We’re closing in on the final weekend of this year’s International Pop Overthrow - Chicago festival at Montrose Saloon. Thursday night’s showcase once again reflects CFO/Founder David Bash’s goal of booking various rock and roll genres. Except where noted, these acts are from the Chicago area. On a serious note, Bash posted on Facebook that this year’s festival is dedicated to Drew Neeley, a long-time IPO - Chicago participant who passed away last year.
Johnny Stanec, a self-described musical lone wolf, kicks off Thursday night’s showcase at 7:30 pm. His engaging style of Americana rock takes him to venues around the midwest, so I wasn’t able to discern his home town. The recently released single “A Simple Solid State” sets dark and thought-provoking sentiments to an energetic arrangement, and he’s also covered Rancid’s bristling “Omaha, WA.” Old Joy is a singer-songwriter who sets off-kilter observations to bare-bones acoustic arrangements. He keeps busy in the studio; having released a mix of 15 singles and albums in recent years. Blind Trust has played several gigs in the Chicago area, including previous IPO festivals. Their 14-track album The Top End is an almost 50/50 mix of catchy, guitar-driven rockers and more introspective ballads.
Human Errors have released three albums since 2016, which will give them a lot of material to choose from at their IPO gig. Some of the earlier songs, such as “I’m No Good/Heartbreaker” and “I Can’t Let Go” (not a Hollies cover) have intense punk energy, while “Harolds #13” and “Childhood Home” from their 2022 effort Super Hits lean more toward rockabilly. As the title of their 2021 album National Absurdatory suggests, The Embryos view life through satiric glasses. Highlights include the self-reflecting “Twisted In My Game” and the soulful “Morning Birds.” Plus, you can practice your dance moves to “The Funky Embryo.”
Check the official International Pop Overthrow 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. A number of the acts have a Bandcamp page, so it’s possible to have a few favorite songs before you even see the band.
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