The Coke Dares

The Coke Dares
Ronny’s, Chicago
Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jumping out of an airplane and finding out halfway down your parachute fails to open will probably result in one of those life-flashing-before-your-eyes moments. The same can be said of The Coke Dares’ second full-length, Feelin’ Up (Essay/Reibenbach). The trio blast through 33 songs in less time than it takes to apply makeup and style a ‘do in the morning. It’s a strong departure from the Bloomington, Indiana boys’ day job as Jason Molina’s moody rhythm section in Magnolia Electric Co.

Singer Dr. History Doctor (or Jason Groth) channels The Dismemberment Plan’s Travis Morrison on “Ronald McDonald” while “There’s A Meth Lab On My Street” erratically bounces between goofing off and menace. The breakneck pace combined with a Grizzly Adams-like uncivilized wildness of the band’s output is about as garage as it gets — the kind that snippy neighbors like to complain about when the kids get together in the driveway for weekly rehearsals.

And if the music doesn’t put a catch in your throat, then the song titles alone should provide some comedic relief: “I Wish I Could Get As High As Neil Young Does,” “Somebody’s Got Some Time To Die Unless You’re A Zombie,” and “I’m Just Trying To Drink To Get Some Sleep” are just a few choice selections. If The Coke Dares dared to put as much effort into the actual compositions, they might be poised to take over the Midwest.

M.O.T.O and Bread And Bottle open.

— Janine Schaults

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly