Locals Only sat down with La Armada guitarist Paúl Rivera to talk about the band’s Dominican roots, the importance of diversity in hardcore, and what’s in store for the group in 2023. Continue reading La Armada’s Paúl Rivera on diversity in Chicago hardcore
Last weekend, fans of Chicago art, music, and skating flocked to Logan BLVD skate park for Shred Your Standards Fest. The first day of the fest was photographed by Zack Lewandowski, whose knack for capturing the energy of the crowd in his live music photography conveys the lively, buzzing atmosphere of Chicagoland DIY shows. Continue reading Shred Your Standards Photo Gallery
Whether you’re looking for an all-ages costume party or want to attend a metal fest at a 21+ venue, Locals Only has compiled a guide to Halloween shows going on around Chicagoland that features tons of festive, age-inclusive options. Continue reading Hall-O-Weekend Show Guide
On Friday, September 30, Demo Division released their debut EP, “Wish You Were Here.” The punchy, pop rock debut arrives just four months after the group released their first single, but don’t let the current, cohesive sound of these four tracks fool you — this record was actually seven years in the making. Continue reading Demo Division Wishes You Were Here
When I’m angry at the state of the world, I’m always rudely reminded that no matter how pissed off I am, there are so few (socially acceptable) ways in which I’m able to release my bitterness and go unhinged. I find comfort in the local scene where there are bands who are setting out to relieve their own stress – bands like Aurora punks Mazard. … Continue reading Mazard: Bring it All Out
On April 16, the duo will host a drag show release party for the “Devil Girl” music video at Liar’s Club, complete with live band and drag queen performances. Before you head to the premiere party, read our interview with Birdy and Shaman. Continue reading Sweetie Hosts a Devil Girl Party at Liar’s Club
$1 Beer Night at Sleeping Village in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood is already an alluring grab for any local venue, but booking illusion of choice, INSTILL, and BUGGIN on the three-band bill this past Monday made it an unforgettable night — that is, unless you took advantage of those cheap PBRs. Continue reading Chicago Hardcore Night at Sleeping Village
It was a bitter cold Chicago night — in fact, the whole United States was experiencing a punishing freeze. The last week’s snowfall gave way to blistering freezes that solidified the sidewalks into sheets of ice fit for a zamboni. Luckily, the roads were clear enough for show-goers to make it out to Schubas Tavern in Lakeview on a Saturday night. Continue reading Your Arms Are My Cocoon & Mush at Schubas
On November 16, Old Coke and Habitats opened for touring acts Honeymoon from Ohio and Cursetheknife from Oklahoma City at Golden Dagger — photographer Heriberto Gallegos was there to capture the entire show. Although Old Coke has only played a few shows, their sludgy set was an energetic start to the night that filled the small venue with catchy fuzz riffs. Habitats opened with “A … Continue reading Habitats & Old Coke at Golden Dagger
It’s been one year since X Will Mark The Place released Babble — an energetic four-track EP that attacks listeners’ ears with dancey punk grooves — but just three months since the band made their live debut. In this interview, vocalist/guitarist Eric Centeno discusses what was running through his head when he wrote the lyrics to the songs he released a year ago; the band’s … Continue reading X Will Mark The Place Celebrates The One-Year Anniversary of Babble
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