Live & Recommended: Illinois @ Emo’s 6.8
photo : valerie@fremin.net
Handling opening duties isn’t always the preferred position to be in, although many are grateful to have the opportunity, we all know that most folks rarely care to find out who the opening band is, much less pay them much attention when they are on stage. Armed with a banjo, an old telephone for a microphone, and a bit of determination wrapped up in a mess of catchy idie inspired folky rock tunes, Chris Archibald and Company a.k.a. Illinois, handled the crowd gathered for The Hold Steady like seasoned road vets and had them curious as to who these guys were and where they came from. I had the same question in my head when I came across these guys purely by accident at a SXSW 2006 day party while pursuing the live sounds of the Silversun Pickups, and have been patiently awaiting the next opportunity to watch Illinois perform live once again.
photo : valerie@fremin.net
My patience is kindly rewarded this evening, and while previously curious as the success of the band considering their recorded arsenal consists of 2 EPs and no full length as of current, my curiosity has been quelled. The music had the crowds attention from the start, but it took awhile for the attempts at crowd interaction by frontman Chris Archibald to take hold, but success was to be had in the end. Prompting the crowd with “The stars at night are big and bright…..”, secured their attention although one might consider it a jab at one’s devoutness for being a Texan, while coming from a kid from Pennsylvania. With Chris moving between keys, guitar, and banjo throughout the set the band worked it’s way through their somewhat short, but entertainingly solid collection of material including ‘Nosebleed’, ‘Oh Asia’, ‘Screendoor’, and personal current fav ‘One on One’. Being joined on stage by members of the headlining band is always a nod in a bands favor as receiving some well deserved respect and judging from the reaction of the audience as the band closed out their set, I would have to say that the boys in Illinois have gained the respect of a bunch of Texas loving music fans.
A few more dates on the road remain for the band, with a well deserved spot at this years Lollapalooza, with hopes of joining the Kooks again for some future dates.
mp3s
On the road
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Sticky Fingerz W/The Hold Steady
Blue Note W/The Hold Steady
The Grey Eagle W/The Hold Steady
Bowery
Rock & Roll hotel Washington,
Lumbrano park
Johnny Brendas
McCarren Pool
lollapalooza
