Chicago Hardcore Supergroup Release Bridge Nine Records Debut Today
By Katie Karpowicz in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 15, 2014 6:00PM
Photo courtesy of Bridge Nine Records
Chicago's hardcore music scene has done more waning than waxing in the last decade but the city's legacy, which has produced widely renowned acts like The Effigies and Los Crudos, lives on.
Local four-piece Dead Ending's latest EP is both a brash example of contemporary hardcore and an ode to what came before. While it's not all rooted in the purest of hardcore rock, the members of Dead Ending's collective history alone is enough to entice you to take a listen. Vic Bondi (of Articles of Faith notoriety) fronts a band backed by Rise Against bassist Joe Principe, Alkaline Trio drummer Derek Grant and All Eyes West guitarist Jeff Dean.
Today they celebrate the release of DE III, the group's debut for Bridge Nine Records. The five-song EP clocks in at just about eight minutes and seamlessly bridges the gap between bands who began producing a heavier, faster version of punk rock in the 1980s and the ones still doing so in the present. If Bondi, Principe, Grant and Dean weren't enough for you, it also features guest vocals from fellow local punk legends Jake Burns (Stiff Little Fingers) and Jeff Pezzati (Naked Raygun).
During Chicagoist's brief conversation with guitarist Jeff Dean—also an engineer at Million Yen Studios—days before DE III dropped, he assured us that Dead Ending's jump from Alternative Tentacles means that there's more in the works for the band, despite the members' other band obligations.
"Honestly, I think we have 40 songs written. Besides the songs on these EPs, we have like 16 songs written towards a new album. A full length is definitely our next plans."
Dean told us that touring plans and a possible Chicago release party for DE III are also in the works but for now the band is just having fun with a style of music they've spent the better part of their lives being under the influence of.
"I think Dead Ending is more of a release for everybody. There really isn't any pressure. We get together when we can and when we do it's always productive."
Physical copies of DE III are available at Bridge Nine's webstore. The EP can also be purchased on iTunes.