Call Me Lightning and Magic Milk at Treasure Town

Chi-town nights brings me to Treasure Town on the near south side.  Wall to wall artwork everywhere, many cutting-edge bands, and great folks promoting activism. I arrived just in time for Call Me Lightning, who are an indie group from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Definitely influenced by the Minutemen, and named after the 1968 song "Call Me Lightning" by The Who.  Led by Nathan Lilley on guitar and vocals, they were just what the doctor ordered.  The rhythm section was pulverizing, featuring Tyler Chicorel on bass, and Shane Hochstetler on drums.  At one point, I could not focus away from Shane's drumming.

The first record, "The Trouble Were In" was released in 2004 on Revelation Records.  The follow-up release "Soft Skeletons" was pressed by French Kiss Records in 2007.  The album was recorded at Steve Albini's Chicago studio.  Their 2010 release "When I Am Gone My Blood Will Be Free" is available through Dusty Medical Records.

There were echos of The Who's "Live at Leeds" resurrecting at this artsy loft space. The ghost of Keith Moon seems to follow me around, as I encounter newer bands. Shane's drumming had an evil gravity that almost pulls the rest of the band to the point of a pertinent zenith! It felt like Shane was racing with Nathan and Tyler. They were on a mission to rock the f--k out of you! Stealing thunder and marching to the land of the rocked!

Kenny Alden of  Magic Milk



Next up, I witness the wild Kenny Alden fronting Magic Milk.  What a spectacle it was to see Kenny doing this interesting type of dance with several members of the audience.  It somewhat looked like ska dancing. From the opening song, there was a retro 1960s garage rock vibe that sounded like the ghost of the Sonics paid a visit to Treasure Town. '60s rhythm & blues was also present, with grooves and hooks that complemented their minimalist punk-pop. Vibes from the past get some fine tuning, and out of the garage comes that monster called rock 'n' roll, in the form of Magic Milk, launching confetti, and in your face once again!

Guitarist Nico was performing a unique style that had me looking for a keyboard. I remember thinking "where is that organ sound coming from?" Yeah, his guitar  sounded like a farfisa organ. There was that ambient echo sound in the vocals, which were accompanied by harmonica. Distortion-heavy, and slightly psychedelic-bubble gum in the opening notes of the songs "So Cool" and "Lights Out Party" will make you wanna get up and dance. They  are featured on "Luke Tokyo Drifter," their first release.  It is so in enlightening to see a new band like Magic Milk with this type of energy.

$1,100 was raised last night for housing, employment, and prevention services for 1,000 Chicagoans living with HIV/AIDS.