers, the jammy folksters in Shiloh are wrapping up work on a follow up. Set for an early January release, Mrs. finds the group hitting familiar marks while taking a logical step forward. Present is the elegant piano work, smooth strumming and poetic whisper that made Strangers so magnetic. Ratcheted up is the playful bounce and enthusiastic delivery that earned the band comparisons to groups like Weezer and The Replacements.

Of the three tracks that Windy City Rock got an early listen to, "Busted Rusty" would have most comfortably fit on the band's last album. The song's slow jangle is illuminated by bright keys and lamenting vocals with just the right amount of electric drizzling. "Midwestern Sigh" is far crunchier- a celebratory grunge-folk tune that mixes moments of giddy aggression with twinkling pop hooks. Most refreshing of the three was "Immaculate Man," an Elvis Costello-esque ditty with a lollipop-sweet guitar solo. The tune harvests energy throughout its five minutes, never truly exploding but always pushing forward.

Listen to "Immaculate Man" below and keep an eye out for the release of Mrs. on Shiloh's bandcamp. You can hear tracks from the forthcoming record live this Sunday, November 25th at The Empty Bottle when Shiloh joins Rambos, Panda Riot, We Repel Each Other, Massive Ego, Tiny Fireflies and DJ Miss Alex White at the Rock For Kids Charity Jam (6pm, 21+, $5-15 donation).

Shiloh - Immaculate Man

WCR and The Empty Bottle Present: A Rock For Kids Charity Jam

By Gene Wagendorf III  

Where does the music you love come from?

It's a simple question, with an equally simple and completely obvious answer: It comes from musicians.

Chicago's music scene is experiencing a creative swell unlike almost any time in its history; there are new, incredible bands being born seemingly every day. Whether you're into punk, art-rock, garage-pop, folk or just anything that sounds great in a sweaty basement, this city has dozens of killer bands to meet your taste. But even a scene that's flourishing the way Chicago's is can't sustain itself without new ideas and new creators to give those ideas life. That's where Rock For Kids comes in.

Rock For Kids is an inspiring and wholly necessary local non-profit that provides music education to underserved youth. Quite literally, they're putting guitars and drum sticks in the hands of children who might not otherwise get a hold of them. They're teaching critical thinking and musical theory. They're offering kids an outlet for their creativity, and, lucky for you, laying the foundation for the next generation of Chicago bands that you'll be rocking out to. As important as it is to support already existing bands by seeing shows and buying records, it's equally important to invest in the scene's future.

On that note, Windy City Rock is beyond proud to join Chicago's best rock club, The Empty Bottle, in hosting A Rock For Kids Charity Jam. The benefit show will take place on Sunday, November 25th (6pm, 21+), and proceeds from the show will go directly to R4K. We're asking for a $15 donation at the door, but we also understand that times are tough, and have provided smaller donation options that will still allow you the help out and enjoy a night of fantastic local music.

That music will be provided by 7 bands who, in this writer's opinion, are some of the best acts making music in Chicago. The lineup is as follows.

Windy City Rock and The Empty Bottle Present: A Rock 4 Kids Charity Jam
Sunday, November 25th
6pm, $15 donation

Rambos
Official Website Facebook Bandcamp
Panda Riot
Official Website Facebook Bandcamp
We Repel Each Other
Facebook Bandcamp
The Hecks
Facebook Soundcloud
Massive Ego
Facebook Bandcamp
Shiloh
Facebook Bandcamp
Tiny Fireflies
Official Website Facebook Bandcamp

and special guest DJ Miss Alex White 

The bands have generously offered to donate their sets, and The Bottle is joining them by donating the door. With that in mind, we ask you join us, buy some records, have a few drinks and jam out for a good cause. 

Tickets are on sale at The Empty Bottle's website, and you can join the action on Facebook here.

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