Chicago Psych Fest Returns To Blow Minds
By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 27, 2010 7:00PM
Last winter, Chicago Metaphysical Circus introduced the city’s first Psych Fest, a one-night showcase of local acts aimed at promoting sonic exploration and reproducing the underground experience in an above ground setting. In January, the festival returns for another installment, this time spanning two nights and featuring twice as many acts.
While Chicago Psych Fest 2 includes a few bands from other Midwest states, the line-up is composed largely of local acts. The Great Society Mind Destroyers, comprised of the guys who started the Chicago Metaphysical Circus, specialize in garage-rock-influenced psych. Up and comers Verma tackle the genre with a rock sensibility, creating drone soundscapes and hypnotic melodies. Black Wyrm Seed craft atmospheric jazz-psych, while Sadhu Sadhu play tranced-out, bass-heavy tunes. And perhaps most notable is El Is a Sound of Joy - they fuse noise with jazz to create vibrant, dizzying rhythms, delivered with collaborative improvisation and passionate vigor.
It’s only fitting that a fest of this nature takes place at The Hideout; nestled between warehouses in an industrial part of West Town, the venue is as intimate and dive-y as the DIY spaces and underground venues many of these bands typically play. Last year’s Psych Fest sold out, so we suggest picking up your tickets early. Single day tickets are $10 each through Ticketfly, but two-day passes will be available soon for $15. Keep your eye on Chicago Metaphysical Circus’s Facebook page for info on passes and updates on the festival.
Welcome 2 the Void: Chicago Psych Fest 2 is Friday, January 21 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. at The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia, $10 each day, 21+
Chicago Psych Fest 2 Lineup:
Friday, January 21
Mondo Drag
Catacombz
The Great Society Mind Destroyers
Plastic Crimewave Sound
Dead Luke
El Is a Sound of Joy
Saturday, January 22
Moonstone Continuum
Thunderbolt Pagoda
Sadhu Sadhu
Dark Fog
Black Wyrm Seed
Verma