Tomorrow night’s three-act, $15 event is unlike any other International Pop Overthrow showcase taking place in Chicago this year. Or in any year, as far as I can recall. But it’s a welcome curveball from IPO founder David Bash (he’ll love the baseball reference) coming a bit past the midpoint of his festival’s nine-day run at Montrose Saloon.
The Figgs definitely qualify as a national act, and they’ll be preceded tomorrow night (April 27) by the impressive Chicago area bands Bon Mots and Sunshine Boys. For people who don’t already have tickets, I recommend calling ahead to make sure you can get in. If it has sold out, that would be only the second time for an IPO - Chicago event. The other time being a showcase featuring Material Reissue at the Abbey Pub.
As I stated in a Broken Hearted Toy review of The Bon Mots’ album Best Revenge (See June 16, 2014 in the archives), melodies are a priority for songwriters singer-guitarist Mike Coy and singer-guitarist Eric Chial. Their guitar playing had a harder-edge on Best Revenge than on their debut le Main Drag, which I favorably reviewed for the Illinois Entertainer.
The trio Sunshine Boys features vocalist-guitarist Dag Juhlin, whose resume includes The Slugs, Sonic45, and Poi Dog Pondering; Freda Love Smith from Blake Babies and Jacqueline Schimmel from Big Hello. They’ve released two superb albums filled with melodic indie rock songs and compelling lyrics.
Saratoga Springs, NY natives The Figgs have been creating guitar-driven music for 35 years. They’ve released over a dozen albums and their tours have brought them around the world. Their 25-song 2019 release Shady Grove shows they can rock with wild abandon but also explore more nuanced material. They have a brand new effort called Chemical Shake coming out on May 6, but might bring some copies to Montrose Saloon.
International Pop Overthrow runs through April 30 at Montrose Saloon. Most of the 60+ acts involved are local, although there are some out-of-state visitors. Check the official website for the full schedule. You’ll also find links for just about all the acts who’ll be participating in Chicago this year. Even if you can’t attend in person, it’s a great way to discover new music.
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