Disavow, Demonseed, Payback, and one weird ass band.
Hardcore for Hunger – Chicago, IL
Sunday, December 22, 2002

This was technically my first HC show in the Midwest since moving to Chicago from LA. I had a few beers in the bar at The Fireside Bowl, which is as cool as the venue. Only thing I found really different was people were more interested in football scores in the bar than the show at hand or the fact that it was a benefit. The first band, I don’t even know who they were, nor did I bother to get my facts straight, I can’t explain without making this review painful and long. Maybe they will be the next big thing, but I found it agonizing. Disavow hit the stage next. The band is pretty unoriginal and left nothing to the imagination. In a mere one song I knew what was up with this band. The worst part was I see this band and Payback and Demonseed on a bunch of show listings, so I thought they were at least well known and one of the good hardcore bands of the Chicago area. From the stage the singer knew everyone and their names and there was a bunch of private jokes and requests from the band for people to circle up and dance. A hand signal to get that started was made several times from the stage. I found it most boring and I was really hoping this cool venue was not basically a Castle Heights of Chicago. This show seemed like it anyway. The whole thing could have been accomplished from a basement and you could have called it a party and easily fit everyone there in it. Push yourself to make your set something. Be serious about your delivery. Don’t talk funny shit. Don’t hide behind a beer bottle especially if you know everyone. Maybe Disavow was just in a comfort zone as it was lightly attended and they did know everyone. I will be out there again. Don’t worry.