Last Minute Plans: Do Not Miss Zeus At Schubas Tonight

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 24, 2014 3:30PM

Zeus, photo by Dave Gillespie

When Zeus made a rare Chicago stop earlier this year we bemoaned the fact it had been four years since their last album, and hoped that we'd get some new material from the band soon. And we have! Classic Zeus—not a greatest hits, simply a tongue-in-cheek title—was just released and luckily for us Chicago is again on their tour itinerary with the band making a stop at Schubas tonight.

The band is a powerhouse live, as songs get tossed from member to member since the band is comprised of a number of songwriters of considerable talent. This means that without a single voice, but a shared vision, the band is able to work as a unit that can reform itself behind any particular song's needs in a live setting. Simply put, watching these guys toss the reins back and forth between each other onstage is a true joy, once you close your mouth and stop gaping at how effortless they make it appear.

We're still fully digesting Classic Zeus, but upon initial listen it comes across as a bit more subdued with an eye toward more intricate song structures. The playful '60s and '70s rock vibe is still there, and there are certainly a couple fist-pimping party tunes still in the mix, but Classic Zeus seems to be a slightly more introspective affair.

Onstage, though, even the quietest Zeus songs turn into blasts of exhilaration, and we can easily see the new material fitting seamlessly next to the band's choices from their back catalog. Which brings us to the core of our recommendation: Zeus is a truly amazing live band, something they proved within seconds of hitting the stage last time they were in town, so we can't urge you strongly enough to not miss this show.

Zeus plays tonight, Sept. 24, at Schubas, 3159 N Southport, 9 p.m., $10 advance / $12 door, 21+