Irishmen, Somebody's Child, make an early stop in Chicago
The night starts off on a not-so-chilly Tuesday night (2/24) in Chicago's very own Beat Kitchen. The air outside was easy to breathe.. it wasn't thick like it is in the summer, nor was it sharp like on those negative degree days. This was a special occasion for me; it was, technically, my first show after a full year of doing this, and I was able to share the night with a friend of mine - someone I just recently introduced to the band. I was asked if I could come a little early to capture some shots for the opener. It was a no brainer to me; seeing openers is half the fun because you never know who you're going to meet or find. This is actually how I found one of my, current, favorite bands over a year and a half ago. This time was no exception - and will also be a perfect segue into the night's opener.
Three brothers - Henri, Wilson, and Zan - is all that is the band Morrissey Blvd. The band doesn't have very many songs out, but they sure do know their songs well, and there isn't anything better than a masterfully performed show. The crazy part is that it almost felt like their performance was, at least slightly, improved - something that felt [almost] more like a jam session than an actual concert. There's something beautiful and special about that.. just watching three brothers in their element - loving every minute of what they do with the people that they've known their entire lives.
In the coming days after their performance, I took some time to really take in their studio/recorded work. While it has similar elements, it's definitely a little slower and slightly less 'electric,' but not in a way whatsoever. I think there's a time and a place for both types of energy. The concert vibe is what I would expect from a live performance, while their recorded work is something that I would like to sit down and work to. Songs like "Black Tea" are for the days I want to write or whip something up in the kitchen - on the days I get inspired by a special someone; meanwhile, song(s) like "Cabaret" are songs I would definitely listen to while editing and/or working my regular 9-5 - to help keep me focused and keep a good workflow.
In any case, Morrissey Blvd. is definitely a band to keep your eyes on. They're one of those bands that don't have a set sound, which definitely helps keep things light and flow-y - while still maintaining a soulful sound.
Once Morrissey Blvd. was done, the crowd was warmed up... if that's who was opening, I couldn't wait for Somebody's Child. When those lights went out and the band took the stage, it went quiet.. only four members up on stage. Where was the fifth? It took me a second to notice, but right next to me, waiting for his cue, was Cian Godfrey - lead singer and frontman of Somebody's Child. As much as I wanted to wish him luck, he was completely locked-in - waiting for his cue to jump up on stage. In hindsight, I probably had the time, as this moment felt like an eternity, but the last thing I wanted to do was be the one responsible for breaking his concentration.
The minute he jumped on stage, the lights flickered on.. a bright orange-red. However, it wasn't loud - it was subtle. A gradual progression to sound. A gradual progression to rhythm. They were building the suspense and letting their instruments do the introductions - starting off with one of their newer songs (with a longer introduction), "The Kid." The first two songs were from their newest album, "When Youth Fades Away," which seems to be more of an album of remembrance, nostalgia, and self-reflection/self-discovery - growing pains.
For their third song, Somebody's Child performed "Broken Record" - which just so happens to be one of my favorite songs. Every time it comes on, I sing it with my entire being. They switched back and forth between both albums, which was just like a rollercoaster of emotions - in all of the best ways. Somebody's Child is nothing short of an amazing band. You can tell they feed off of the energy in the crowd. The more the crowd let loose, the more intense the band got. So, by the time we got to "Jungle," Cian was in the crowd and we had both other guitarists (Shae & Patrick) leaning over us from the stage.
All in all, while their latest album had everyone in their emotions - with a sparkle in their eyes - their first album had everyone jumping around with their hands in the air. They are amazing artists, both, live and recorded. However, I believe I read somewhere that Cian mentioned that their music was meant to be performed live. I can now say that I agree. They have so much raw emotion, amazing energy, and confidence that I believe that they are a band that everyone should see live.. and I can't wait for the rest of the U.S. to catch onto them.
Lastly, I just wanted to say thank you and show my gratitude to both of these bands for coming to Chicago and play an amazing show and for having me! Thank you to Somebody's Child's team for setting all of this up.
Wishing you the best! - Jay
