The 21st 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 several acts lined up, many of which fans have enjoyed at previous IPO - Chicago shows. Named after Material Issue’s stellar debut album, the festival was born in Los Angeles back in 1997. Three Chicago area bands, 92 Degrees, The Idea, and The Critics, performed on opening night of that 1997 festival in Los Angeles. So, it made sense that Chicago would be one of Bash’s first choices when he decided IPO could be a traveling event. Over the years, he’s staged versions 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.
IPO 24’s opening night kicks off with Alpine Subs. If that evokes a feeling of déjà vu, it’s because the six-member band was in that same spot last year. Alpine Subs have released four albums of easy-going melodic pop since 2019, with last August’s Come On Over To My House being the latest. We The Cats enjoyed a successful run in the 1990s, releasing three albums of pop, punk, and soulful music, and performing at numerous venues. Their appearance at this year’s IPO will serve as a 30th anniversary reunion. Phil Angotti was a member of The Idea back when the band played at the first IPO in Los Angeles, and has kept busy ever since. His solo set at this year’s Chicago event 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.
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, and they’re currently working on a new album that will be released later this year. The 321’s are a newer arrival on the Chicago scene, but are already getting noticed for delivering what they describe as “a sonic experience that is captivating and revolutionary.” One of their most recent gigs involved performing George Harrison covers at the My Sweet George tribute show at Martyrs in February. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club has released a number of power pop/indie rock recordings over the past 10 years, and their Rolling Stones flavored “X Play” was one of the highlights on 2021 Big Blast Records compilation The Big Singles Vol.1. Their 2022 EP Vanishing Point, with its Halloween theme, was particularly impressive. Their most recent release was the catchy “Your Corvette Summer” single last year.
Check the official International Pop Overthrow website for the full Chicago 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. Many of the acts have Bandcamp pages, so it’s possible to already have some favorite songs before you've even seen the band play.
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