10 For ’10
Yourself And The Air
IE takes a look at 10 local artists who’ll look to have their biggest year ever.
CZAR
This Acumen Nation offshoot mix economical, but sludgy riffing a la C.O.C. with black-metal elements and Mastodon’s ambition.
DADDO
It’s been awhile since Chicago had a guitarist racking up awards like Daddo. After placing second in last year’s Guitar Player competition, he took home “Guitar Performance Of The Year” at the L.A. Music Awards.
HEY CHAMP
Lupe Fiasco signed this indie dance trio to his FNF label on the basis of “Cold Dust Girl,” with an eye for a spring LP.
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS
You can pick Kid, You’ll Move Mountains’ influences out all day (Arcade Fire and Mates Of State for starters), that is, if there’s time left after singing along.
LISSIE
On last year’s Why You Runnin’ EP (Fat Possum), Lissie serenaded the Mississippi River at night. Soon we’ll be the ones she’s laying down to rest.
SCOTT LUCAS
Keep your distance from Scott Lucas — he might be about to combust. Following Local H’s 12 Angry Months and his new Prairie Cartel project, Lucas strikes out on his own in February.
PUERTO MUERTO This rough-edged Chicago duo draw from Kurt Weill and The Clash, angsty femme vocals, swampy digressions . . . the sound of the Hideout on fire.
JOE PUG A singer/songwriter who banks on Dylan and Bragg with wry humor? A new Ike Reilly? We’re in.
DAPHNE WILLIS This month there’s a Lincoln Hall release party for What To Say (Vanguard), which skirts Adele and Memphis soul.
YOURSELF AND THE AIR
Jittery, nervous, forceful, volatile, atmospheric, yet melodic — to paraphrase Modest Mouse, the drive from the city to Geneva can do a lot of damage.
