Last Minute Plans: Mannequin Men At The Empty Bottle

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 4, 2010 2:40PM

If you haven’t seen Mannequin Men perform live yet, you're missing out on an essential Chicago experience. This quartet has become somewhat of a local staple, spreading their skuzzy punk-infused garage rock since 2003. If you’re a fan of The Replacements or The Black Lips (who they often perform beside), then we recommend you check out Mannequin Men tonight at the Empty Bottle.

We last saw the Men back in December, coincidentally also at the Empty Bottle, and they rocked our faces off. It was a loud, rowdy, drunken good time (even the band took a break between songs to throw back some shots), complete with tandem shouting, excessive profanity and some fairly dangerous stage antics. One of the best live acts in Chicago, the Men bring an incredible energy and chemistry to the stage. And what makes their show more like a crazy-fun party than a proper performance is that they come to have a good time just like the rest of us.

But the Men are more than just a drunken spectacle. Sure, they don’t take themselves too seriously, but they’re still serious musicians working at their craft. Their sound has always been a little loose and sloppy, but their latest album, Lose Your illusion, Too, shows them balancing that chaos with more melodies and hooks. It’s catchier no doubt, but still far from pop and still honest, simple rock ‘n roll. Joins us at the Empty Bottle tonight and decide for yourself. Openers will be Miami-based Jacuzzi Boys, another Chicago favorite CoCoComa (who you can also catch tomorrow night at Do-Division Fest) and Maximum Wage.

Mannequin Men play tonight, Friday, June 4 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 10 pm, $8, 21+