Best Of Around Hear ’08

Each January, we dedicate part of “Around Hear” to those low-profile local artists who are our favorites from the passing year – the results of our staff and freelancers combing clubs and stacks of CDs for more than the booze and adulation we normally receive. This is by no means an attempt to make a definitive guide of “the best” acts, rather 10 friendly suggestions to our loyal readers looking for something fresh or that elusive next-big-thing.

The Assembly is gathering converts and is poised to break through thanks to multiple appearances on Q101, headlining stints at Metro, and the recent release of a self-produced, 12-song CD, The Tide Has Turned. The self-described electro-rockers (comprising two brothers on vocals/guitars/synths and a solid drum/bass rhythm pair) hum with energy that at times is moody and atmospheric and at other times forges straightahead with guitar-driven alternative rock, tied together with a polished David Bowie-like vocal delivery. (www.myspace.com/theassemblyband)
– Jason Scales

Lots of rappers talk about how hard they hustle, but Northwest Side rep Astonish actually puts in the work to stand out as an indie artist. After dropping his solid Molemen-backed debut, From Now Until Forever, the rising MC put on countless live-wire shows in ’08, opening for heavyweights like Bun B and even driving to Austin’s South By Southwest. While his lyrical boasts can sometimes be inflated, Astonish’s sharp flow and wordplay are no doubt worthy of being heard beyond Chicago city limits. (www.myspace.com/astonishmusic)
– Max Herman

With a refreshing lack of pretension, writing finely crafted pop songs that whistle and snap with sprightly zeal, Cries Tiger qualifies as a local treasure. Its music is vibrant and upbeat with folksy piano playing harmonic counterpoint to crisp guitar and nimble percussion. Catchy melodies and witty arrangements buoy simple, but intelligent narratives constructed from lyrics that are evocative and fresh without being obtuse or inscrutable. Exuding an air of summery, insouciant joy, Bear Traps And Sack Lunches is an endlessly enjoyable album. (www.myspace.com/criestiger)
– Patrick Conlan

Female singer-songwriters these days have tried all sorts of gimmicks to get noticed. Sometimes, like in the case of Andrea Dawn, though, nothing more is needed than a voice, emotion, and a piano. Whether she’s alone or teaming with fellow singer-songwriter Jeremy Junkin, Dawn delivers vocals with a rare authenticity that seep subtly into your soul. Though she reveals shades of memorable vocalists like Fiona Apple and Marketa Irglova throughout her blues/jazz/folk creations, such comparisons paint an incomplete picture of Dawn’s full artistry. (www.andreadawnmusic.com)
– Carter Moss

Chicago quintet Demilos is versatile enough to cover a range of music but not take itself too seriously. Its Myspace profile, in addition to offering performance videos and songs like the melodic “Catch The Cure,” implores fans to “Observe our sleek turkey bodies” at gigs. That offbeat humor is evident on Demilos’ debut CD, Peaking Through The High Hats. All five members sing while exploring indie rock, country & western, blues, and 1960s-style pop with lush harmonies. (www.myspace/demilos)
– Terrence Flamm

Between dates with blues legend Otis Taylor and hippie heroes Jefferson Starship, not to mention the release of Gravity And Faith, it has been a banner year for Anne Harris. The singer-songwriter/fast-action fiddler continues to raise the bar on a soulful blend of folk, pop, and roots rock on record, while her deft instrumental abilities continue to resonate in concert. Outside sheer entertainment, the troubadour is always brimming with socially conscious, and at times, intently personal lyrics as memorable as thought-provoking. (www.myspace.com/anneharrismusic)
– Andy Argyrakis

Javelinas has found a winning combination of hooks, heart, and plain-old Rust Belt rock ‘n’ roll. It can be sweet and melodic one moment then unleash black sheets of guitar rain the next without obscuring the song. Comparisons to The Rainmakers, Social Distortion, or even the harder side of The Smithereens are all valid. Seven Sisters is ample display of the bands’ ability, and songs like “High Horse” and the title track are nothing but cool. (www.myspace.com/javelinas)
– Mike O’Cull

Reptoids‘ ’04 self-titled demo EP was O.K. but a far cry from ’05’s Park A Tiger EP, which is a far cry from ’08’s Slayed EP. Notice a pattern (besides only EP releases)? Reptoids has taken leaps and bounds with each record, starting as a punky Sleater-Kinney act and turning into a bona-fide, Sanford Parker-production-worthy, grunge metal outfit. If guitarists/vocalists Melissa Koehl and Karen Binor hadn’t lost their entire rhythm section last year, we would have seen more of them, but Koehl promises domination this year. (www.myspace.com/reptoids)
– Trevor Fisher

Speck Mountain may reside in the Windy City, but the duo’s heart lies in a specifically foreign locale, real or imagined. “Stockholm,” from the seven-song debut Summer Above, projects barren, snowy landscapes like a National Geographic arctic photo shoot. Formerly a four-piece, now only singer Marie-Claire Balabanian and guitarist Karl Briedrick remain (searching for a keyboardist and drummer) to tend to the spacy atmospherics. The band’s first Carrot Top Records release, Some Sweet Relief, hits shelves March 17th. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, indeed. (www.myspace.com/speckmountain)
– Janine Schaults

Since IE reviewed the The Tonellis in July, the band has snuck in a few live shows to enthusiastic response. Enthusiastic enough to encourage the core trio to add a multi-instrumentalist and rhythm section. Now the group is working on both unplugged and electric sets to expand its gigs. Either way, shows will feature all of the songs from the band’s debut, Verse Chorus Verse, along with material from some of the band’s favorite artists and adding new Tonellis’ tunes (setting the stage for the next CD) as soon as they’re polished. (www.myspace.com/thetonellis
– David C. Eldredge

Category: Around Hear, Columns, Monthly