Positive 'Tones -- Parlotones live in Chicago

Future Perfect Radio correspondent Patrick Fitzell brings us a review of The Parlotones live in Chicago. Enjoy!

Chicago, IL - Breaking into a new market can be difficult in any industry. It takes a committed, positive-thinking, motivated individual or group to gain even the slightest amount of recognition for their artistic abilities. When the Parlotones outgrew their South African musical habitat, they began a worldwide tour that has now brought them to the land of opportunity, the final test to attain rock stardom. Last night at the Bottom Lounge, the Parlotones explained backstage why they are prepared for the challenge, then proceeded to shake the high warehouse brick walls with their unique brand of intellectual dance music.

Kahn Morbee, the statesman and lead singer of the group joined drummer Neil Pauw and guitarist Paul Hodgson over 12 years ago in Johannesburg, ZA. Soon after they began jamming, Paul's brother Glenn added his ivory tickling and bass slapping skills to round out the band's sound. Through many late nights and long journeys sometimes totaling 8 hours to play one show, the Parlotones persevered and became national phenoms.

South Africa is a culturally diverse country still figuring out a way to organize and present the multitude of artistic styles based there to the population. The lack of quality mid-level venues in the country does not make it easy to cultivate musical talent such as the Parlotones. "There isn't enough infrastructure to actually provide for [local rock bands]," Morbee said with slight disappointment in his voice. Also, for better or worse, "there's not a big enough audience for one style of music to feed it, to sustain it." That reality, however, presented the band with an ultimatum: stay in South Africa or take a leap of faith and bring the stories and hopeful messages of South Africans to the world.

Dressed in black from head to toe, save for scarlet neck ties, the Parlotones opened the set with the single "Life Design." The recently released album Stardust Galaxies has already reached Platinum status back home. Much is due to the aforementioned lead single that pays homage to dedicated people who have overcome obstacles and adversity to attain their goals. It may serve as the band's mantra as they continue to be well-received at each stop across North America, Chicago included.

With South African flags waving and vuvuzelas trumpeting (thought you'd never hear that hum ever again, eh?) the Parlotones felt right at home on the Near West Side. Morbee's sweeping vocals on "Giant Mistake" sent the crowd into an uproar. Then Glenn grabbed the spotlight for a delicate piano solo to begin the romantically tragic "I'll Be There." Female audience members could not contain glass-shattering screams of enjoyment.

Don't assume the adoration causes amnesia among the band members. "It wasn't a quick or easy path to success," Morbee explained. "There were a lot of obstacles in the early days. You start to cherish the good moments...and not take them for granted." Their humility shines through in the countless ways the Parlotones give back their time and social status to champion worthy causes in Africa such as United Against Malaria and POSI+IVE Rocks.

From carting around a P.A. system in their van to playing at the 2009 South Africa Presidential Inauguration, the Parlotones' journey to stardom at home has not been the most direct. Though their tour across America winds along from the West Coast to the Northeast, the Parlotones are on a direct path to achieving great success.

The Nightwatchmen in Chicago, 4/30

FPR correspondent Patrick Fitzell was at the April 30 performance of Tom Morello's "alter ego" The Nightwatchmen in Chicago. He reviews the concert below!

Music has a long history with politics. From appearances at national conventions to campaign rallies and protest marches, musicians showcase their talents to draw more attention to worthy causes. Such is the nature of the Nightwatchman, Tom Morello’s alter ego. He appeared at the Bottom Lounge on Friday in support of the Industrial Workers of the World, the international workers union that vehemently fights to empower employees.

Morello, a card-carrying member of the IWW summoned the ghosts of past musical activists to provide the generally pro-union crowd with a great night of raucous rebel music. Joining him on the bill were folk singer Bucky Halker and self-labeled Americana group the Rust Belt Ramblers.

Solo performances by Halker and Morello book-ended the night but that was as far as the similarities went. Halker’s sweet sounding twang delivered somber songs of hard living, social injustices, and picket lines. Holding a Ph.D in American history, Halker recited lyrical stories of such notable figures as union scab Casey Jones and anarchist Emma Goldman. He invited the Ramblers on stage to conclude the set with the little diddy “Don’t Let the Bastards.”

Having already warmed up, the Ramblers had an easy time of maintaining the concertgoers’ high energy level. Lead singer “Lucky” also known as Miss Bailey Dee and her leather-clad band mates cruised through their swinging set. Playing tunes off their upcoming EP “…And Dreamers We Were,” the Ramblers displayed great showmanship for such young musicians. At one time, guitarist Johnny Chastain perched himself atop the stand-up bass of Mickey T. Craft during a solo.

Thanks to Halker and the Ramblers, audience members were eagerly anticipating Morello’s entrance. Donning his signature cap and dark aviator sunglasses, the Nightwatchman confidently strolled on stage. From that moment, Morello proved his one-man show can rock as hard as the other super groups on his résumé.

Morello began with the rebellious “Flesh Shapes the Day” and got a huge reaction from an acoustic rendering of “Guerilla Radio.” The highlight of the night had to be the final song Morello would play, but he didn’t want to do it alone. To the surprise of on-lookers, Morello invited all who could fit to jump on stage and sing the timeless “This Land Is Your Land.” Staying on topic with the closing song, Morello’s parting message was, “Take it easy, but take it.” Despite having a strong political undertone, this night was all about the power of music. No one knows that better than Morello who will continue to set the bar for supporting causes that promote dignity and respect of all people.

Streets on Fire, The Kickback, The Ivorys and Glasko at The Metro (3/26)

Streets on Fire, The Kickback, The Ivorys and Glasko played the Metro in Chicago on Friday, March 26. Future Perfect Radio correspondent Patrick Fitzell was there and reports back with his reactions and plenty of photos!


There is no better deal for a night out than free live music. Chicago has few bars and clubs willing to host talented artists at no charge to the public (except maybe the cost of printing out a flyer and arriving by 9pm). The Metro provided just that kind of opportunity on Friday night. Four bands with Windy City connections rocked the walls of the moderate ballroom. Energy abounded from Streets on Fire frontman Chadwick who began the night at a feverish pace. South Dakota natives The Kickback (pictured above) were up to the task of maintaining the energy level raised by the "Streets" with a less frenetic but equally feisty set. It made for a smooth transition to the full and refined sound of Glasko (pictured below).


With family and friends watching from the balcony, Glasko was poised on stage but still managed to display some rowdy behavior. Bassist Nick Alvarado expressed sincere gratitude for the support Glasko receives wherever the group plays in the city. When their set concluded, the crowd reacted the loudest it had all night, in part, because the headliners were preparing to take the stage. After a somber tribute was read in memory of a fallen friend, The Ivorys' dedicated performance concluded a quality night of music. If any of these bands decide to be this generous again, I recommend taking full advantage. Whatever the price of admission, listeners will get more than expected.

(The Ivorys)

(The Kickback)