The Effigies and Strike Under at Oz in Chicago, IL
COOLEST RETARD:
We have once again seen the debut of what seems to be the emergence of new aggressive bands in Chicago, the Effigies.
Strike Under, Effigies, and Naked Raygun are three of the bands that have come out recently that have that fuck all attitude with something to say and with a desire to rid Chicago of its current bullshit (so called) punk scene. At the moment we only have the new wave/power pop crap that seems to be playing the bars. These new bands are giving the hard cores an opportunity to see some good live, local music.
Effigies played with Strike Under at Oz on 9 Nov. It was their debut, and what a debut! Prior to their set they seemed to be very nervous--but one would never have known this once they started playing. John (vocals), Steve (drums), and Paul (bass) had all played together in another band with John on guitar and another vocalist. When the vocalist left, John took over vocals along with guitar. John seems to take singing with ease--screaming the lyrics, dancing. Earl not merely playing his guitar, but really feeling/meaning it--moving and shaking about quite a bit, same for Steve and Paul.
Oz was a bit crowded for a Sunday-nighter and the Effigies had what it took to get everyone in the bar on the dance floor. Strike Under seemed to have gotten off on the excitement that the Effigies had created--for their set after the Effigies was much more energetic than their previous set. It was the first time that Strike Under had really seen the Effigies play and their reaction to them, along with almost everyone else, was "Fucking great!!!!"
These bands are very supportive of each other, rather than being competitive. Strike Under, Effigies, Naked Raygun show up at each other's gigs to support each other. They all help each other out with helping with equipment, lending equipment, working PA, etc.
There seems to be something positive happening among these type bands. Strike Under played Oz again 27-29 Nov. with the 29th being under 21 and sharing the bill with the Effigies. Sunday was Strike Under's best performance of the weekend. From seeing them progess from their debut at Northwestern on 5 Sept. to their set on Sunday--they have definitely improved in their confidence in playing and stage performance. It's great when they do Warhead and the crowd gets up on stage to join them in the chanting of "Warhead, warhead, warhead..."