Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, Railway Gamblers is a predominantly Americana four-piece consisting of vocalist and guitarist Brendan Folliard, guitarist Matt Fricks, bassist Joe Sexton and drummer Sean Wilmsen. After the success of their first album Heart of the Sun the boys have once again partnered with engineer Mike Hagler of Kingsize Sound Labs to record their second full length album Shadow of the Moon, which is set for release in early January 2016.
Author: Jessica Braun Gervais
Live Review: Wild Skies, Dead Horses, Midwest (12/10) @Subterranean
Chicago is known as the home of jazz, punk and hip hop, but the Americana talent in this city is just as strong and well-developed of a genre. This notion was apparent through the performances of three semi-local bands at Subterranean on December 10th during a night of folk and Americana presented by Harmonica Dunn.
Thursday night’s show opened with Chicago folk band Midwest. Aesthetically the band was a picture perfect model of folk, filling out the stage with orchestral strings, acoustic guitars and an occasional tambourine (not to mention the physical adorableness of each member). Their hauntingly beautiful lullabies showcased the near pitch perfect harmonies between vocalists Heather Bodie and Nicolette Fendon. Paired with the violin, upright bass and pared-down drums, the music had a rustic element, perking the ear for a backwoods sound.
Show Preview: Wild Skies (12/10)
Who: Wild Skies
When: Thursday, December 10th @ 9PM
Where: Subterranean
Price: $10
Brought together by a Craigslist ad in April 2014, Wild Skies balances a blend of lyrical stories and harmonies for a modern pop-twist on traditional folk music. Their songs have an airiness making for an easy listen with strong vocals backed by steady instrumentals. Each piece feels different, yet their simplicity makes allows for cohesiveness when heard as a collection.
The night will also include performances by Dead Horses and Midwest.