RECOMMENDED The boys at Bombay Beatbox are back again with the return of a favorite guest and the Chicago debut of a new one. The former is San Francisco’s Janaka Selekta, who weaves a darkly sensual musical fabric over Eastern influences and rolling breakbeats. The latter is global dub-loving collective Sub Swara, whose unique live/electronic hybrid performances have been heating up dance floors in their hometown of New York City and beyond. Although Sub Swara has labeled their sound as “Indo-dub,” Janaka Selekta is actually the more musically exotic of the two acts. Sub Swara’s sound seems to owe more of its influence to dub/break masters like Freq-Nasty and Bassnectar, even occasionally sharing their penchant for juxtapositions of party beats and socially conscious lyrics (for example, check out Sub Swara’s remix of Saul Williams “Not In Our Name”). Tonight’s party is also the official pre-party for Saturday’s massive Resonate Chicago art and music event, which features both musical acts, along with scores of other DJs and live acts, interactive art and much, much more. You’d have to be a dharma bum to sleep on either event. (Duke Shin)
Sub Swara and Janaka Selekta join Bombay Beatbox residents Warp & Radiohiro at Sonotheque, 1444 West Chicago, (312)267-7600, on March 28, 9pm-2am. Visit sonotheque.net for more info. For more info on Resonate Chicago, check out resonatechicago.com
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