Osees playing a two-night residency at Chicago’s Thalia Hall has become an annual tradition and always one of the hottest tickets in town every autumn. The shows often sell out in advance, and this year was no exception.
First up were post-punks Traps PS, who were one of the most post-punky post-punk bands I’ve seen in a while. They reminded me of Gang of Four at some points, Buzzcocks at others, and even Circle Jerks now and then.
They played a jagged, wild set that had strange drum fills, guitar solos that sounded like back alley beatdowns, and brain-buzzing bass riffs. Osees always pick interesting bands to tour with them, and Traps PS certainly fit the bill.
Osees started out with a few rippers like “Carrion Crawler,” “Chem-Farmer / Nite Expo,” and “Tidal Wave.” “I Come from the Mountain” was particularly bonkers as well.
“Humans Be Swayed,” “Encrypted Bounce,” and “Tunnel Time” were fun additions, and, by the way, including Brigid Dawson on this tour is a great addition. Her backing vocals and spirit are always great to hear on their tracks. This was especially true on “Block of Ice / Ghost in the Trees,” which has been closing their sets on this latest tour with a long psychedelic jam session. It’s a standout track in any form, and each performance of it is different.
“We’ll see you next year,” John Dwyer said at the end of the show. Get your tickets early.
Keep your mind open.
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