Charli XCX has no chill. The pop star has spent much of her time during the pandemic making a new album, How I’m Feeling Now, which came out May 15. The record’s 11 bittersweet electro-pop tracks document the minutiae of her life under lockdown, including her conversations with her therapist, her online shopping expenditures, her experiences sheltering in place with her boyfriend, and her intense nostalgia for pre-pandemic partying. Charli also churned out supplementary content through every step of her process, including Instagram Live songwriting sessions and a delightfully DIY green-screen video for the love song “Claws,” and this transparency made the project feel like performance art. Concert venues may be closed, but Charli invited her fans to watch and provide feedback over social media as her songs, themes, and visuals took shape in real time. Her lyrics often feel like journal entries: she kicks off “Anthems” with details of a mundane morning (“Wake up late / Eat some cereal”) before breaking into a yearning chorus about the things she misses most while confined to her home, including late-night adventures and exploring New York. Though musicians will likely create a lot of quarantine art in the months and years to come, the genius of How I’m Feeling Now lies in its immediacy–Charli has channeled the current chaos into a fully realized album in a little more than five weeks. v
This might go down in history as the year everything got completely fucked forever, but some people will also fondly recall it as the year when Sonic Boom finally released his glorious second LP, All Things Being Equal–three decades after his solo debut. Peter Kember, the multi-instrumentalist better known as Sonic Boom, made Spectrum way back in the innocent age of 1990, just before the dissolution of his long-running alt-rock outfit Spacemen 3. “Spectrum” also became the name of Kember’s next psych-leaning band, which by the mid-90s had morphed into his primary solo outlet; at the same time, he explored more expansive sonic territory with the loose collective EAR (Experimental Audio Research). Both projects have slowed down considerably in recent years, making way for relatively fleeting collaborations and production work, lending some 90s psych authenticity to the current generation of indie scenesters. I’d all but given up on ever hearing the old classic Kember sound again, so it’s pretty astonishing that All Things Being Equal picks up more or less where he left off on Spacemen 3’s final LP, 1991’s Recurring–created while he was feuding so bitterly with the band’s other creative engine, Jason Pierce (later of Spiritualized), that they made the album by each writing one side of it and recording separately. On Spectrum Kember had flirted with electronica while retaining his guitar-stormin’ edge, but on Recurring he revealed a new synthy sound indebted more to Kraftwerk than to Spacemen 3’s nods to the Velvet Underground and the 13th Floor Elevators. The initial backing tracks for All Things Being Equal were recorded in 2015, and Kember considered releasing them as instrumentals after encouragement from Stereolab’s Tim Gane. He never did, though, and three years later, Mr. Boom felt the need to “ice the cake,” as he put it: after moving to Portugal in late 2016, he’d started spinning 60s soul and pop records, and their catchy vocal vibes appear throughout the new album. But Sonic also does classic Sonic, which he clearly defines on opener “Just Imagine,” a mission statement of a song that features gurgling synths, Speak & Spell-style bloops ‘n’ bleeps, and the drony, catchy vocals Kember has used since day one of his psychedelic career. He consistently evokes the groovy sounds and shiny machine music of a 1960s vision of the future, and the womblike “Just a Little Piece of Me” pulses like a computer on Star Trek (or like the chill-out room at a 90s rave) while recalling the shoegaze era that S3 helped inspire. Drum machines invade “The Way That You Live,” which mines the new-wave territory of early OMD or New Order and adds rippling ambient accents reminiscent of the 1960s experiments of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. On “My Echo, My Shadow and Me,” Sonic brings back his trademark spoken-word ruminations, sounding either like the bored headmaster at a British school in outer space or like a malfunctioning B-movie supercomputer that’s somehow become sentient–when he exclaims “I am the fire,” you’re inclined to believe him. The Boomster says he was influenced by the numerology of the year 2020, and the songs on All Things Being Equal gesture toward the mathematical interconnectedness of human consciousness, memory, space, consumerism, and much more. The album is not only a reflection of the strange moment in which we find ourselves but also a timeless, retro-futuristic pop masterpiece that music scholars should be studying and deciphering for (fingers crossed) generations to come. v
Named after a Mayan term that roughly translates to “place of fear,” Southern California trio Xibalba have been blending strains of metal and hardcore for nearly 14 years. They’ve increasingly leaned into their Latino heritage (they sing in both Spanish and English) and their death-metal influences, while expanding into new moods and song structures; on the 2015 album Tierra y Libertad they deviated from their relatively compact crushers for sprawling closer “El Vacio.” On their new fourth album, Anos en Infierno, Xibalba continue down their ferocious, groove-infested path to explore suffering, despair, and man’s search for meaning on personal, spiritual, and societal levels. “Santa Muerte” grinds along like one of Bolt Thrower’s best tracks as front man Nate Rebolledo questions those who judge or dismiss others’ pain until it grows too dire to ignore. The instrumental that follows, “Saka,” adds to the intensity, with powerful percussion girded by stony guitar chords and pummeling breakdowns. As they did for Tierra y Libertad, Xibalba save some of their most evocative songwriting for last. Delivered in two parts, album closer “El Abismo” (“The Abyss”) ruminates on the journey of the soul during an encounter with death: it establishes a contemplative, doomy soundscape, spins into rougher terrain, and then slowly culminates with a triumphant serenity. Interpret it how you want, but with Xibalba, you can be sure no one’s going “gently” into any kind of night. In an April interview with Hard Noise, Rebolledo addressed rumors that Xibalba are planning a hiatus following the promotional cycle supporting the album’s release: “As for the future, if it matters, we may play, but I wouldn’t count on it,” he said. The pandemic has sledgehammered us all, and whether Xibalba choose to hang up their hats now or celebrate Anos en Infierno with fans in person down the road, they’ve at least gifted us a tool to help us weather the storm. v
On its first compilation, Buds Volume 1, Chicago label Rosebud Allday showcases the talent of its roster and its friends from the local scene. Founded in 2018 by Bill Ocean and producer Jayson “Jsun” Rose, Rosebud Allday specializes in the overlap of pop, hip-hop, and R&B; its sunny sounds recall Chicago neosoul groups such as the Social Experiment and the O’My’s or the early work of Los Angeles collective Odd Future (minus the menace). The label operates a recording studio in Ravenswood that’s temporarily closed due to COVID-19, and the ten-track Buds compilation is intended as both a stopgap release and an introduction for the uninitiated. Wyatt Waddell’s “If I Don’t Want You” pairs the singer’s falsetto flirting with up-tempo Stevie Wonder-inspired keys, while Blake Davis’s “Persuade Me” features a busy hip-hop beat that chops up string flourishes, horn stings, and vocal phrases. Not all the songs are high energy: Drea the Vibe Dealer goes for something more minimal on “Aline,” building the track from little more than distorted guitar and lethargic drum programming. A few cuts feel like they would’ve been released in different forms if the collective hadn’t been forced into isolation: Jsun Rose’s hip-hop instrumental “Strange Times,” which features trumpeter Sam Veren and producer Lil Smoke, seems incomplete, like it needs a striking vocalist such as Waddell or squeaking rapper Manny 10x (also a Rosebud Allday artist). But while Buds sometimes feels sketchy, it’s more than the sum of its parts; it’s a compelling gateway to the label’s sound, and the way it re-creates the mellow high of sitting in on a crowded jam session is especially welcome while the Rosebud Allday studio can’t safely reopen. v
The 10 Best Bars to Visit in Logan Square of Chicago
Are you looking to experience the unique culture and residents of Logan Square? Logan Square has risen in popularity in recent years among Chicago residents. If you’re looking for places to party in Logan Square, these are the best bars to visit with friends.
The weather is finally starting to cooperate, and that means one thing —it’s grilling weather! If you want to pop up a cold one and sip it on your porch while enjoying the (finally nice) Chicago spring weather, here are 25 of the best breweries in the Chicago suburbs.
Six-packs, growlers, crowlers, and kegs are all available from this Evanston brewery. Try out the Honeybird Pale Ale—a light beer brewed with basil and honey.
12 S First St, St. Charles | 2300 Wisconsin Ave, Downers Grove
Only the St. Charles’ location is open right now, but you can still get some of their selection like Alterior Motive, an IPA, or Hell Hazed Over, a New England IPA.
302 Wheaton has a full list of beers, including Snoochie Boochies (IPA), Arctic Panzer Wolf (Double IPA), a Stone Xocovez (Double Milk Stout) available for pick up, as well as bourbon, mixed drinks, and wine.
This Schiller Park taproom has not only beer like For Goodness Shakes Pineapple (IPA Milkshake), Loosey Juicy (New England IPA), and Sticky Nuts (Stout) as well as food options.
This lowkey brewery tucked away in Evanston is not to be overlooked. Order a flight and try the Purple Line (Fruit Beer), Applewood Porter (Porter), and a Zuper Saisonstein (Belgian Strong Golden Ale).
Boasting an extensive beer lineup that includes everything from milk stouts to German-style kölsch, Scorched Earth should be on your brewery bucket list.
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
On May 30, many of the Illinois State Parks will reopen. After weeks of research, Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health have determined that parks are safe to reopen to the public with some restrictions. Activities like boating, fishing, archery, hiking, and biking are being allowed with social distancing measures in place.
Here are a few state parks closest to the city of Chicago with the green light on reopening.
8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, Illinois | Opened May 1st
Chain o’ Lakes State Park is a water-oriented recreation area with special opportunities for boaters, anglers, and hunters. On the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, the park borders three natural lakes — Grass, Marie, and Nippersink — and the Fox River that connects the other seven lakes in this chain. The 44-acre body of water features bluegill, largemouth bass, and walleye, to name a few. Dove, waterfowl, archery deer, and permit pheasant hunting are also available. Three short trails are open for equestrian use, biking, or walking.
Another water-oriented park, Des Plaines State Park features flowing rivers and acres of natural prairie land up against the backdrop of the Kankakee River about 60 miles south of Chicago. Visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife creatures within the farmland, woodland, prairie, and swamp territories. Besides the archery range, most of the park is unpaved. Dog-friendly areas and archery make up some of the park’s amenities. There’s also a handicap fishing area on Milliken Lake on the most southern tip of the river.
5010 N Jugtown Road, Morris, Illinois | Opened May 1st
Goose Lake Prairie is a mile southwest from the Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers. The prairie acts as a nature preserve for native plants, animals, and birds including some endangered species. Heidecke Lake offers anglers 2,000 acres of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. The ponds and marshes create a quiet, tranquil environment around crushed limestone foot trails.
5314 W Route 102, Bourbonnais, Illinois | Opened May 1st
Kankakee River State Park is over 4,000 acres of recreational area. The park is about 60 miles southwest of Chicago. They’re opening up 10 miles of hiking trails, 10 miles of bike trails, and 12 miles of equestrian trails. Boat ramps and rivers are open for boaters and anglers with a limit of two per boat. The trail is diverse in water, trees, and prairie land — resulting in a diverse group of wildlife.
1510 S River Road, McHenry, Illinois | Opened May 1st
Moraine Hills State Park is a series of ponds, wetlands, and marshes along the Fox River. Over 10 miles of trails will be available for hikers, walkers, and cyclists as well as day-use areas. The trails are paved with crushed limestone and offer visitors a chance to see overhead cranes in the sky. Picnicking is going to be allowed in designated areas and with social distancing guidelines. Boating and fishing will be allowed.
13608 Fox Road, Yorkville, Illinois | Opened May 1st
The attractions at Silver Springs boasts both majestic oaks and prairie grasslands, providing a panorama natural beauty. The Fox River runs through this area. A natural prairie restoration project implies the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl, and upload game. The park will open for hiking, fishing, boating, archery, and equestrian use.
28478 W Brandenburg Road, Ingleside, Illinois | May 1st
The Volo Bog is an official Illinois Nature Preserve area. Fifty-six miles northwest of Chicago lies the bog, home to a floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails, and sedges. While the bog is closed for renovations, parts of the marsh and over five miles of trails are open for hiking and wildlife observation.
1600 N 25 East, Chesterton, Indiana | Reopened May 22nd
Apart from recreation buildings, the Indiana Dunes State Park near Chicago has been opened for hiking, bird watching, and beaching along the shore of Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species can be found in the park, providing homes for many types of plants, animals, and aquatic species.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
About 70 miles from Chicago, Richard Bong has a great family prairie area for kite flying and picnics. There’s room for dogs, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and equestrian use. There are over 16 miles of pet-friendly trail, off-road biking trails, and ATV/UTV rental available. Fishing, hunting, and trapping are available with permit. A parking permit is necessary for travel by car.
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
As Illinois restaurants are still closed for dine-in seating (until May 30), there are still ways we can get food from Chicago’s iconic spots. Many of our favorites are still offering delivery and takeout so you can still get your guilty pleasures.
The Green Door Tavern has been open for over 100 years and is definitely a Chicago staple. Order classics like burgers, sandwiches, fries, and appetizers.
Open for takeout and delivery, Al’s has been serving Chicago’s favorite Italian Beef for over 80 years. There is no better spot for Italian beef in the city.
Since Chicagoans can’t get enough deep dish we included another favorite deep dish spot. Lou Malnati’s is offering delivery and takeout of its famous pizzas.
ChicagoBulls (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls have been waiting for two months to continue their season, and it just might happen soon.
It seems like it has been a lifetime since the 2019-2020 NBA season went on hold due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, us Chicago Bulls fans have had The Last Dance to keep us entertained the last month and a half.
Now that the docu-series is over, though, we’re back to wondering when we will see live NBA basketball return this year, if at all.
A new rumor from a couple of different people says that the season could start back up in late June, with practices beginning June 21st and five more regular season games taking place before the postseason.
High-end fashion and sneaker designer John Geiger tweeted the other day that the NBA is coming back on that date, and Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie chimed in with what he had heard as well.
That’s just practice… I heard those last 5 games at bubble site start July 15th. https://t.co/EsF3omehYQ
Following that pair of tweets, Geiger went on to tweet: “NBA playoffs July 25th.”
Of course, the playoffs won’t apply to the Bulls, but the final five regular season games will — and they could tell us a lot about the future of this team.
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Tailgate Men’s Chicago Bulls x Looney Tunes Tie-Dye T-Shirt Red XL
During the pandemic, the Bulls have kept busy by rearranging and rebuilding their front office. Bringing in Arturas Karnisovas was the first major step, as he now has full control of all basketball decisions as the vice president of operations.
Now that Karnisovas has continued to revamp his front office, we are all left wondering just what exactly will finally happen with head coach Jim Boylen. There have been many counteractive reports throughout the last couple of months, with some stating that John Paxson likes Boylen and wants him to stick around.
The issue is, the players might not like Boylen — and that could matter significantly to Karnisovas.
What will happen during those final five games?
Obviously, they should be coming out with plenty of passion and excitement having not played for a couple of months. But, will there be anything that lets us know about the future of Boylen?
My assumption is that Boylen’s exit is a foregone conclusion at this point, but that the head coach simply either doesn’t want to admit it or he is in denial.
Nevertheless, Bulls fans will get five more regular season games if this report holds up. Regardless, fans get to see playoff basketball — on television, at least. There will likely be no fans in attendance for these games, but the season will finally resume. That’s the important part.
This 4,325-square-foot Avondale home built by Walsh Development has five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Subzero, Wolf and Asko appliances, an island and a butler’s pantry make up the kitchen, which opens to the family room with views of the river. Cathedral ceilings stretching 18 feet high, two walk-in closets and a marble bathroom with heated floors, a freestanding tub and a steam shower completes the master bedroom suite. The lower level features a recreation room, a wet bar and a wine closet. An attached two-car garage and an outdoor deck with access to the river are included.
