Fall Into Fabulous Fun With Broadway in Chicago #BroadwayinChicago

Fall means crisp leaves under foot, chilly nights and great theatre.   Live plays and musicals are great family fun, adult nights out, and an excellent clutter busting gift that leaves lasting memories.




Check out this sizzle reel for hot, Broadway in Chicago shows, to warm your heart this fall and winter.   Then check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows for reviews, photo filled features and the heads up on upcoming shows, ticket sale dates, specials and more.

Of course, we've been promoting these shows below for months, but they're finally HERE!   If you haven't booked your tickets yet, don't miss you chance.














Tonight:  We'll be catching opening night of Sister Act


Theatre : Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago Illinois
Dates :

November 13, 2012 - December 02, 2012
Running time:  Two hours, 30 minutes with one intermission

SISTER ACT is Broadway's feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York
Post calls it "RIDICULOUSLY FUN," and audiences are jumping to their
feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar®
winner ALAN MENKEN (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little
Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a
wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a
crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to
look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris
helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly
rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of
friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to REJOICE!

Ticket prices are $28 to $103.
Groups of 15+ now on sale! Call 312-977-1710. 



 

Potted Potter


We're also super stoked to see Potted Potter!   We're going Sunday the 18th and will have a full review for you.   

Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates :  November 13, 2012 - December 23, 2012
Running time:  70 minutes, no intermission
 
A Critic's Pick by the New York Times, New York Magazine and Time Out London, Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody
by Dan and Jeff, won the prestigious 2012 Olivier Award nomination for
Best Entertainment & Family Show; playing to sold-out houses
worldwide. Written and performed by former BBC Television hosts Daniel
Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the play takes on the ultimate challenge
of condensing, or "potting", all seven Harry Potter books into 70 madcap
minutes, aided only by multiple costume changes, brilliant songs,
ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic. The show also
invites audiences to engage with a real life game of Quidditch, but
according to Clarkson and Turner's unique set of rules.

Whether you camped outside a bookstore for three days awaiting the
release of the Deathly Hallows or you don't know the difference between a
horcrux and a Hufflepuff, the comedy, magic and mayhem of POTTED POTTER
makes for an entertaining and hilarious visit to the theatre. The
fast-paced show, which has made audiences aged six to Dumbledore (who is
very old indeed) roar with laughter all over the world, is perfect for
the entire family.


"A fabulously funny parody…will tickle the funny bone of every age group." - The Daily Telegraph,


"Breathless and…HILARIOUS! -The New York Times


"…a zany hoot!"-The New York Post


"...an AWESOME show!" - Time Magazine for Kids

Ticket prices are $39.95 to $84.95.

 

  

Les Mis

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois


Dates : November 14, 2012 - December 02, 2012


Running time: 2 hours and 50 minutes, including intermission
 

We're also hoping to catch Les Mis at some point.   There is no official press night since the show is no stranger to Chi-Town.   I've seen it myself before, but the kids (9 & 11) are finally old enough to appreciate and understand it and Les Mis is one of my all time favorites.   We'll keep you posted if we have a chance to get there and review the remount.   I'm particularly interested in sharing the kids' take on the show.


DREAM THE DREAM 

Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. 

The New York Times calls this LES MISÉRABLES "an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish." The London Times hails the new show "a five star hit, astonishingly powerful." The Star-Ledger says "a dynamically re-imagined hit. This 'LES MISÉRABLES' has improved with age" and NY1-TV proclaims "this new production actually exceeds the original. The storytelling is clearer, the perspective grittier and the motivations more honest. Musical theatre fans can rejoice: 'Les Miz' is born again." 

Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, LES MISÉRABLES is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" and many more. 

Ticket prices are $23 to $120.

 
Coming Soon: 

 



Emerald City Theatre
Presents
CINDERELLA

Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates : November 23, 2012 - January 06, 2013



The holidays have arrived, and with them the anticipated Royal Ball! Cinderella's cruel Stepmother and Stepsisters are plotting to win the heart of The Prince, but a spunky and barefoot servant girl may just become the belle of the ball. This swashbuckling Cinderella just needs a little help from her Fairy Godmother and one ratty Footman to find her happy ending. Emerald City's adaptation of this favorite fairy tale is a musical holiday wish come true. 





Cinderella is best suited for ages 3-10. 

Ticket prices are $16 to $22. 

Groups of 10+ On Sale Now! Call 312-977-1710
 

We're also HUGE Dr. Seuss fans and can't wait to see this holiday classic at gorgeous Cadillac Palace Theatre!!   The show opens Dec. 5th.   Got your tickets?

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : December 05, 2012 - December 16, 2012
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas," The Grinch discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small", decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with this heart-warming holiday classic.

Ticket prices are $18 to $85.  

 I Love Lucy



We caught opening night of this interactive blast from the past and adored it!   Check out our show review here.   Want more of our past Lucy coverage...click here.   They've been extended by popular demand and tickets are now available through March 3rd.    This live version of the show is a hoot!   If you miss it, you've got some 'splainin to do!!

I Love Lucy® Live On Stage
Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates :

September 12, 2012 - March 03, 2013
Running time:  95 minutes, no intermission


EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR PERFORMANCES THROUGH MARCH 3, 2013.


I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE, the brand new hit musical stage show adapted from the longest-running and most beloved television program in history, starring Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel: America's favorite foursome, is coming to Chicago for the very first time!

Imagine stepping back in time and into the Desilu Playhouse soundstage!
It's 1952 and you are a member of the studio audience awaiting the
filming of two hilarious and oh so familiar "I Love Lucy" episodes. A
charming host entertains and enlightens you to the behind-the-scenes
filming process, the1950's hi-fidelity technology, and this brand new
thing called 'television'. The episodes begin and you witness,
firsthand, the side-splitting antics of that crazy redhead in the
Ricardo's New York apartment and thrill to the Cuban sounds of "The
Ricky Ricardo Orchestra" at the famed Tropicana Nightclub. In between
scenes? The Crystaltone Singers perform live advertising jingles of the
show's newest sponsors in perfect 50s style harmony. Can you say
'Brylcreem'?!

Ticket prices are $35 to $85.
Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312)977-1710. 

Check out Broadway in Chicago's main site right here, to book your tickets and see their full season of upcoming shows.   We can't wait for The Book of Mormon!!!!   We're also stoked for War Horse, Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan, and more.

ACT OUT: Chicago's Weird Grandma

Do NOT miss this highly recommended twist on a long running fav of ours.   Check out Barrel of Monkeys That's Weird Grandma--Chi-town version!!



Barrel of Monkeys presents “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”

Monday, October 8 through December 17 at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.
Tickets for all performances are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12.

For tickets, reservations or information call 312-409-1954 or visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org.
buy tickets

Schedule of Guest Artists for “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”
Mondays at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.

WORLDS COLLIDE ALERT:

Here's the remaining guest performer list and there are a bunch of our favorites in here.

November 19 BONEdanse & The Lincoln Squares
November 26 Dean Evans
December 3 The Factory Theater & Manual Cinema
December 10 Sideshow Theatre Company & Manual Cinema
December 17 The Neo-Futurists & About Face Theatre
Schedule subject to change.

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SELLING OUT!
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

BARREL OF MONKEYS JOINS FORCES WITH CHICAGO ARTISTIC HEAVY HITTERS FOR ALL NEW “CHICAGO'S WEIRD, GRANDMA”

Company Members From Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, House Theatre of Chicago, The Hypocrites, Factory Theater, and Many More Present Their Take on Kids’ Stories From BOM Residencies

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) kicks off its 15th season with an all new, cross-disciplinary extravaganza titled “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”. 

From the House Theatre of Chicago to the experimental dance of BONEdanse to the quirky stylings of Noah Ginex Puppet Company, BOM brings children’s stories to life in an innovative way. “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma” is a new spin on the BOM classic “That’s Weird, Grandma” on Mondays, October 8 through December 17 at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. BOM Artistic Director Molly Brennan directs.


Click here for tickets.    This show has been selling out!!

Pentimento #FREEfullalbumdownload #punk

Pentimento Gives Away New Full-Length Record For Free, Issues Update Regarding Record Label Situation Pentimento's debut, self-titled full-length record was originally announced for a November 13 release date via Paper + Plastick Records and Black Numbers. Today is November 13, and the Buffalo, NY-based indie-punk-rockers have just made their new LP available to the public...but not exactly how it was originally planned. Pentimento can now be downloaded for free on PentimentoNY.com, and on the site, fans can read an in-depth statement from the band regarding the complications that surrounded the album's release. The group has cut ties with Paper + Plastick and Black Numbers because of legal action that was threatened by former label Panic Records. *free download right here  The band, releasing its album for free independently, is taking donations via PayPal to help pay back GCR Audio and producer/engineer Jay Zubricky for the recording costs. The band is not selling its record, but taking donations from those willing to help out with the recording bill. Finally, the day is here! A few weeks back, we announced we would be releasing our debut, self-titled full-length record via Paper + Plastick Records and Black Numbers, and we were more than ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with a team of outstanding individuals with their minds and hearts in the music. However, we are displeased to announce that this will not be happening.   We feel that it is only fair to be honest about the situation and lay it straight out for you to understand. Honesty, truth, integrity, sincerity ... these are all things that are not as plentiful in the world as they should be. Pentimento as a band and as individuals are on a collective journey to find more of these things in the world and within ourselves. We are not perfect. We are not meant to be. We are learning from our mistakes everyday and it is so exhilarating to do so and to realize that this exact process is what life is all about.   Panic Records has hired a lawyer to threaten legal action toward Pentimento, Paper + Plastick and Black Numbers if we continue on with our record release. That's why this album hasn't had a normal marketing plan around it - that's why you guys haven't been able to preorder the record online. No vinyl or CDs or cassettes have been pressed. Plainly and simply, we've decided to close our relationships with P+P/BN at the current time in the interest of protecting those labels from legal action, and in the interest of forging on ourselves as an independent band. Panic Records has made threats to file take-down claims from any digital distributor selling our album. They've enforced take-down claims with YouTube regarding the few songs we have already released for you guys to hear, which due to the situation are no longer available. Truth be told, we have been in this legal battle with Panic since September. And even though we had to put off the relationships we were so excited to start only a couple months ago, we MUST push on as a band.   That's why we're giving you guys our debut full-length record for free. Starting today. We believe in this record. As four individuals, there is nothing more that we want than to be playing these songs around the world. This is the reason why we must release the record independently. We feel it is completely necessary for us to tell this story and to offer you the record that we are so very proud of. Starting today, and for as long as we possibly can before a lawyer comes for us and tries to shut us down, you'll be able to download our new LP for free. It should be clear that our intent is not to defame anyone in this matter. Our intent is to explain the honest story of where Pentimento is forced to stand today with the continued support of Jay Zubricky and GCR Audio.   The economics of being in a band have inevitably left us with a bill to cover the expenses of the record ourselves. This is where the "sob story" begins and ends, and again, please understand that our intent is not to give you a sob story. Our intent is to give you our record.   If you open a pizza shop, you need ovens and ingredients and workers before you can even get a single pie out to your customers. All of those things cost money. Being in a band is no different. The economics of releasing an album include recording studio costs, artwork, publicity, etc. Now that we are without label support, these expenses are in the hands of Pentimento, which like many other touring acts, spends less time at work and more time in the van.   We NEED you to hear this record. Therefore, we are giving it to you for free. We will assume the expenses ourselves. If you would like to donate to the economics of the four of us continuing on as Pentimento, information can be found at the end of this message.   Always be SMART, ARTICULATE and PASSIONATE - three words that we have gathered from an individual who has helped guide us to what we aspire to be. We are trying to do those exact things. This record belongs to you just as much as it does to us. Thank you for your continued support. We want nothing more than to share with you the music that makes us feel alive.   All donations will be accepted at pentimentomerch@gmail.com via PayPal. Please include your address and phone number (if you please) as we would like to contact everyone individually who has supported us financially. Pentimento - Pentimento Independently released. For free. Today.

Badfish at Cubby Bear THIS Friday #originalshowshots

Are you a Badfish too?!   Sure, seeing Sublime live just ain't gonna happen....ever.   But Badfish is comin' your way and they put on a rockin' live show.  Their original material as Scotty Don't is pretty sweet, too, but their Sublime sets had everyone grinnin' and singing along.   Fun times!   Last year we even gave away tickets to a couple of our lucky readers.   Check out ChiIL Live Shows original shots from their House of Blues gig last year right here.   Then get your tickets and go already.   Click here for tixs and more show info.  21+.   

 

Men Without Hats & Bow Wow Wow THIS Sunday

Mayne Stage...New Wave...Sunday's gonna be a big dance party.   Come see 80's favs with some stellar new tunes, and classics.

Get your tickets here.

Mayne Stage Presents

Bow Wow Wow and Men Without Hats

Sunday, Nov 18, 2012 7:30 PM CST 
Mayne Stage, Chicago, IL
18 years and over

BOW WOW WOW AND MEN WITHOUT HATS

Men Without Hats:

Men Without Hats is a Canadian New Wave group from Montreal, Quebec. Their music is characterized by the distinctive baritone voice of their lead singer Ivan Doroschuk as well as their elaborate use of synthesizers and electronic processing. They achieved their greatest popularity in the early to mid 1980s with their most successful single, "The Safety Dance", a Top 10 hit in both the US and the UK, as well as other countries including South Africa. Their other big success was the 1987 hit, "Pop Goes the World".

Bow Wow Wow:

Bow Wow Wow’s history may be short but it’s complex. Over their four album life span, Bow Wow Wow’s music ranges from simple, goofy, non-sensical tunes to complex, crisp pop masterpieces. Bow Wow Wow’s music has been described as a pastiche of Latin and African beats, 50’s rock-n-roll, and spaghetti western soundtracks. The band packaged all of this together with an incredible sense of humor and vigor. With thundering African/Latin percussion and twangy, Duane Eddy guitars, Bow Wow Wow struggled to maintain a consistent image and sound through a host of record producers in their short life span. But despite the numerous people who shaped their sound from 1980-1983, a strong Bow Wow Wow identity remained intact. That unique style created a wonderful antithesis to the gloom of the London and U.S. music scene in the early 80’s. Unemployment and inflation were at record highs in both countries. As Annabella Lwin (lead singer) said in 1981: “I hate London. It’s just really horrible. I just really hate it. It’s depressing, you know. At the moment anyway, it’s depressing.”

ACT OUT: HELLCAB Opens at Profiles Theatre

Hellcab

by Will Kern

directed by Darrell W. Cox

  

Profiles Theatre newest venue

The Main Stage

4139 N. Broadway  

I saw Hellcab waaaay back in the day with a theatre friend of mine who still goes by the name Hellwomann, and I'll never forget how hard we laughed.    We can't wait to see what Profiles brings to the 20th anniversary production.   This quirky, cool slice of Chi-Town life makes for some seriously fun insights into human nature.   We'll be there tomorrow for press night and we'll have a full recap.   

Hellcab presents a day in the life story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious collection of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago. Playwright Will Kern draws from personal experience as a former cab driver to create this alternately frightening, hilarious and poignant journey. Throughout his long shift, the eclectic collection of passengers includes a trio of drug-addicts, a smug lawyer, a born-again couple, and a randy couple on their way to a motel. Set during a bitter cold Christmas Eve, Hellcab presents a rear-view image mirroring the passing parade of humanity.

Profiles presents the 20^th Anniversary production of Kern’s landmark play. First produced as a late-night show by Famous Door Theatre in 1992, the play was originally scheduled for twelve performances and ended up running for over nine years, becoming one of the longest running shows in Chicago theatre history. Hellcab has been performed all over the U.S. and abroad, including Scotland, Israel, Singapore, and Ireland. The play won numerous awards, including a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival and was adapted for the screen by Mr. Kern in 1998.

Directed by Profiles Co-Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox, Hellcab will feature a cast of 34 Chicago actors. Originally performed by a cast of one driver and six ensemble members playing multiple roles as the passengers, Profiles celebrates the diversity of Chicago by filling each ensemble role with a different actor!  

The cast includes Konstantin Khrustov as the driver with the passenger roles performed by Dennis Bisto, Rebecca Julia Brown, Maryann Carlson, Chris Carr, Mike Cherry, Eric J. Ciak, Alex Fisher, LJ Flora, Jeff Gamlin, Carly Jo Geer, Philena Gilmer, Charles Glenn, Rob Grabowski, Desmond Gray, Aaron Holland, Khalil Lesaldo, Kaitlyn Majoy, Jack McCabe, Christopher McMorris, Katrina V. Miller, Stephanie Monday, Joseph W. Moore III, Todd Neal, Brennan Roche, Sarai Rodriguez, Andrew L. Saenz, Sheridan Singleton, Adam Soule, Aaron Spencer, Elise Spoerlein, Scott Stockwell, Rachel Weeks and Jin You.

The designers are Shaun Renfro (set), Mike Durst (lights), Jeffrey Levin (sound and original music), and Raquel Adorno (costumes). Jordan Muller is the stage manager and Eric Burgher and Harmony France serve as assistant directors.

Click here for Profiles main site for advanced tickets and more show info.

Veronica Falls Premieres "Teenage" Track On Pitchfork #freestreaming

Sophomore LP Waiting For Something To Happen Out February 13th On Slumberland/Bella Union

Click Here To Listen To "Teenage" On Pitchfork You may have had them tagged as goth-tinged pop fantasists, but with their much anticipated sophomore album Waiting For Something To Happen, Veronica Falls easily shrug off any notions of a difficult second album to create something that is easily more polished, more affecting, and more enduring than their peers would dream of making, and stake their claim as one of the most gloriously unpredictable and invaluable bands on the scene right now. Recorded with Rory Attwell (Male Bonding, The Vaccines),Waiting For Something To Happen is a bold and deliciously assured leap forward which sees the quartet of Roxanne Clifford, Patrick Doyle, James Hoare and Marion Herbain easily throw off the tongue in cheek references to ghostly romances and suicides to elegantly distill the essence of an aimless twenty-something existence – the collective anxieties, tensions and confusion of moving from adolescence into fully fledged adulthood – into a set of immaculately conceived and perfectly wrought pop songs. Indeed, the emotional throughline, from the title down, is one of slowly coming to terms with the process of growing up and eventually learning to face adult responsibility, of leaving behind the safe haven of “driving late at night, I'll let you listen to the music you like” (as they sing on the dreamy, dewy-eyed “Teenage”), and then searching for a “shooting star to point me in the right direction” (“Shooting Star”). Far from retreading the playful atmosphere of the debut, the band here mine a much more rich, emotionally resonant vein, be it weariness with dead end social scenes (“So Tired”), or the fear of your peers leaving you behind before you’re ready (“Everybody’s Changing”). Musically too, this album sees the band evolve into a more poised and confident pop entity, the melodies bolder and songs more muscular, as epitomized on spellbinding album opener (and first single) “Tell Me”. So there are deliciously askew pop belters in the form of “Buried Alive” and “Everybody’s Changing”, but there are also achingly tender moments present too, from the touching love song “Broken Toy” (“I am broken too, a broken toy like you”), to the gentle reverie “Daniel”, which strips the track to its barest essentials – shimmering guitar lines and perfectly harmonized vocals sighing, “nobody needs to know what we know, nobody needs to go where we go” to perfectly heart rending effect. With this superb second album it is clear Veronica Falls are only going from strength to strength – embrace them now. Waiting For Something To Happen Tracklisting 1. Tell Me 2. Teenage 3. Broken Toy 4. Shooting Star 5. Waiting For Something to Happen 6. If You Still Want Me 7. My Heart Beats 8. Everybody’s Changing 9. Buried Alive 10. Falling Out 11. So Tired 12. Daniel 13. Last Conversation Press Quotes "There's a clarity of texture-- a specificity even-- to every element of the band's sound. Which makes it something of an anomaly: shoegaze that looks you square in the eye." Pitchfork "Veronica Falls’ long-awaited, self-titled debut flaunts an array of both dark and bright indie rock sounds, a glossy exterior coating something a little more mysterious and spooky. It’s impressive."  Stereogum "With this amazing debut, Veronica Falls has created something timeless and eerily familiar, yet fresh and exciting at the same time. Don’t waste too much time drawing comparisons with the past; the music sounds best with a fresh set of ears."  KEXP "This is not the kind of band where the drummer learned how to play last week - underlining hooky melodies with jagged, angsty stabs. But mostly it's hard to say what puts Veronica Falls over the top in a genre where so many fall flat. Enthusiasm?  Personality?  Songs?  Probably all of that, as well as the indefinable quality that makes old genres come alive again."  Blurt "The London quartet’s harmony-laden, jangly guitar pop is the kind of sound proven time and time again to send the average blogger heart a-flutter. Veronica Falls are poised to become the Next Big Thing."  Consequence of Sound “You know, it’s really weird”, opines Veronica Falls’ honey-throated singer/ guitarist/ lynchpin Roxanne Clifford when asked about their media-conceived “goth pop” tag. “Because when you start a band, and you start writing songs together, you never think anybody else is going to hear them. You’re just kind of writing it for yourselves. Songs like “Found Love in a Graveyard” and “Beachy Head”, we thought they were playful and not serious at all...” Veronica Falls are used to wrongfooting easy assumptions. Initially grouped with the explosion of lo-fi bands associated with the Captured Tracks scene in Brooklyn, the quartet of Clifford, drummer Patrick Doyle, fellow guitarist James Hoare and bassist Marion Herbain quietly released a series of limited edition, quickly sold out singles which gradually accrued them underground buzz and a cache of hopelessly devoted fans. Then they signed to Bella Union – one of the UK’s leading lights when it comes to independent labels – and released a blinder of a debut LP in 2011, one which trumped all expectations and rocketed the band to the covers of The Fly and Loud and Quiet and sold out gigs at the Scala. Casual listeners  who just assumed that they just made pretty, pristine pop songs were forced to reevaluate their preconceptions when they examined the lyrics more closely – lurking beneath the glacial surfaces were lyrics about suicide and spectral love. Now, with their sophomore album, Veronica Falls look set to pull out the rug from under people’s feet yet again. “Waiting For Something to Happen” sees the band emerge as one of the most potent and affecting, fully-formed indie guitar pop acts we have around. Beautifully mature and poignant, this marvellously assured second record sees the band throw off the casually morbid references to elegantly distill the essence of an aimless twentysomething existence – the collective anxieties, tension and confusion of moving from adolescence into fully fledged adulthood – into a set of immaculately conceived, perfectly wrought pop songs. “I’d say the word “wistful” really describes the mood of the album”, Clifford muses. “We chose the album title because to me it captures what people our age are all going through”. Indeed, the emotional throughline, from the title down, is one of slowly coming to terms with the process of growing up and eventually learning to face adult responsibility, of leaving behind the safe haven of “driving late at night, I’ll let you listen to the music you like...everything’s alright” (as they sing on the dreamy, dewy-eyed “Teenage”), and then searching for a “shooting star to point me in the right direction” (“Shooting Star”). Far from retreading the playful atmosphere of the debut, the band here mine a much more rich, emotionally resonant vein, be it weariness with dead end social scenes (“So Tired”), or the fear of your peers moving on with their lives before you’re ready (“Everybody’s Changing”). Musically too, this album sees the band evolve into a more poised and confident pop entity, the melodies bolder and songs more muscular. Recorded with Rory Attwell (who has worked with everyone from The Vaccines to Male Bonding), these are tracks which spin gorgeous, sun-kissed melodies across their tales of growing pains and romantic dysfunction. So there are deliciously askew pop belters in the form of “Buried Alive” and “Everybody’s Changing”, but there are also achingly tender moments present too, from the touching love song “Broken Toy” (“I am broken too, a broken toy like you”), to the gentle reverie “Daniel”, which strips the track to its barest essentials – shimmering guitar lines and perfectly harmonised vocals sighing, “nobody needs to know what we know, nobody needs to go where we go” to perfectly heart rending effect. You may have had them tagged as goth-tinged pop fantasists, but with “Waiting For Something to Happen”, Veronica Falls easily shrug off any notions of a difficult second album to create something that is easily more polished, more affecting, and more enduring than their peers would dream of making, and stake their claim as one of the most gloriously unpredictable and invaluable bands the UK has right now. Clutch them close to your heart. Links Official Website Facebook Twitter Copyright © 2012 Tell All Your Friends.