Go to There: September 18 -24

By Andrew Hertzberg

Mako Siko

Tuesday, September 18th: Uh Bones at Empty Bottle (9:30 PM, 21+, $8) 
The lo-fi '60s inspired garage rock trio kicks off the show tonight, supporting similarly minded Plateus and Colleen Green on tour from California. Heavy Times headlines.

Wednesday, September 19th: Mako Siko at the Whistler (10 PM, 21+, FREE) 
In the experimental trio’s bio, you’ll see references to Sun Ra, Ennio Morricone and Dischord Records. Even a cursory listen to Dual Horizon expresses free jazz, cinematic soundscapes and layered chaos.

Thursday, September 20th: Django Django at Schubas (9 PM, 18+, $12) 
I’ve seen the term "futuristic" a couple times to describe the Scottish four-piece. But I think they owe just as much to the experimental art-pop of post-punk groups from the early 80s like the Fall and PIL as they do to Hot Chip or Cut Copy. This is the first of two nights at Schubas for their Chicago debut.

Friday, September 21st: Empires at Lincoln Hall (9 PM, 18+, $12) 
They nearly got rained out at Lollapalooza this year (fortunately got rescheduled; unfortunately at an inconvenient slot time for me to see), but there shouldn’t be a risk of that this time. The band can finally give the arena-sized Garage Hymns a proper local release show.

Saturday, September 22nd: Apache Dropout at Burlington (9 PM, 21+, $5) 
Bloomington trio write quick and snappy psychedelic rock. Bubblegum Graveyard (on Trouble in Mind Records) was released earlier this year and isn't too far off from a post-Zombie apocalypse Ramones.

Sunday, September 23rd: The Runnies at Empty Bottle (9 PM, 21+, $10)
The garage rock trio (I think there’s a theme this week) are apart of an evening to support the AIDS Run & Walk Benefit which takes place the following Sunday. Outer Minds headline, The Runnies and metal group Wizard Castle are in the middle and EntroEmcee open it up. More info on how to participate at the benefit at Chicago House.

Monday, September 24th: Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass at Double Door (8 PM, 21+, $5) 
The Japanese three piece takes a bluesy approach to punk rock that’s reminiscent of early Social Distortion. The punchiness of the songs (only samples on Soundcloud) should make for an explosive show.