Concert Review: Art Brut

Art Brut
April 20, 2007
Subterranean - Chicago
@@@@ (out of 5)

After seeing the Kaiser Chiefs at the Vic (for which I had pre-bought a ticket) I ventured over to Subterranean on North Avenue to see if I could get into the sold out Art Brut show. I managed to, for just $20, and am glad I did. Of course, I say that on Monday morning, having survived a packed and immensely hot venue, a crazy drunk moron jumping into people and a floor that seemed it could've crashed down onto the level below (despite the venue's name, the showroom is in a loft). But whereas many could see the Kaiser Chiefs as a fun, energetic band, with a bit of quirkiness and a cheeky lead singer -- and they pretty much are -- Art Brut outdistance them in pretty much all these regards, and their performance was just more impressive. Lead singer Eddie Argos was pretty much the entire focal point, and though far from a Bonoish, Vedderish, etcish, frontman or even singer, you couldn't deny his charm or entertainment value. If these guys took themselves seriously, I'd probably hate them, but that they're in on the joke, makes them all the more fun.

Concert Review: Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs
April 20, 2007
Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL
@@@1/2

The Kaiser Chiefs played an hour of pretty good, occasionally inspired, songs from their two pretty good, occasionally inspired, albums. Any longer would have been too long and a half-hour shorter may have been sufficient. Lead singer Ricky Wilson is quite energetic and affable, and a sold out 1,500-person Chicago crowd seemed sufficiently into these British superstars. But, and I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, if you catch a couple live clips of the Kaiser Chiefs on YouTube, that will likely suffice.