Tom Lynch

The impossible strangeness doesn’t end with the name—Chicago’s We Will Eat Rats to Survive released "Don’t Crochet on My Parade" last fall, a bizarro whirlwind of clanging guitars, howled vocals and, of all things, banjo, which recalls early, spastic (and good) Modest Mouse and a whole load of freak-folky recluses. It sounds like a gypsy train-car, on its way to the next circus town. The band’s already seen itself make the cut on multiple "Worst Band Name" lists, but hell, I think the name’s great. "We think it’s hilarious," says multi-instrumentalist and singer Chris Stryker. "If anything it’s the best thing we have so far." The group’s alarming ability to conjure dustbowl freaks is a unique complement to the city’s successful garage-rock and indie-pop units—and the influences make sense, though sonically opposite (Stryker cites They Might Be Giants as a major influence, guitarist Rob Majchrowski mentions Operation Ivy). I wouldn’t call it experimental—there are hooks and melodies to be found here—but the enigmatic nature of the pokes and prodding has kept me distracted on more than one occasion.

We Will Eat Rats to Survive plays January 30 at Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, (773)281-4444, at 7pm. $8 (2008-01-22)

Also by Tom Lynch

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Her newest novel, "People of the Book," came when she was covering the Bosnian war and learned of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a book that features the traditional text of the Passover Haggadah and has survived, incredibly, since the fifteenth century
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January in Chicago has the kind of near-biblical power to wreak Armageddon on your body and heart. For me, it’s always been more of an idea than a tangible, bone-freezing collection of days—a ruthless, stagnant period of time that permeates for eternity, seamless and wild. Don’t let last weekend fool you. January’s torturously cold and it’s out to get us. Minimalist pop duo Christy & Emily sound like that pain, the vulnerable, desperate and helpless feeling that stretches endlessly until the skies turn from gray to blue
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The Year in Rock
While critics from all over the globe feel obliged to supply their year-end top-five lists, top-ten lists and ramblings of honorable mentions (see, ahem, our cover feature), let’s look at the best releases of the year from Chicago artists, as it has been—as it always seems to be—quite a year
(2007-12-31)

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