Photo via Dilly Dally’s bandcamp

I really love this time of year. The weather is beautiful; you can ride your bike in shirtsleeves on nice days, but you don’t sweat. My dog looks cute as hell in autumn leaves. And there’s a little desperation to get your yah-yahs out before there’s a wall of snow outside your door.

As always, I’ve got your Show Horoscope right here. Pick your poison; are you a soft grunge bunny, an auteur devoteee, punk as fuck, or the coolest teenager who ever discovered an obscure Chicago music blog?

The Soft Grunge Feels

I really love the current resurgence of fumbling fuzz, no-fucks percussion & raw vocals that’s creeping through the scene these days. In 2015, there’s more Pulp Girls buttons and summery washes on Instagram photos than than the stalwart flannel-clad archetypes of grunge would recognize, and the influence of heavy metal’s been stowed somewhere in a heart shaped box – though you’ll find one notable exception in these selections.

The dreamy feeling of melting ice cream cones, drinking dollar store soda mixed with slugs from a warm handle of vodka, and faded pink and teal hair hasn’t gone anywhere, and the delayed gratification of teen angst finally finding it’s voice is just as sweet.

Glamour Hotline, The Malskys, La Cosa, Pink Bathroom
Pink Bathroom really makes me feel like I did discovering music that made me ache I connected with it so deeply for the first time.
Eco
Fri, October 16, 7pm

Daymaker, Slayer Kitty, Bunny
Slayer Kitty filter portentous and dark drum and bass doom through a cotton-candy cloud of pink glitter.
The Owl, 2521 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Mon, October 19, 10pm / free / 21+

Dilly Dally, Ego
Toronto band Dilly Dally doesn’t have a ton of music online, but the singles on their bandcamp are all rad. It’s a kind of fragile, exposed, unpretty grunge pop in the vein of Cherry Glazerr without some of the twee-tween (dolores) haze. Vocalist Katie Monks can unleash a menacing, unrestrained howl that will blow you away.
The Promontory, 5311 South Lake Park Ave West
Wed, October 21, 9pm / $8 adv / 17+

The Auteurs

There’s some interesting shows coming up driven by iconoclastic and innovative personalities who have defined their own space in music.

Mac Blackout Band, Jollys, Wet Ones, Sh!t Storm
Mark has a million bands, as well as a bustling career as the artist behind everything from bubble-color stump art and boomboxes to intricate album covers. Mac Blackout Band is his star vehicle, which drifts over time between the psych punk of Functional Blackouts to the unabashed glam of Mickey.
Emporium Arcade Bar, 1366 N Milwaukee Ave
Tue, October 20, 8pm / free / 21+

Sweet Spirit, The Mad Doctors, Flesh Panthers, Skip Church
Sweet Spirit shares the incredible vocalist Sabrina Ellis with A Giant Dog, the sick Austin garage band that just got signed to Merge. Sweet Spirits has a more American roots based sound with the punk snottiness dialed back, but it’s still plenty rock-n-roll.
The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Avenue
Wed, October 21, 9pm / $5 / 21+

Fred & Toody Cole
The long-married legends, who have lived a whole life together, raising kids, weathering health crises, and collaborating in some great bands like Dead Moon and Pierced Arrows. They’ll be taking the stage at the Bottle for a super early Sunday matinee show that starts right at 5pm.
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave
Sat, November 7, 5pm /$15 / 21+

Too Punk to Fuck

I’ve felt myself absorbed with a sort of benevolent, tolerant love of music lately. For someone who talks a lot of shit, I am loving a huge amount of what I listen to for the first time, and losing a lot of the knee-jerk irritability that has long kept me leashed to a genre bubble. Mostly this resorts in me listening to shit like Billy Squire – Emotions in Motion without a trace of irony, but maybe I need to revisit hardcore and its four thousand derivatives and report back. I dunno.

Gas Chamber, Sea of Shit, Cave State, Sick/Tired, Mellow Harsher, Clotting
House show!
The Mousetrap
Fri, October 16, 6:30pm / $8

O Inimigo, Bruised, Ritalin OD, Tigress
Also a house show!
Rancho Huevos
Wed, October 21, 7pm / email for address if you’re not a cop / $7-$10

Cult Leader, Moral Void, Ikaray, Clotting
Getcher d-beat on, brah. I feel, but cannot verify, that the 6:30 start time is just doors, but don’t trust me, I literally never go to early shows unless they’re instores.¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave
Fri, October 23, 6:30pm / $10 / $12 / 17+

Heavy Times, Nones, Make-Overs, Obnox, The Cartoons
Obnox is such ugly weird awesome punk and in their own ways so are Nones and Make-Overs and I’m so stoked for this show. Second-to-last Make-Overs show before they go back to South Africa!
Auxiliary Art Center, 3012 W Belmont Ave
Fri, October 23 / $7 / 21+

Make-Overs, Final Grin, Den, Rash, Latisha’s Skull Drawing
Last Make-Overs show before they go back to South Africa!
New House on the Northside
Sun, October 25, 8:00pm / $7 / msg for address

NOTS, Froth, Gunshy, The Wolfpac
Kinda a weird pairing between the disaffected hipster Los Angeles surf of Froth and the wild techy skronk of noise punks NOTS, but I’m into it. Plus, it’s free, you gonna complain?
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave
Mon, November 2 / 21+ / free

Teenage Wasteland

As always, I rounded up my personal picks for shows that allow those below drinking age that didn’t fit in any other area. These are not the only cool all ages shows happening; for that, you gotta check out our full calendar. I also HIGHLY recommend the 17+ Dilly Dally show 10/21 at Promontory.

Soddy Daisy, Mr. & Mrs., Wolf Pac, Spike and the Sweet Spots, Clearance
Cassette Store Day is always a blast! We wrote about Clearance’s debut album a minute back, as well as Soddy Daisy’s latest jammer.
Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles, 3156 W Diversey Ave
Sat, October 17, 12pm / free / AA / free coffee while it lasts

The Mad Doctors, Swimsuit Addition
Swimsuit Addition is fam! Super cool people who make bummer dark wave dream pop.
Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles
Tue, October 20, 5pm / free / AA

The Marshmallow Ghosts, Dreamend
Graveface Autumn Pop-Up! I don’t know anything about these bands, but I love a lot of Graveface bands like Black Moth Super Rainbow and Coffin Girls, so like, I trust their judgement.
The Niche Lab
Fri, October 23, 7pm / AA / donation

The Cut Worms, Wet Wallet
Psst: there’s pretty much like, always free beers at these saki instores. Unless you’re actually a teen! Winners don’t do drugs!!!
saki, 3716 W Fullerton
Sat, October 24, 6pm / free / AA

The Hotelier, Runaway Brother, Oso Oso, The Spirit of the Beehive
I will bow to Salvation Emily’s entry in the calendar for this show, which reads simply “emoooooo.”
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave
Sat, October 24, 5:30pm / $15, all ages

Cheatahs, Panda Riot
Panda Riot is the twee emotional communion dance party Salvation Emily’s obsessed with. It might be a cult?
Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave
Sat, October 24 / $10, 17+

Shannon and the Clams, Shopping
Did anyone else pick up the recent-ish Guantanamo Baywatch/Shannon and the Clams 7″ off Suicide Squeeze? The Baywatch track, Love Kin, was a country-inflected precursor to their new Darling…It’s Too Late LP, a departure from the acid-soaked surf punk of their debut, Chest Crawl. The Shannon and the Clams track, Mama, on the other hand, is a howling, desperate plea for redemption; the plaintive refrain “Can I come home again?” echoes in my head on the daily.
Subterranean, 2011 West North Avenue
Sat, October 24, 10pm / 17+ / $10 / $12

Ought, Blizzard Babies, Split Feet
Early all ages show with some of Chicago’s raddest bands! Clap some ear protection on your tween, buy them a ginger ale, and prepare for them to come home next week with an alternative lifestyle haircut and detention for the Perfect Pussy patch on their backpack.
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave
Tue, October 27, 6:30pm / $12 / all ages

The King Khan and BBQ Show, Milk Lines
The caped King Khan brings his solo, Shrines-backed antics to town much more often then he brings longtime collaborator Mark Sultan; don’t miss the rare chance to see the two in tandem.
Subterranean, 2011 West North Avenue
Fri, November 20, 9pm / 17+ / $20

Show Horoscope is our regular feature where I peer deeply into a crystal ball and predict what shows you should go to based on your personality, interests, and identity. It’s also where I make a bunch of dumb jokes and talk about the shows I’m really excited about.

Remember, Chicago Summer Psych Fest and Black and Brown Punk Show are both coming up as well!

NOBUNNY LOVES YOU, BUT YOU LOVE GARAGE-N-B

Image from the Bruiser Queen “In Your Room” video

Like 60s girl groups rising from the grave cloaked in tattoos and jean vests, contemporary garage groups that spangle classic rhythm-and-blues and doo wop influences with snotty lyrics and guitar pedal fuzz are this generation’s answer to the classic Brill Building sound.

Bruiser Queen, Swimsuit Addition
I caught Bruiser Queen during Bitchfest at Young Camelot last week, and I was shocked that they’re not more well-known or popular. Embodying the same throwback garage pop sound that’s brought moderately-major label success to many of their peers, the relatively under-the-radar St. Louis duo manages to use infectious, relentless energy (and a well-utilized array of pedals) to create a much fuller sound than your usual two-piece. If I had money to bet on a band blowing up, they’d be on my shortlist; take advantage of the opportunity to see them for fairly a low price at a fairly chill venue.
Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont Avenue
Thu, September 3, 9pm / $8 / 17+

Shannon and the Clams, Shopping
Did anyone else pick up the recent-ish Guantanamo Baywatch/Shannon and the Clams 7″ off Suicide Squeeze? The Baywatch track, Love Kin, was a country-inflected precursor to their new Darling…It’s Too Late LP, a departure from the acid-soaked surf punk of their debut, Chest Crawl. The Shannon and the Clams track, Mama, on the other hand, is a howling, desperate plea for redemption; the plaintive refrain “Can I come home again?” echoes in my head on the daily.
Subterranean, 2011 West North Avenue
Sat, October 24, 10pm / 17+ / $10 / $12

The King Khan and BBQ Show, Milk Lines
The caped King Khan brings his solo, Shrines-backed antics to town much more often then he brings longtime collaborator Mark Sultan; don’t miss the rare chance to see the two in tandem.
Subterranean, 2011 West North Avenue
Fri, November 20, 9pm / 17+ / $20

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Mystery Actions play Girls Rock! Chicago

Sheer Mag, Royal Headache, Daylight Robbery, Storm Clouds
Remember when we drove up to Milwaukee to see Sheer Mag and their van broke down outside Minneapolis? WE FINALLY GET TO SEE THEM!!!
The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Avenue
Sat, August 15, 9pm / $8 / $10 / 21+

UFUX, Veil Vitric, The Coldies
Ufux are abrasive punk weirdos who don’t play that often anymore. Catch this like a cold.
The Mutiny, 2428 North Western Avenue
Sat, August 15, 9pm / free / 21+

Mystery Actions, Dirt Cheap Date, Dumpster Babies
Mystery Actions and Dumpster Babies are both friends of SBS and totally rad! Mystery Actions are the kind of mean-mugging femme punk babes who look like they could kill you with a look, when in fact they’re total dears who once played a bake sale benefit I organized. I also saw them play to a ton of enthusiastic little proto-punks at Girls Rock! Chicago day camp. Dumpster Babies are dippy, sweet, garage punk cuties who love catchy choruses and arguing with each other between songs.
East Room, 2828 West Medill Avenue
Wed, August 19, 9pm / free / 21+

La Luz, Today’s Hits
Sick surf riffs and the rising, foamy swell and recess of lovely harmonies; La Luz is a beachside daydream.
The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Avenue
Sat, September 5, 9pm / 21+ / $10

Cococoma, Ultimate Painting
YOU GUYS. AJ COZZI IS MOVING AWAY. COCOCOMA ISN’T PLAYING ANY MORE SHOWS. LIKE, FOR REAL THIS TIME. Please come comfort me as I quietly weep into a Tiger.
The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Avenue
Thu, September 10, 9pm / 21+ / $10

YOU’RE TOO CUTE TO PUKE

Cherry Lemonade Split Tape Art by Weston Getto Allen

A buddy of mine recently slid into my DMs to tell me that the Mika Miko song Too Cute to Puke reminded them of me, which is possibly the best compliment I’ve ever received. If you, too, are too cute to puke, you might like some of these shows, which showcase some of the softer and more kawaii side of rock without being completely defanged.

The Peekaboos, Bad Bad Meow, The Bribes, Donkey Hotel
The Peekaboos share singer Shannon Candy with fellow Chicago cuties Strawberry Jacuzzi and they’ve got posi vibes for days. You can read an interview with them over at Loud Loop Press!
The Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia Avenue
Thu, August 13, 9pm / $8 / 21+

Paul Cherry, The Lemons
Chicago’s cuddliest lofi pop cuties are celebrating the release of their limited edition “Cherry Lemonade” tape with a free release show at The Whistler.
The Whistler, 2421 North Milwaukee Avenue
Sun, August 16, 9pm / free / 21+

The Peekaboos, The Avantist, Evasive Backflip
Kitten whiskers! You missed that Peekaboos show at The Hideout! Thankfully, they’re also playing a free Monday at The Bottle.
The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Avenue
Mon, August 24, 9pm / 21+ / $5

Glamour Hotline, Not 4 U, Wad, Belly Belt
Pinky Swear is the cutest DIY venue in Chicago, hands down.
Pinky Swear
Fri, August 28, 8pm / bring $ for donation

Fitness, The Please & Thank Yous, Ditch Club
The Please & Thank Yous are a fourth-wave emo band whose videos are full of twinkling Christmas lights. That is cute as fuck, yo.
The Burlington, 3425 West Fullerton Avenue
Fri, September 4, 8:30pm / $5 / 21+

YOU LIVE IN A TRASH CAN

Cotillion EP cover art

You’re broke. You love filth and trash. You come alive in mildewing basements. This isn’t strictly a list of free shows, or DIY shows, or bands playing that have a darker, more discordant edge; it’s a curated collection of all of the above, delivered hot and steaming to your dumpster doorstep.

Nots, Running
This is tonight, and The Reader beat me to writing about it. Y’all like noise punk and free shit? Thought so.
The Owl, 2521 North Milwaukee Avenue
Thu, August 13, 10pm / free / 21+

Burning Ponies, Creature from Dell Pond, Imelda Marcos, The Curls
I had a chance to meet the Dollhouse denizens the other day and they’re great people. Don’t fuck up their living room, trash ball.
The Dollhouse DIY (new location)
Sat, August 15, 8pm

Swells, Cochina, Cotillion, TBA
As Monica from Cochina says, “If you’re into punk and wanna hear me scream in both english and spanish about how much I hate the police and white saviors, you should come out, support us and have a good time!”
Weenie Hut Jr’s
Tue, August 18, 7pm / $5 /no drinking / no drugs / no phobes / email prairiesmokerecords@gmail.com for address

Funerary, Ooze, Disrotted
Sludge and doom metal in a room that generally smells terrible.
The Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton
Wed, August 19, 9pm / 21+ / usually $5 – $10

Baja & the Blasters, Soy Babies, Bitchin Reality
For years now, I’ve been planning to start a band called The Baja Blasts. Our gimmick is that we would throw hardshell tacos and fire sauce packets into the crowd while screaming lyrics about stoner food unintelligibly. This Denton, Texas band has basically laid waste to all those dreams. Now what am I gonna be when I grow up?
Albion Haus
Wed, September 9, 7pm / $5

YOU’RE A BABY PUNK

Being punk is in your heart, not in a number on your birth certificate. These aren’t all the all ages shows happening int he next few months (check our calendar for that), but they’re our top picks.

A quick note: when I was a budding teen punk, mailordering records from the Lookout! Records catalog and obsessing over powerviolence bands on Slap a Ham, fanzines were invaluable to me. There’s no age limit on reading, and they fit neatly into your textbooks. I can’t recommend my buddy Ray Suburbia’s new project No Friends enough, no matter what your age is. You can download Issue 0 for free; and keep an eye out for #1; it should be released soon, and it even comes with a split flexi from Lumpy and the Dumpers/Ausmuteants.

Den, Rumores, Cracked Vessel
Whoa, super loud noise punk and free donuts…in the middle of the day…in a library?!?!? I REALLY LOVE THIS CITY SOMETIMES, Y’ALL. This show is open to everyone, but the organizers have made sure to note that teenagers, who often don’t have access to shows like this, are extra welcome. The library is also fully accessible for those who use mobility devices; you can read a lot more about the importance of accessibility at music venues over at Is This Venue Accessible.
West Town Public Library, 1625 West Chicago Avenue
1:30pm at Sat, August 29 / AA / donations for bands appreciated

Lala Lala, KO
Lala Lala recently got written up in The Tribune. Lucky for you, it hasn’t gone to their heads, and you can still see them play for free at my personal favorite record store for in-stores.
saki, 3716 West Fullerton Avenue
Sat, August 29, 4pm / free / AA

Killer Moon, Vincas
P-Rex just announced a bunch of instores without specifying what time they are, so stay tuned for details!
Permanent Records, 1914 West Chicago Avenue
Sat, September 5 / Time TBA / usually around 2pm or 5pm / free / AA

Crosss, Carbonleak
P-Rex just announced a bunch of instores without specifying what time they are, so stay tuned for details!
Permanent Records, 1914 West Chicago Avenue
Sun, September 13/ Time TBA / usually around 2pm or 5pm / free / AA

The Funs, TBA
P-Rex just announced a bunch of instores without specifying what time they are, so stay tuned for details!
Permanent Records, 1914 West Chicago Avenue
Fri, September 25 / Time TBA / usually 5pm or 6pm / free / AA

Weekend Nachos, Full of Hell, Extortion, Sin Orden, Youth Crisis
This is a particularly small and intimate venue for punk/metal powerviolence powerhouse Weekend Nachos, and they’re letting the kids in to get their smooth, hairless faces melted off. Don’t miss openers Sin Orden, a legendary Latinx hardcore band following in the tradition of Los Crudos.
Township, 2200 North California Avenue
Tue, October 13, 6pm / AA / $10