Highly Suspect Lures in Fans into a Fantastic Show at Chicago’s Own Bottom Lounge on Record Release Day…. Review by: Coren E. McLeod Photos by: Coren E. McLeod
Highly Suspect Lures in Fans into a
Fantastic Show at Chicago’s Own Bottom Lounge on Record Release Day….
Review by: Coren E. McLeod
Photos by: Coren E. McLeod
 |
| Highly Suspect Promo Picture |
Chicago is what I call my home. A fucking lovely city
with so much to do with so little time. I once had a fear of the Windy
City not knowing what was around each corner or what events may arise. But, now I want to be in Chicago. I want to live the fast pace lifestyle while
pursuing my ultimate goal of being known in the music industry as a chick to be
reckoned with.
On Friday November 18th, 2016, to much surprise, I was able to witness my current favorite band up close and somewhat personal with other great people. Highly Suspect was on tour to promote their highly anticipated album The Boy Who Died Wolf. Before I even got approval to attend and photograph the show, I was honored to be able to review the album in its entirety. And let me just say the boys from Cape Cod/Brooklyn delivered on this second album.
On Friday November 18th, 2016, to much surprise, I was able to witness my current favorite band up close and somewhat personal with other great people. Highly Suspect was on tour to promote their highly anticipated album The Boy Who Died Wolf. Before I even got approval to attend and photograph the show, I was honored to be able to review the album in its entirety. And let me just say the boys from Cape Cod/Brooklyn delivered on this second album.
 |
| Highly Suspect |
There were a few things I was told when I was preparing
myself for yet another adventure to the city:
1) Bottom Lounge has the best sound for bands to play at their
venue. 2) It is a small place. Be prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder
with people. And 3) There will be no photo pit whatsoever. My chances of getting a great photo kind of
worried me. However, the proof is in the
pudding….
This night was for sure going to be great. Yes, if you know me, you know my heartfelt love for this wonderful band. What gets to me about Highly Suspect is their “wise beyond their years” lyrics. I heard the song “Lydia” from their album “Mister Asylum” and I thought it would be a much older group of men. I was wrong especially when seeing the lead singer Johnny for the 1st time. Yes. That boy is so beautiful. Yet, when he sings, the passion and the amount of love that comes through is so apparent I become one with the music myself.
This night was for sure going to be great. Yes, if you know me, you know my heartfelt love for this wonderful band. What gets to me about Highly Suspect is their “wise beyond their years” lyrics. I heard the song “Lydia” from their album “Mister Asylum” and I thought it would be a much older group of men. I was wrong especially when seeing the lead singer Johnny for the 1st time. Yes. That boy is so beautiful. Yet, when he sings, the passion and the amount of love that comes through is so apparent I become one with the music myself.
 |
| Highly Suspect |
When one finds a perfect pairing like salt and pepper, a
person makes sure it will blend together like no other. The opening band, Slothrust, was the impeccable
combination to be on tour with Highly Suspect.
Slothrust came out on stage in a timid fashion yet once each band member
grabbed their instruments, the audience felt a sense of power. The lead singer, Leah Wellbaum, captivated me
with her simple yet angelic beauty while she looked at the audience with her
enduring eyes.
 |
| Slothrust |
After the delightful set from Slothrust, the main event was
about to arrive. The feels among the
loyal fans was so obvious. Between the
women wooing to get a glimpse of Highly Suspect to the men drinking craft beer
showing their incredible taste for the industry; the enthusiasm was very prohibitive.
I was thinking: This
is my time. I saw Highly Suspect briefly
at this summer’s Riot Fest. Now, I get
to absorb every ounce of this astounding band live and in person. I was truly ready for one hell of a night. As I was standing there amongst other
journalist in a corner that literally was off to the right of the stage, I heard
a familiar song play, “Right Now,” by Van Halen. It truly got the crowd screaming and into the
moment for sure. And once Sammy Hager
hit the famous line, “Right Now. It’s
all tomorrow…” Highly Suspect was on
stage.
 |
| Highly Suspect |
Once my eyes glazed over to what was in front of me,
Johnny, Rich and Ryan all gave a boyish grin and broke out into their song “Bath
Salts.” I was so in aww I almost forgot
that I was there to take photos of these chaps.
And take it from me, it was going to be a challenge. I had a few ladies in front of me holding two
signs together with #MCID. (For all the
cool kids out there, Highly Suspect uses that for “My Crew is Dope.) And on my right were a bunch of dudes
drinking as if the world was going to end.
I just had to collect myself and be the professional I was to do my
job. Yet, I still wanted to enjoy
myself.
What I really enjoyed about the set from Highly Suspect was
watching Johnny. He is humble, handsome
and a great front man. He reminds me of
a spirited Jimi Hendrix with the epic moves from his body. Even though there were parts of him that
showed a shy boy present, his confidence shined especially when he would look
over to his girlfriend watching him from the side of the stage.
Of course, I loved hearing some favorites like “Lydia,” “F—K Me Up,” and of course “Bloodfeather.” Yet, this night was special. Why you ask? Johnny was playing the piano on stage for the 1st time on tour with his girlfriend Madison on stage to the new song, “Chicago.” How perfect is that? It is a moment in time no one could not say that it was precious. Just seeing Johnny sing to Madison melted so many hearts. (Yes, including mine. Whatever. LOL…) After the beautiful solo to his “love of his life,” Johnny went over and kissed her as if no one else was in the room.
Other favorites from the new album that were performed that
night which I recommend you getting was “Vapor Strike,” (a political satire
that will make you think) “Serontonia,” and the final song of the evening “Wolf.” It seemed like the hour and 10 min set could
have been just the right amount of time for everyone to get their fix of Highly
Suspect. One could tell the guys were
very much ready to party since their new album just got released that day. And they have every right to do so. The Boy
Who Died Wolf is already generating buzz and it is #1 on Billboard’s
Current Alternative Album. Oh yeah.... Their lastest single is "My Name is Human..." Take a listen:
Thanks again to Slothrust and Highly Suspect for the extraordinary
show at Bottom Lounge. It was genuinely
one of my favorite concerts and I know I feel like I am a part of that crew… J #JustSaying #MCID
http://highlysuspect.net/
https://twitter.com/Highly_Suspect
https://www.facebook.com/HighlySuspect
http://instagram.com/highlysuspect
- More at UnRatedMagazine.com
Post a Comment