Emil Hyde

As the Logan Square kids light off purple and red fireworks on street corners, the same colors flash from automated spotlights in the party room above the Royal Restaurant. Those inside--boys in pink tank-tops and karate headbands, girls in slashed-up blouses and dagger-point shoes, most under 21--dance, nod, and/or make out to a steady electro thump. For a club night named "Nude," everyone is surprisingly well dressed.

"I like this scene," says a sweaty reveler reclining next to a fake potted plant. "It's a little bit punk, a little bit fashionista, and the music's familiar, but still fresh."

Hidden in a corner alcove, DJs Trancid and Tobias spin off one robotic groove after another, the chugging beats and synthesizer noises sounding like the funked-up ringtones of a giant cell phone. An occasional house or Italian disco track works its way into the mix, along with a splash of Wax Trax industrial. The resulting cocktail gives the worldwide eighties revival a strong Chicago flavor.

"Chicago's lost its lead in the dance scene," says Trancid after his set. "But we're going to change all that. Electroclash? Forget it. That was the fad--this is the real thing."

Downstairs, next to a flock of women in heavy neon makeup, DJ/Promoter Johnny Love sits flanked by two crew members in matching German army-surplus fatigues. "What we've got going on, it's like a Studio 54 thing meets the Hacienda meets Medusa's meets CBGB's meets a wedding reception gone awry," says Love, fighting to be heard over the bass pulse from DJ Traxx's set.

"But I think more and more people will get into it, as the word gets out. I mean, Nude isn't just the only DJ night to regularly feature electro--it's the only regular 17+ night in the city. A rare thing indeed."

Nude takes place the first and third Fridays at the Royal, 2401 North Milwaukee. The next installment will take place July 18 at 10pm, featuring BMG from Ectomorph, Luis Aguilera, and a Fannypack listening party. 17 to enter, 21 to drink.

(2003-07-16)

Also by Emil Hyde

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment