Chicago – Despite the snow, rain, and hail, the line grew and grew outside The Vic on Halloween night. Chicagoans didn’t let the crazy weather ruin their evening with Junior Prom, Hunter Hunted, and Andrew McMahon. Once inside, concertgoers shed their coats, gloves, and scarves to reveal costumes, anticipation, and excitement.
LA duo Hunter Hunted had a sweet Chicago homecoming. Fans and friends of Dan Chang and Chicago native Michael Garner warmly welcomed the two and their rising indie rock band. Even those new to Hunter Hunted cheered as the touring five-piece band came running out on stage, dressed in colorful spandex Mighty Morphin Power Rangers costumes. The theme to the 90s kids show played while smoke rose up. People shouted, “Go, go Power Rangers!”
Best New Bands last caught up with Hunter Hunted when they opened for Twenty One Pilots at The Riviera in Chicago and supporting their debut EP. Since then, they’ve continued touring, and began recording a full-length, further refining their musical chops. Their growth was evident in their stage presence – Garner dominated the stage, confidently dancing around – and in a new song: “Blind Side.” They also played a song from their upcoming album titled “Ghost.” Garner joked that it seemed all to appropriate being Halloween. The room cheered to this. They also ate up what’s become Hunter Hunted’s signature cover, The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?”
Hunter Hunted ended the night with “Keep Together.” The room burst into a sing-along. Garner held out his mic to catch the chorus. He shouted, “That’s really good! Keep going!” Claps and voices became louder and louder. People sang, “We’ll keep together/ Oh we’ll make it better / Keep together / Oh let it roll.” And then Hunter Hunted rolled off stage.
New York duo Junior Prom kicked the night off, donning pimp suits and bling. Guitarist Mark Solomich danced in a glowing neon orange suit during “Run Around the Back.” Last year he and drummer Erik Ratensperger signed with Elektra Records, after the Brooklynites caught the attention of Jeff Castelaz. Their self-titled debut EP features the indie pop singles “Sheila Put The Knife Down” and “International,” which includes backup vocals from his 66 year-old landlord. (Learn more about that in our upcoming interview with Junior Prom!) The pair played their latest single “Cheap Thrills” before taking a dance break to Ginuwine’s “Pony.” Solomich told the crowd, “Take a look next to you. Whether you’re with a friend or it’s a complete stranger, just grind up next to them!” Then he joked, “That’s how babies are made!”
The room went wild for “Sheila Put The Knife Down.” Though not surprising as it’s been playing on Chicago radio for months. Unfortunately after playing the radio single, Junior Prom had to cut their set short due to technical difficulties. After some apologies, Solomich and Ratensperger used their MacBook to play Silk’s “Freak Me Baby” and danced around the stage. Then Solomich jumped off the stage to serenade a few ladies in the front row. Later in the night Ratensperger told Best New Bands that Junior Prom hopes to redeem themselves next time they play Chicago.
Hunter Hunted are on tour throughout November. Junior Prom will be touring until December. Hunter Hunted and Junior Prom are both available for purchase on iTunes.
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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