Thursday night i jaunted out to the hot and muggy Bada Brew in the quaint Chicago Suburb of Crest Hill to catch three somewhat unknown bands out of California. The Chicago area was a steam bath of a day as the temperatures hit the upper 90’s and the humidity instantly made you drip with sweat. Bada Brew was packed with drenched bodies anticipating the uniquely different bands that were to grace the stage that evening.
First up was the fiery 9Electric, these guys have a torrid mix of rock, metal and electronic influences in their music. I had the opportunity a few months back to interview Ron “Thunderwood” Underwood and then see these guys open for Stitched Up Heart and Lacuna Coil at Bottom Lounge in Chicago. 9Electric’s debut album “The Damaged Ones” dropped last week and the guys thrashed about the Bada Brew stage as “Thunderwood” ventured out into the masses a few times making it a total interactive experience. “Thunderwood” engages the crowd and makes each and every one of them a part of the show. 9Electric made a ton of new fans as they knocked out tunes like “Time Bomb”, “The Damaged Ones” and “New God”. It was an A+ performance.
Next up was Stitched Up Heart led by the sultry Mixi on the mic, Decker killing it on the drums, Merritt and Dorian on the guitar and Randy on the bass. Stitched Up Heart’s first album “Never Alone” was released about a month ago and prior to their set on Thursday I had the chance to sit with Mixi in their tour bus (actually it was just a van) and conduct and interview with her on a few interesting topics. As for the bands set, Mixi knows how to seduce the crowd with her stage presence, her powerful voice and stunning looks. Her vocals on their hit song “Monster” were incredible, they also pulled out the tunes “Catch Me When I Fall”, “Now That You’re Gone” and a handful of other favorites. While performing, Mixi loves to whip her hair about and while signing she reaches out to the masses as to bring them closer to her inner soul. If you have a chance to see them next time they are in your area, do not miss it.
The headliners for the night and fresh off their early Sunday set on the second stage at the first annual Chicago Open Air were Gemini Syndrome. Even though it was only a few days ago that they last played in the Chicago area, they were incredible once again. Vocalist Aaron Nordstrom took the stage with his white dreads flowing as he belted out the mesmerizing tunes “Remember We Die”, “Stardust”, “Eternity” and others. Aaron’s vocals hypnotized the throng of fans who braved the stagnant moist air to observe the magical experience that is Gemini Syndrome.
The entire night was filled with pure rock music mixed in with each bands unique blend of personalities and sounds. The next time you see or hear that 9Electric or Stitched Up Heart or Gemini Syndrome coming to your town it is a must that you check them out.
