The 22nd Annual International Pop Overthrow - Chicago festival kicks off this Friday for a nine-day run at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side. IPO Founder David Bash has several acts lined up, many of which fans have enjoyed at previous IPO - Chicago shows. There are also a fair amount of first-timers. Named after Material Issue’s stellar debut album, the festival was born in Los Angeles back in 1997. Bash has added IPO festivals around the globe over the years, with 2025 featuring stops in Chicago, Liverpool, Stockholm, Los Angeles, San Diego, Vancouver, New York, Boston, and Toronto.
There are no newcomers among the six acts performing this Friday night. In fact, Alpine Subs will be IPO - Chicago’s opening act for at the third straight year. The six-member band has released four albums of easy-going melodic pop since 2019, with this year’s double album Up With Geese being the latest. The Queue have been bringing their melodic Brit pop style tunes to International Pop Overthrow - Chicago for quite a few years now, and their latest single is “Love Save Us All.” Earlier efforts include the hard-edged 2018 EP Fire And Lies. Indie rockers The Pickpockets are also IPO - Chicago vets, and their webpage shows they pursue a variety of approaches and instrumentation on their songs.
The group Bur released Snowy Chloe, its latest full-length album, this past January, and it’s a strong follow-up to their impressive 2022 album We Are Bur. They’ve also dropped a few singles and EPs along the way, all with an emphasis on engaging harmonies on ornate pop and guitar-driven rock. The 321’s are a newer arrival on the Chicago music scene, but have already notched several gigs while delivering what they describe as “a sonic experience that is captivating and revolutionary.” Custard Flux, AKA The Luck Of Eden Hall founding member Gregory Curvey, is another IPO - Chicago veteran. The adventurous prog rock musician has a new album titled Enter Xenon coming out on June 1.
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 even see the band perform.
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