Cealed Kasket, The Junior Varsity, Oh My God, Piebald

CEALED KASKET
With a driving, old-school rock sound reminiscent of GWAR, Turbonegro and Pope On A Rope-era Meatmen it’s easy to imagine Chicago’s Cealed Kasket, originators of the medieval horror rock opera, peeling your face off live with maximum riffage and stone-cold power metal posturing. Human vocalist Mortal Death, 500 year-old wizard guitarist Sir Sarsicus and their rhythm section of supernaturals also promise drinking contests, shouting matches, knights and wenches in a truly medieval setting presented by Red Moon Theatre’s David Krause. But CK’s gritty rock ‘n’ roll attitude is not all lost in the theatrics. This month, the band is celebrating the release of their brand new full length on which they conquer such classic, time-honored themes as rock idol worship, drinking & driving and sex stains. These days Cealed Kasket have only one question for their official horde of faithful followers, known as the Kasketeers: “Are you ready for penetration?!?” I guess we’ll find out at their CD release show this month. (Appearing at Double Door on June 30) –text: Mike Scales

THE JUNIOR VARSITY
It’s no secret: sometimes follow-up albums suck. Fortunately, this does not apply to The Junior Varsity. Based out of Springfield, Illinois, the Victory Records band — comprised of vocalist/bassist Asa Dawson, guitarists Sergio Coronado and Andy Wildrick, keyboard player Nick Dodson and drummer Chris Birch — will release their second full-length album, Cinematographic, on June 19. Dawson’s vocals help maintain the band’s indie rock resonance and keep them far enough away from the pop-punk/emo trend embraced by many of their peers. In their new single “The Sky”, Dawson stretches his voice to hit some shrill points yet also shifts it to avoid whining as if he just lost his Panic! At the Disco CD. Across the board, The Junior Varsity are unraveling their creativity. Equally as innovative and animated live, they always leave their fans wishing (but not whining) for more. (Appearing with Thunderbirds Are Now! at Subterranean on June 22) –text: Amanda Gilliam

OH MY GOD
Chicago’s always-entertaining alt-rock trio oh my god is preparing for their fifth full-length album, Fools Want Noise, to be released on the new Chicago label Split Red this month. And with two consecutive CD release shows at Schubas, noise is what they’ll give us. Formed in 1999, their lineup consists of Billy O’Neill (vocals/bass), Iguana (organ/vocals) and Bish (drums/vocals). Unlike most rock bands, OMG typically relies on Iguana’s organ for the melodies, which he connects to a Leslie speaker cabinet while cranking up the distortion. But for the first time, they have included guitar to their musical composition — with guitarist Jake Garcia of Darediablo playing on Fools Want Noise and Matt Lenny filling in on the road. Their live shows have been described as hedonistic and possessed, attracting many new fans with O’Neill’s ‘memorable’ stage presence. (Appearing at Schubas on June 28 & 29) –text: Ariel Sundel

LONEY, DEAR
Emil Svanangen needs friends much like Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes needs friends. They might be able to pull off playing almost every instrument themselves in the studio, but the music is rendered useless in concert without a few comrades. Under the name Loney, Dear, the Swedish multi-instrumentalist wrote and recorded almost every note on his Sub Pop debut, Loney, Noir. But without a supporting live cast, a solo Svanangen wouldn’t be able to reconstruct those plush melodies and artfully stacked acoustics. Luckily, the breathy frontman understands that his music works best when those grandiose orchestrations are actualized. And in turn, he’s often accompanied by an ensemble of musicians willing to take a backseat to his delicately high-pitched vocals — and who are more than eager to fill out the tunes’ piano, percussion, horns, strings, bells, vibes, harmonies and the countless other nuisances. These unabridged live renditions are every bit as theatric, and a whole lot less lonely. (Appearing at the Lakeshore Theater on June 1) –text: Derek Wright–photo: Peter Beste