Simply stated, Tornavalanche bring it. As the name implies, it is full-on fury, noise, and aggression. What makes the music so thrilling to witness live is the sharpness in which the songs are delivered. It is not blazing fast hardcore where rhythm and melody tend to get lost in the shuffle, but an exacting presence that was very much on point last Friday night at the Beat Kitchen. Late last summer I was fortunate to hear a promotional copy of their current EP No Money, No Problems while on tour with my own band, and rarely did we drive from city to city without listening to it. Most of the songs from the EP were played on Friday, much to the enjoyment of those in attendance. For those who don't know, Tornavalanche utilize two drummers... a feat that only few bands try, and even less succeed at doing it well. They know when to mirror each others parts (which must be tough given the nuances of drummers), and when to complement one another. I found the most enjoyable parts of the set to be when they locked up and bashed the hell out of their kits in unison, especially in the song 'Only the Nerds Got Pissed.'

Headlining the show was Haymarket Riot. I first saw them back in 1999 (i think?) when they played a show in the town where I attended college. In those 8+ years since that show, Haymarket Riot has come to represent everything I love about punk music in Chicago. Friday's show only added to their reputation, as they played yet another high octane show. Unfortuantely, I have missed their last few Chicago shows, and with their live appearances occurring less and less these days, I was excited to hear a few new songs. The still played a few from Mog and Bloodshot Eyes, two records that are still in regular rotation for me. Before I realized it, they had performed their last song, turned their amps off, and walked offstage. I was going to start heckling them towards the end of their set to play 'Castor Oil', a personal favorite, but I did a pretty piss poor job of estimating 'end of their set'. Oh well... maybe next time. So... Kevin, Fred, Chris, and/or Brian, for your next Chicago show... play Castor Oil!

By now you have probably noticed the sweet photos accompanying this entry, and thankfully not subject to mine (although i did take a few of my own, up on Flickr as usual). These photos are courtesy of Andrew Ballantyne, and hopefully you will see more of his work here from time to time. Thanks again to Andrew for sending me the photos.