Chicago’s Brit-pop collective headline three dates at Schubas to close out 2006, but the more intriguing act tonight is the bluesy, soulful and countrified Catfish Haven, whose “Tell Me” is one of the best local releases of this year. The record eloquently delves deep into the psyche of crooner George Hunter, his relationship woes and losses and regrets. Is it sappy? Maybe a little. But most of the time the band keeps the melody upbeat, with a more alt-country feel than anything else. And even when Hunter and crew slow things down a bit, like on the sweet and warm “Down by Your Fire,” it’s endlessly affecting and pure and true. You can almost hear Hunter’s heartbeat. The Redwalls’ incessant badgering and poking at high-energy Beatlesesque songcraft—complete with mock-Brit vocals—catches you at first, then gets annoying. (Tom Lynch)
Cool Aid: A Review of Situation Chicago 2 The album does an outstanding job of bringing home the staggering sonic and stylistic range we deny ourselves when we return too often to the same genre well.
A Sheen of Synth: A Review of Safety Town’s “Fake It” The album tracks between moods and grooves, yet makes a single coherent statement of where this artist is at this particular moment. It’s also tremendous fun.
