Chicago’s up-and-coming Unicycle Loves You represents the inevitable outcome from a growing list of indie bands intent on blending genres no matter how seemingly incompatible. The band’s self-titled debut takes that tactic to its logical extreme: mix virtually every successful movement of the last sixty years and see what happens, resulting in ten lively, unpredictable tracks that flow without warning from Belle & Sebastian quirk-rock to late-1970s butt-rock to bluesy psych-rock back to Beach Boys pop. Eventually the album runs out of pop-culture movements to beholden and the hooks start feeling a tad stale, but at the very least, the first two-thirds come across as breezy, fun rock ‘n’ roll. Eventually, these guys may want to wean themselves off a couple of genres, but for the time being, it’s enjoyable enough to indulge in a few pop hooks and observe the evolution of a band that’s presumably a few years before its prime. (Andy Seifert)
November 8 at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, (312)929-2022
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
