On January 23rd, the coldest night of the year, Lincoln Hall was packed. Whose fault is this?
That would be Minnesota-based alternative duo Bad Bad Hats who, in the face of near-homicidal windchills, pulled together an incredible anniversary show celebrating 10 years (ish) since the release of their beloved 2015 album Psychic Reader. Supported by Chicago locals Modern Nun and Smut, along with a theater’s worth of fans packed huddled together for warmth like penguins, the night was another fantastic reason to ignore weather alerts.
Modern Nun opened things up with a tasteful and always entertaining selection of new tracks and old favorites. Modern Nuns are Chicago favorites for a reason; their songs are earnest, their energy is fun and their bullshit is nonexistent. Their set made the spacious Lincoln Hall feel intimate, like we were all huddled together in a cozy DIY venue. I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to thaw off the crowd.
I really loved Smut’s set. There’s probably a more interesting way to say that but uh, fuck you, I don’t know. Admittedly I went into this gig pretty blind, and this was my first introduction to Smut’s stuff. Their songs, apart from being fantastically-well constructed, have this element of nostalgia that’s hard to place, like I was discovering my favorite bands all over again. With the quality of Smut’s output, maybe they’re on that list now, too. Tracks like “Waste Me” and “Touch & Go” have hints of The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins and (don’t beat me up) Pinegrove. Mix 80s and 90s elements with 2010s stresso-depresso rock, add a punk edge and it all sums out to a thoroughly engaging sonic palette.
Bad Bad Hats is a joy to watch, with one of the tightest rhythm sections I’ve seen in a while. The night as a whole was essentially a four-hour ad for Fender basses.
Another important point; anyone who does not immediately love Bad Bad Hats vocalist, guitarist and frontperson Kerry Alexander is a fucking doofus idiot. You come for the excellent vocals, but stay for the hilarious and heartfelt stories in-between songs.
“10 years ago we released our debut album, Psychic Reader,” says Alexander at the top of the show. “I know it’s hard to believe since we’re only 17.”
Alexander also took a second to acknowledge the ongoing occupation of Minneapolis by Trump’s ICE shitheads.
“I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where we protect and love our immigrant neighbors,” Alexander says. “Chicago, I know you feel the same way.”
The crowd roars back in response.
“We’ve never done [an album play] before. When do you do it? At the start? Somewhere in between?”
“I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where we protect and love our immigrant neighbors,” Alexander says. “Chicago, I know you feel the same way.”
Images by Benjamin Sheridan Photography
