Tomorrow Never Knows Music Festival Returns This Week
By Jessica Mlinaric in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 13, 2014 7:20PM
Superchunk, seen here performing at last year's Hideout Block Party, is part of this year's Tomorrow Never Knows 2014 lineup. (Photo credit: Senor Codo.)
Tomorrow Never Knows returns this week to lure Chicagoans from their lairs with a five day music festival. Now in its tenth year, the festival spans venues including Schubas, Lincoln Hall, Metro, Smart Bar, and Athenaeum Theatre to feature indie talent on the rise. The Hideout will host TNK's comedic performances as it has in the last few years. Whether you’re discovering new or enjoying established acts, the lineup is generally a great way to acquaint yourself with things to come in indie music for the year. Chicagoist has rounded up some of our favorite picks of the more than twenty shows at Tomorrow Never Knows, which runs from January 15 - 19.
Cayucas at Lincoln Hall, January 15
Chase away any remnants of the polar vortex with the sunny surf-pop of Cayucas. The Santa Monica outfit recalls Vampire Weekend with nostalgia-driven, sun-dappled tunes and reverb-y vocals. Obey the command to “snap your fingers, come on clap your hands” and soak up Cayucas’ California cool.
The Jim Jones Revue at Schubas, January 15
The London band brings a rollicking brand of punk-leaning blues rock to the stage. Expect the Jim Jones Revue to rock the roof off the place with a key slamming, foot stomping howl.
Betty Who at Schubas, January 16
We won’t be wondering who Jessica Newham is for long. The Australian-born pop singer’s bold synth sound bridges 80’s sweethearts with the likes of Robyn and Katy Perry. Get a first listen at tracks from Betty Who's forthcoming follow-up EP to last year’s The Movement.
Snarky Puppy at Metro, January 16
This Texas collective of nearly thirty musicians is changing the face of jazz fusion. Snarky Puppy energetically integrates funk, soul, rock, and dance elements and is nominated for a “Best R&B Performance” Grammy. Snarky Puppy’s appeal reaches beyond strict jazz fans; you just need appreciate a good groove.
The Rural Alberta Advantage at Lincoln Hall, January 17
Get your indie folk fix with Canadian trio The Rural Alberta Advantage. The band coveys the yearning of expansive northern landscapes with earnest songwriting and frenetic rhythm erupting out of nostalgic reflection. Look forward to a preview of new material from this JUNO nominated band's third album.
Weekend at Schubas, January 17
If you’re here for R&B crooner the Weeknd, the psychedelic post-punk of Weekend might come off as loud. The Bay Area turned Brooklyn trio’s 2009 debut Sports demanded attention and they continue to deliver in brutal, fuzzed out garage form.
San Fermin at Schubas, January 17
Helmed by Brooklyn composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone, the chamber pop ensemble’s debut navigates a gorgeous study of relationships. Between the multiple vocalists, strings, horns, and more enjoy hearing San Fermin’s grand arrangements come together for a compelling live performance.
Superchunk at Metro, January 18
One could argue indie rock festivals wouldn’t’ exist without Superchunk. The iconic Chapel Hill band has offered up assailing alt-rock since 1989, and their latest release, 2013’s I Hate Music, offers a reflection on Superchunk’s 25 years in music served with their signature bite.
Yuck at Lincoln Hall, January 19
Yuck appeared out of London in 2009 with a scuzzy, grunge inclined debut that landed them a slot on the festival circuit. For last year’s follow-up, Glow and Behold, the band swapped out a frontman and dialed up the shoegaze gaining admiration for their wistful melodies.
Indians at Schubas, January 19
Copenhagen multi-instrumentalist Søren Løkke Juul draws upon the lyrical sensibilities of artists like Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver to create a splendid, layered soundscape. By playing every instrument in this one man project and self-releasing his 2012 debut, Indians creates his own sweeping and delicate electro-folk atmosphere.
All shows 9 pm 18+ $15 unless otherwise noted. A five day pass is $100