Chicago trio Dehd sound like they’re trying to levitate by fusing the ineffable but often incompatible powers of frigid postpunk and wispy indie rock. Dehd are dedicated minimalists: their lonesome, echoing guitars and sturdy, straightforward rhythms tend to show the seams in their songs, but they don’t reveal too much of the magic that makes […]
Tag: Jason Balla
Posted inMusic
Mia Joy is singing the dream
Mia Joy has turned her debut album, Spirit Tamer, into a place of solace that welcomes anyone who listens.
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Spun Out make their case for Chicago indie-pop canonization
Ne-Hi formed in 2013 and subsequently became one of the most revered Chicago indie-rock bands of the decade. The four-piece called it quits in May 2019, but I imagine their reputation will only keep growing—partly because all four members continue to play in remarkable groups. Jason Balla always juggled a few projects while in Ne-Hi, […]
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Dehd focus their sound and their hearts on the new Flower of Devotion
Chicago trio Dehd add studio polish and hard life lessons to their fusion of postpunk and garage folk.
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The documentary Minding the Gap and more of the best things to do in Chicago this week
Odetta at the Empty Bottle and more goings-on 9/3-9/6.
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Prolific Chicago indie-rocker Jason Balla expands his catalog with his new solo project, Accessory
Chicago indie rocker Jason Balla divides his time between Britpop-inflected four-piece Ne-Hi, atmospheric postpunk three-piece Dehd, and reverb-drenched duo Earring, all of which have made prominent places for themselves in the local underground rock scene. I can’t imagine Balla has much time on his hands, so when he starts a new creative endeavor, it’s likely […]
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Hideout talent buyer Sullivan Davis on a thriving new progressive community in Hyde Park
Current musical obsessions of Ne-Hi guitarist Jason Balla, Hideout talent buyer Sullivan Davis, and Reader music listings wrangler Luca Cimarusti
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Chicago summers according to the Chicagoans at Pitchfork
The locals playing Pitchfork—including Jamila Woods, Derrick Carter, and Mike Kinsella—talk about the city’s best summer music.
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Comedian Nicholas Rouley on Birdcloud’s shit-kickin’ straight talk
Current musical obsessions of stand-up comics Nicholas Rouley and Stephanie Hasz and Reader music staffer Luca Cimarusti
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Gossip Wolf: Surachai’s scary semimodular synth
Surachai’s scary semimodular synth, the Empty Bottle’s silly staff podcast, and more