This past Friday I was part of the crowd that packed into the hall at Schubas to check out what would become a brilliant display from a pair of Chicago-bred artists.
Show-opener Emily blue was pretty damn fun. The first couple of songs were a bit more singer-songwriter stuff, which was great for the venue at which we were witnessing this concert with songs like “Daddy” (she made sure to clarify that it definitely wasn’t about her father) & “Kiss,” (introducing that it “is about when you spot a cutie on the other side of the bar”).
But she also knew to play to the crowd that had assembled in this iconic spot, saying “if I’m not mistaken you guys came to dance and not listen to my feelings… give me just a second” before taking us in a more conventional Pop direction. The club-ready music brought out Blue’s attitude and sass, and the crowd was di-gging-it. The energetic beat breaks in the middle of softer verses was a roller-coaster ride approach to music production that was cool to see performed live.
I didn’t know Emily Blue coming into this show but I was sure left with a great impression, so don’t be surprised if you see her name again on the POD pages.
K flay came out like a bottle rocket, and the crowd immediately mirrored that energy. You want to be amongst fans when she plays songs like the anthemic “FML,” with as much energy off the mic as you should expect from a song whose chorus repeats the line “fuck my life.”
K.Flay comes from the Chicago area, so it made sense that this stop at Schubas would be part of her limited run of intimate shows in which she would treat fans to new music. For what seems like it’s entitled “Baby Don’t Cry,” a track that reflects on life and what used to make you worry but now doesn’t faze you felt like it was right in her wheelhouse, and it fit in as if it were a favorite for fans that appreciate the deep cuts as if they were radio staples. There were several new tracks that were getting introduced to those of us in attendance, and I can tell y’all that whatever she’s working on these days will keep followers happy.
As if this wasn’t a fun show already, K.Flay picks up a bass and says “Let’s try some Chicago shit”… and kicked into a cover of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” that served as a dope precursor to her smashing “Blood In The Cut.”
If you see K.Flay is playing in a venue near you, you get yourself a ticket and see it for yourself.
