Being from the Midwest I have grown accustomed to changing the type of music I predominately listen to based on the season. Luckily, most of the time my transition month or so leads me searching for new bands that can help get through our Chicago winters. Dead Man Winter is just that band for this year. Having had the chance to see them this past week at Schubas solidified just why I love the Chicago music scene’s ability to find any genre of music playing live on any given night . Lately, I have been leaning towards electronic heavily processed music and it was such a thrill to see great live musicians that truly play their instruments with such passion that it’s impossible to not become part of each song.

Dead Man Winter is comprised of members from the band Trampled by Turtles plus others which is what originally caught my attention. However, the heavy country rock sound of Dead Man Winter is what kept my attention, as well as the other concert goers.  Kick butt fiddle playing had everyone toe tapping, or even stamping to the contagious beat within the first couple songs. The crowd had a couple fans that new most of the words to the songs, that can not be described any other way then Midwest boys born and raised. For the fist time in a long time the room was full of people wearing flannel, but not to be fashionable. This type of crowd was perfect to get rowdy and dance around to some of the more lively tunes, but the real test came when a packed room became silent to listen to a slow song that evoked a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

Bright Lights is the name of Dead Man Winter’s new album and the name is perfectly suited to the overall feel of the album. I wanted nothing more then to get in my car, windows down, drive and blare this album on a country road leaving the bright lights of the city behind.  Having not been familiar enough yet with their songs prior to the show to consider myself a “fan” quite yet. I certainly was able to leave the show an official fan.

During a live performance this band makes time stand still and forces the audience to go back to a care free time of being able to grab a beer and enjoy the company of a room full of strangers. There is some unwritten understanding that for the length of each song we are experiencing something too enjoyable to do anything but stop and take it all in.

Please check in on their website for any possible shows that might be scheduled in the future near you. Until then check out Bright Lights and enjoy!

 

All photos (c) Daniela Montelongo