Dave Chamberlain

Bless the musicians who move forward. Siouxsie Sioux, she of the one-time Banshees and presently the Creatures, could be living off her reputation as one of England's goth/punk/post-punk legends. But she's not. In fact, the two records she's made with the Creatures have been astonishing examples of evolution from an artist who always sat on the iconoclastic side of the fence. Forgoing the gothic-tinted glasses of the Banshees in favor of an oppressive, tribal and picturesque sound, the Creatures "Ha!!" from last year picks up where her first effort with that band left off. Siouxsie's vocals don't play as much a primary role as does the highly rhythmic instrumentation, exotic structure and otherwise psychedelic--though not in the sixties sense of the word--ambition. Of course, her sleek voice just adds that much more. The double record--with only nine tracks--was one of last year's most underrated efforts, and proves that experimental music can be just as visceral and visual as simpler efforts. Tonight, however, we're promised a smorgasbord from Siouxsie's entire career. Considering that it spans nearly thirty years and includes a cornucopia of underground, unfashionable styles, there's every reason to think this might just be the show of the year.

Siouxsie Sioux plays September 2 at the House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, (312)293-2000.

(2004-08-31)

Also by Dave Chamberlain

Tip of the Week
This local act's major-label debut, "Siren Song of the Counter Culture" (Geffen), proves once and for all that it's not another kiddie-punk band
(2004-08-25)

Tip of the Week
One of the late-nineties bizarro punk bands that operated largely under the radar thanks to grunge
(2004-08-17)

Raw Material
Chicago's Bass by the Pound crew--the leading local drum `n' bass promotion entity--has big upped itself, taken a small hit, and big upped itself again
(2004-08-17)

Tip of the Week
It's nothing short of crazy that Tub Ring started out as a punk band more than a decade ago, in 1992, and it's borderline insane that widespread notoriety eludes this incredibly creative five-piece
(2004-08-10)

The gospel truth
(2004-08-10)

Pete Rock
(2004-08-03)

Tip of the Week
(2004-07-27)

Rock City
(2004-07-27)

Honorable mention
(2004-07-27)

Tip of the Week
(2004-07-20)

Tip of the Week
(2004-07-13)

Raw Material
(2004-07-13)

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