Chicago – Thank goodness the temperature dropped the other night because Subterranean was packed to the rafters. With Fall approaching, the usually stuffy venue was cooler than normal, making the show much more enjoyable. Über cool LA trio Sir Sly and UK symphonic rockers Wolf Gang sold out the Wicker Park concert hall. These Cherrytree Records artists have been on a co-headlining tour since the end of August. Chicago was one of their last stops on the “Cherrytree Presents” month-long US tour in support of their new albums: You Haunt Me and Alveron.
LA indie rockers Sir Sly put on a killer show, complete with their own lights, but honestly, these guys could have easily filled a bigger stage in a larger venue. Between releasing the chart-topping single “Gold,” touring with The 1975 and St. Lucia, and playing Firefly and Sasquatch! this summer, these Cali boys have been pretty busy making a name for themselves. Although, fans were surely happy to see Sir Sly in an intimate setting, especially considering they won’t be playing tiny stages for much longer.
Lead singer Landon Jacobs, drummer Hayden Coplen and keyboardist Jason Suwito energetically bounced around the cramped stage, danced on speakers, and at one point, Jacobs rolled around the floor before jumping up and climbing the old wooden banister up to the balcony. As he clung on tight, singing to the crowd upstairs, fans ran to snap photos with their phones.
Jacobs and the gang were in great spirits, having just released their debut album, You Haunt Me. Jacobs said, “On Tuesday we released our album, and it’s Friday so we’re gonna party our asses off because its the end of our debut week. This song’s on the album. It’s called ‘Too Far Gone.’” Fans screamed in excitement. The guys played plenty of new songs off You Haunt Me, like “Found You Out,” “Leave You,” and “Inferno.”
The album is fantastic, and it’s extra impressive knowing that Sir Sly recorded, produced, mixed and mastered it in their personal recording studio. Sir Sly’s sound has been compared to Alt-J and Foster The People, but it’s worth noting these self-proclaimed rap fans use many musical genres to influence a sound that is uniquely their own. Also impressive: hearing and seeing the band perform title track “You Haunt Me.” The band made use of their extra touring partners, doubling up with two drummers and Suwito and Jacobs on keys. It was a striking sight to witness. Jacobs eventually left his keys and fell to the floor, flailing his legs in air, making his spiked shoes glisten in the light. The room boomed in cheers and applause.
Before playing the single “Miracle,” Jacobs said, “This song’s about when nothing goes right, and you don’t know why.” The room again filled with cheers. Later Jacobs stood at the edge of the stage and said, “We wanna say thank you guys so much for coming out and selling out this Friday. What an awesome way to end our week after putting out our first album! Here’s a cover for you. It’s by Drake.” The guys then broke into “Marvin’s Room.” Applause spread through SubT, floating up to the balcony.
Sir Sly ended their set with their radio hit “Gold.” Jacobs screamed, “Let’s go fucking wild, huh?” The band was bathed in yellow lights, making them look like golden rock gods. Arms waved to the beat. Jacobs hollered, “Chicago, you have been fucking incredible!”
Wolf Gang closed out the night with a mix of old and new. The alternative rockers made a splash back in 2011 with their debut Suego Faults. They’ve since toured with Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, The Killers, and their good friends Bastille. Best New Bands’ Ruth Griffin caught Wolf Gang this past May at The Parish in Austin and wrote, “Oozing with sugary synths melodies and a catchy lyric at every turn, the performance had the whole crowd moving.” This was every bit true. Fans danced along, clapped to the beats, and sang along to “Back To Back,” “Black River,” and their latest single, “Lay Your Love Down.”
Lead vocalist Max McElligott announced they’d soon be releasing their sophomore album Alveron – which was produced by Flood (U2, NIN, & PJ Harvey) – and then played the title track. If “Alveron” is any indication of what the entire album holds in store, we’re in for a real treat.
Sir Sly and Wolf Gang were remarkable! Although this “Cherrytree Presents” tour is coming to a close, both bands will soon be back on the road. Follow Sir Sly on facebook for upcoming tour dates. Head over to iTunes to purchase You Haunt Me. Follow Wolf Gang on twitter for news of when Alveron will be released and upcoming tour dates.
Photos By Sarah Hess
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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