Friday, May 2, 2025

IPO - Chicago: First Half Of The Double Bill Finale


Photo from Free Joel Facebook page
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International Pop Overthrow - Chicago will wrap up its 2025 run at Montrose Saloon with a pair of showcases tomorrow; one in the afternoon, and then the finale at night. Looking at both sets for this last day serves as a reminder of the eclectic approach IPO Founder David Bash takes in choosing the acts he’ll present. This year, I’m breaking Saturday’s sets into two separate posts. Here’s the lowdown on the afternoon acts.

The band Sensational Gnus is a fairly new (or gnu if we’re staying in pun mode) band comprising “two CPS teachers and two CPS middle schoolers, helped out by a ringer violin player and an awesome trumpet player.” Their Facebook page also hints at a connection with the LaRue DeVille band, which features former members of The Red Wigglers. A bit hard to follow, but if they’re as adventurous as The Red Wigglers, this set should be fun. The power pop band The Thin Cherries have released two albums and a few singles dating back to 2017, with material ranging from the mysterious “I Love Your Ghost” to the catchy though still a bit unsettling “Weird World.” The band’s vocalist-guitarist Steven Delisi has released solo music they can also perform. Otter Petter have been releasing music for 15 years, with their latest recording being last summer’s Cobwebs EP. Their melodic and guitar-driven pop songs, such as “The Rest Of The World” and “Surfer Girls” have made them long-time favorites at IPO - Chicago.

Indiana natives Free Joel create hard-edged funk rock originals such as “Another Day” and “Can’t Sleep,” along covers such as The Beatles’ “Yer Blues” and Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out.” They’ve got an energetic stage presence led by vocalist-guitarist Noah Martin, and have released five singles and an EP since 2023. The Indiana talent continues with Status Foe, a quartet that performs hard-edged rock with a message on the Indianapolis music scene. On “Learn It For A Fee,” lead vocalist-guitarist Colby Holmes offers nothing-ventured-nothing-gained advice while the song remains melodic. Other impressive songs in that vein include “Lenses Of Greed,” and “Propagate.” Judging from the Satellite Union Facebook page, tomorrow’s set at IPO - Chicago will be the band’s first 2025 gig. These guys draw on classic rock of years past for melodic and guitar-powered songs such as “Mix Tape,” “Dirt Road” and “Leave My Heart,” so I’m sure they’ll do fine.

Check the official International Pop Overthrow website for the full Chicago 2025 schedule. You’ll also find links for most of the acts who’ll be participating 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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