Chicago – The line inched out through the front door and around the corner. Fans could be overheard anxiously asking if there were any tickets left. Schubas staff had to break the sad news to those who snoozed on tickets that the Strange Talk show had indeed sold out. I did not find this surprising, but Melbourne rockers Stephen Docker, Gillan Gregory, Gerard Sidhu, and Travis Constable were shocked and down right blown away. These Neon Gold alumni started to gain attention in 2011 with their self-titled EP and the single “Climbing Walls.” Since then, a handful of their songs have been featured in TV shows, commercials, video games, and the Zac Efron movie That Awkward Moment, propelling them into many people’s musical radar. With Chicago fans making this their first official sold out show of their headlining tour in the States, perhaps these Australian pop stars have finally crossed over into the American market thanks to some clever advertising, the U.S. release of their debut album Cast Away through Wind-Up Records, and of course, their irresistibly catchy, new wave inspired dance tunes.
The handsome Aussies started Thursday night off with “Is This Real?” The girls who had practically camped out at the front of the stage all night shouted in excitement. They eventually calmed and drunkenly danced off beat. Gregory, Sidhu, and Docker glanced at each other and smiled in amusement. In fact, smiles filled their faces all night, exposing their sense of pride and accomplishment. Sidhu and Docker should be proud of how much they’ve accomplished in only four years time. The guys broke from their upbeat indie electronica express for a minute to gush about it, and the two introduced the first song they ever wrote together: “Cosmic Synchronicity.” Docker sang his heart out on this unreleased number.
Halfway through the night, and after a little playful instrumental of TLC’s “No Scrubs,” Docker made it known that they had reached the part of the show where they really “turn the bandroom into a fucking dance floor!” The packed room began jumping up and down to the beat, making the wooden floor shake, while the guys played the synth fueled “Falling in Love.” Booties were shaking and fists were pumping. Drinks were spilling. Schubas grand old music room had briefly turned into a club, complete with sweaty, pulsating bodies filled with the insatiable desire to dance with whoever was near, in a “Sexual Lifestyle” kind of way.
Of course the boys played their latest single “Young Hearts.” Before the song, Docker asked if anyone had heard of this thing called Snapchat. A mix of hoots and laughs filled the room. Snapchat featured “Young Hearts” in their video chat commercial, which went out to everyone who uses the app, making the song heard by way too many people to count. When the melody hit, phones rose to record the moment, making the room glow. During the chorus, Docker’s face lit up with wonderment and excitement. He smiled brightly as the audience sang along with him: “We’re young hearts. Look at us go. All we really need is a stereo.” Earlier in the night, he said the band had not expected such success on this tour. Docker thanked the crowd over and over again. He mused that although many musicians say at every show that the crowd has been the best ever, he was genuine is saying that Chicago had been the wildest so far; making this show their favorite and well worth the tiring two and a half day drive from Seattle.
When Strange Talk announced they’d reached the last song of the night, the venue echoed collective sounds of sadness. The guys promised they’d be back to Chicago soon, along with some new material. People in the audience screamed out for some more TLC. The guys broke into an awkward attempt at “Waterfalls,” and then among laughs said they’d also come back with a rehearsed cover of the TLC hit. “Eskimo Boy” ended their set, and the 80s vibe pumped up the room for one final dance session.
Before Strange Talk took the stage, Chicago band Future Feats got things going with their infectious indie pop. Less than a year old, this band has been making noise around the Midwest, having opened for Youngblood Hawke, Betty Who, and Hunter Hunted. Critics have been comparing Future Feats’ sound to Passion Pit. One listen to their single “Cities in Wonder” and you’ll understand why. Most notable about Future Feats’ performance Thursday night was their ability to stir the audience into a frenzy with songs like “Diamonds,” which by the way feature some stellar drumming! These Chicago boys have been working on an album in LA with John Fields (P!nk), so expect to be hearing more from them soon!
Cast Away is available for purchase in stores or online. If you’d like to see Strange Talk live, you can keep an eye out for upcoming tour dates on their facebook page.
You can check out Future Feats’ original music and remixes on Soundcloud and purchase their single “Cities in Wonder” on iTunes.
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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