Digging Up The Good Stuff

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 12, 2008 9:00PM

Chicago has been particularly successful in generating a bunch of dance rock band worth buzzing about -- Walter Meego, Hey Champ, Prairie Cartel, etc. -- and now we can add another to that list with Parks And Gardens. This newer group doesn't really deviate from the form of loop and sample laden rockin' designed with the discotheque in mind, but instead of utilizing those elements to create a cliche they inject an angular artsiness into their songs. In effect this creates a minor agitation in the listener, and we think that's kind of a bold move for any band trying to ingratiate themselves with a crowd not particularly interested in anything beyond basic Sybaritic pleasure. It's this element that bonds Parks And Gardens with the aforementioned bands, and helps raise them -- and the Chicago dance music scene in general -- above the countless other drones aping the style.

Parks And Gardens plays the Life During Wartime Dance Party, tomorrow, September 13, at Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia, 9 p.m., $8, 21+