Concert Review: Loyal Divide @ Subterranean

One needn't look any further than the blogosphere to find rave reviews of The Loyal Divide, a Columbus, OH turned Chicago band that has been compared to Animal Collective, Brian Eno, and Modest Mouse. Living up to a reputation as big as these indie/psychadelic predecessors is no small task, but as a spectator at Wednesday night's show at Subterranean, there can be no doubt-The Loyal Divide not only lived up to their criticism but exceeded expectations by putting on a show that was as aesthetically pleasing as it was an aural delight.

Using mixers, synthesizers, keyboards, and a trumpet, as well as the more traditional rock n' roll instruments, The Loyal Divide is cultivating a uniquely 21st century sound. The title track of their first E.P. "Labrador," sounds as if it could slide right between "15 steps" and "Bodysnatchers" on Radiohead's 2007 release, "In Rainbows." Beyond obvious nods to Radiohead, listeners can hear The Talking Heads, Kraftwerk, and Prince among other influences.

Nevermind comparisons, The Loyal Divide has their own brand of cool. All 5 members rocked hard on Wednesday night, despite sub-zero temperatures, with sometimes spastic and always rhythmic undulations. The boys of TLD had Subterranean moving to the music, and aside from a few local, rock-god style mishaps (i.e. broken guitar strings, and speaker feed back) the show was a success. Though their songs are intense, the electro beats and spot-on percussion inspired the crowd to more action than your standard, hipster head-bob.

Whether The Loyal Divide likes it or not, they are soon to be a band on the map. With the release of their first EP, "Labrador," and more shows on the schedule Chicagoans and Ohio natives alike are sure to be saying "we saw them when."

Check them out later this month at Schuba's on January 30th at 8pm.

(published on 1/16/09 @ www.thedelimagazine.com/chicago)