I would make few exceptions for not covering a Chicago band as my first show review. It just so happens that one of these exceptions rolled into town last weekend for a show at the Empty Bottle. Antelope is from Washington D.C. and is currently at the tail end of a 5 week tour spanning the US and Eastern Canada. They just released their debut full length in March on Dischord Records, entitled 'Reflector'.

Most of the songs played that night were off the new record, and they also performed some of my favorites from previous EP's released over the years. When describing Antelope to friends, I tend to throw around the term 'anti-song'. Most revolve around simple drumbeats, catchy basslines, and meandering guitar parts that repeat themselves from the beginning to end, sometimes incorporating minor variations. The bass and drum interplay of Bee Elvy and Mike Andre (who split time on both instruments) are tightly focused, catchy riffs which allow Justin Moyer room to play guitar parts that weave in and out of the rhythm section.

As judged by the response from those in attendance, Antelope had everyone's undivided attention. The set took on a meditative-like atmosphere, and the songs flowed seamlessly from one to the next. In the week since the show, I still catch myself humming bass/drum parts to myself and wondering where they came from, and quickly determine the source to be Antelope song.

Here is Antelope performing the title track off of their new record: