Big Science @ Schuba's (5/22/09)

I happened to be home this weekend and Big Science just happened to be playing a show last night at Schuba's in Chicago with Inspector Owl and Bob Nanna's new band Certain People I Know. If you don't have any prior experience with Schuba's then you're missing out, because the place is a great little bar with a small hall and stage in the back. It's a great place to see a small show, especially if it's acoustic. This one was all about loudness and fun, though.

The show was scheduled for 10 pm and the cost was only $5, even with it being Betta Promotions' 2 year anniversary show! Inspector Owl opened after taking time off and recently starting to play again. Their set was solid as they performed a few new songs highlighted toward the end with some of their older music.

Certain People I Know played last, taking the stage at 12:02AM local time. I know that seems like a very unimportant stat, but I think it is. The band took their name from the Morrissey song of the same name and yesterday was his 50th birthday. However, the band played 2 minutes too late to play on his birthday. 2 too to.

Their set was pretty good, sounding a lot like Hey Mercedes with some female vocals and some synths thrown in. Unfortunately, Lauren's mic was drowned out most of the show. The last song with just Lauren on keys and vocals and a few guitar notes from Nanna did allow the crowd to finally hear her voice, though. Some of her friends were standing next to me and kept yelling for her mic to be turned up. I expect CPIK to keep getting better the more shows they play. Their recordings sound wonderful so far as well.

I skipped (while writing, not at show) Big Science for good reason. I have been playing their free/donation The Coast of Nowhere EP for a while now and this being the first time seeing them live I just have say "wow." I placed pretty high expectations on my trip down the Kennedy and Belmont and they exceed them. It is apparent that the band is pretty experienced as far as playing live. Their sound was crisp and clean and I was hearing throughout the show members of the audience turn to their friends and say "wow they are really, really good." The funny part about the show was the second band drew the most people. During CPIK's set, the crowd started to thin. Maybe it was just a result of the time, but either way, those who stayed didn't really seem to be completely into the show. The lively, dancing crowd for Big Science turned still during most of CPIK's set.

Big Science played seven songs, highlighted by my personal favorites "DNC" and "My Career As A Ghost." Lead singer Jason, not to be confused with the other two Jason's, was awesome after the show, talking with my friends and I for a bit about different bands and all. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this show. Even with Big Science not being the headliner it was awesome. This band seriously deserves a lot more attention than they currently get.

More songs in a previous post and on Big Science's website.

Big Science - My Career As A Ghost

Big Science - The Coast Of Nowhere

Bonus!
Morrissey - Certain People I Know (Live on Later with Jools Holland 1992)