story by Cliff Berru
photo by Nathan Baker
Over this past couple decades, Chicago has established itself as
a major refuge for uncultivated rock music while also nourishing that
accompanied underground success. The city attracted revolutionary
bands like Big Black, Material Issue, and Sebadoh - as well as an
endless list of industrial, house, and of course, blues artists in
past years. No doubt this city shines a maternal sense of comfort
onto its dwellers.
In recent years the conceptualization of a scene hasn't been as evident.
Many musicians have lost faith, relocating to other cities or betraying
their roots in music. As always, the honorable blues artists have
remained, but the music atmosphere is so dispersed that it is difficult
to find a sense of balance. Regardless, some artists challenge this
imbalance and provide glimmers of inspiration to the negligent community.
Chicago's own Future Rock is a courageous example of a collective
group of musicians uniting together and involuntarily challenging
the apathy found in the local music scene. Everything concerning Future
Rock or their sound is considered irrational at first glance. They
play instrumental music as a live band with an electronic flare, but
it's so much more than that actually.
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KELLERMAN'S INNER VIEW
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"When the lights are clicking the
right way, you can feel and hear the music."
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One cannot forget one particular Thrill Jockey band from Chicago
named after a slow turtle-like animal with a similar instrumental
approach as one of the local prides of our music scene right now.
Instrumental music may be difficult to follow if your intentions are
to hear a few melodies that invite themselves right into your ears.
Future Rock's music, on the other hand, respects this instrumental
approach but finds itself in the category of a progressive electronic
groove during their live shows.
"Its hard to say what influenced us to do it," comments
Future Rock bassist Felix Moreno during a discussion with Chicago
Innerview. "It's more of a process that led us to this type of
music. We are trying to make the best music we can," says Moreno,
"it just happens to be turning out electronic right now. Things
change and I'm sure that what we like to listen to and what we like
to play will change too. I feel the best bands do that."
Working hard with local sound expert Leif Moravy on their first studio
effort, the band has relied entirely on live shows and minimal touring
around the country. These live shows display the essence of Future
Rock. They are audio-visual demonstrations of live art construction.
All the music is based on a composed piece or arrangement and improvised
with the support of an army of loops, spontaneous effects, and luxurious
synthesizers.
"When we are improvising, a lot if it is hearing, reacting,
and occasionally visual cues," says Moreno. The recent addition
of the visual element to their shows has influenced not only the fans,
but the musicians as well. "When the lights are clicking the
right way, you can feel and hear the music," says Future Rock
keyboardist Mickey Kellerman.
So Chicago might do itself a favor by feeling and hearing the music
of these promising young lads. It might even offer hints into, as
the name suggests, the future of rock in the Windy City and beyond.
Future Rock :: with Lotus :: Subterranean :: October 28.