The 20th Annual International Pop Overthrow - Chicago kicks off this Friday for a nine-day run at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side. CFO/Founder David Bash has over 60 acts lined up, many of which I’ve enjoyed at previous IPO - Chicago shows. Named after Material Issue’s stellar debut album, the festival was born in Los Angeles back in 1997, and over the years, Bash has staged versions of International Pop Overthrow at venues around the world. His focus for each location is on local talent, but for bigger markets such as Liverpool and Chicago, it’s not uncommon to find out-of-town, and occasionally out-of-country visitors.
The Chicago area bands 92 Degrees, The Idea, and The Critics performed on opening night of that 1997 festival in Los Angeles, and some of the musicians who made that trek will be performing this Friday at Montrose Saloon. Phil Angotti from The Idea has a solo set that will likely showcase songs from his latest and impressive album Once Around Again. Angotti is known for his Beatles tribute shows on the local club scene, and his original material shows he’s learned well from the masters. Mike Galassini from 92 Degrees will be performing with Magnaphonic, the band he co-founded with his wife Marianne Galassini a number of years ago. Magnaphonic carries on the 92 Degrees tradition of crafting irresistible pop, but often with an unusual twist in the lyrics. I’ve also been informed that Magnaphonic guitarist Todd Rusin played bass with The Critics at IPO’s debut in Los Angeles.
This Friday night’s IPO lineup also features Alpine Subs. The six-member band has released three albums of easy-going melodic pop since 2019, with last December’s Through The Blinds being the latest. Custard Flux is an ambitious prog rock project from Gregory Curvey, who is well known for his years with the ambitious prog rock band The Luck Of Eden Hall. Last year’s 16-track Phosphorus album from Custard Flux is an imaginative psychedelic adventure. Highlights include the melodic title track and “The Man In Blue Wants Out Of His Suit.” From what I gather, this will be a rare Chicago club performance for him.
The Spindles have spent several years on the Chicago club scene perfecting their British Invasion flavored power pop. Their 2018 CD Past And Present was an entertaining mix of originals and well-chosen covers, including “Look Through Any Window” by The Hollies and “Santa Fe” by The Elvis Brothers. 45 Souls added a touch of blues to songs such as “Bad Cat, Bad Rat” and “Here With Me” on their 2019 album Free, but also did well with the melodic rock of “Dear Kate” and “It’s Another Day.” They released the more acoustic country flavored album River that same year, which means they’ll probably keep the audience guessing about what comes next at Montrose Saloon this Friday.
I’m hoping to provide previews of other IPO - Chicago lineups, if time and my off-kilter freelance schedule allow. The full list of bands involved can be found on the International Pop Overthrow website with links for most of the acts.
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