Post #230
In the world of independent, D.I.Y., home-grown music, local bands come and go in the blink of an eye. Sometimes they are quickly forgotten, sometimes their members move on to new projects and re-form another band with a new formula, new line-up, new direction; other times they leave a lasting impression...
In the case of SUTURED PSYCHE, I feel they've left that impression upon their faithful following. For a band whose line-up went through a few changes over their 3 and a half years performing shows, they maintained a core of creativity and a consistent vibe and attitude that lived up to the motto for their music: "Music for Bastards".
On October 19th, 2012, the faithful of Bastard Nation gathered one last time, for one final show. The venue: Chicago's Elbo Room on the north side. Sutured Psyche: a band in flux, as the paths of life had pulled some members away, while other local musicians filled in, picking up the proverbial sword and carrying it into one final battle. A familiar face in Troll (former bassist for Deadmanswake), had rehearsed with the band on guitar, to compensate for original guitarist Adrian Mann, who had recently moved out of state. However, as fate would have it, Adrian managed to swing a trip back to his homeland, just in time to play this final show. The result was a truly one-of-a-kind line-up for Sutured Psyche. On this night they were armed with 3 guitarists (Adrian, Ryan, and Troll), plus the usual suspects of William Piamon (vocals), Brian O'Callaghan (bass), and Michael T Signal (drums).
Fans of the band filed in over the course of a couple opening acts, and by the time Sutured Psyche were ready to take the stage, there was precious little elbow-room to be had! It was showtime. They kicked off their set with 'Ma Gavte La Nata', an up tempo crowd charger for sure! The band was so pumped for this show that 2 of the guitarists collided on-stage after striking the first cord. They played on, barely missing a beat, regaining their balance and composure in a split second. And that was simply a precursor to the kind of mayhem that was in store this evening!
From that point there was no stopping. The fans latched onto the conduit of energy the band provided with their music.They thrummed along with the tempo for song after song. The audience was a cross-section of music lovers from all walks of life. Everyone there was living for the moment. Hell, there was even a guy in the crowd in a Spider-Man costume!
The band delivered so many of their classic songs, many of which can be found on their CD Bastard Nation, or their live DVD None The Wiser. 'Codependent', 'Invocation' and 'Steven' come to mind as some personal favorites. However, the guys had even more in store for us on this night, as they played an unexpected cover of Alanis Morissette's 'You Oughta Know'! Adding more power and energy to the vocal delivery, and making the song's heavy rhythm even heavier, these guys made this song their own!
The evening's biggest highlight had to be when they invited all their fans on-stage with them to jam along with the band. Easily half a dozen people joined the 6-member line-up on stage, playing chords and notes as best they could. It was such chaos, but at the same time so indicative of the relationship this band has with their fans: "We're one of you. You are one of us."
This evening was more than just a local rock band playing a set at a local venue. It was a celebration of three-plus years of camaraderie mixed with mayhem; celebration and tribute; a fraternity's family reunion; a reluctant coda mixed with an unending pride... Musicians. Rock Stars. Followers. Fans. Friends. A Nation. (and one Super Hero!)
So, until one of these bastards rises again, in another place or time, this is Sutured Psyche saying farewell...
-Ma Gavte la Nata
-Codependent
-Blood From a Stone
-Mike T. Signal's Drum Solo
-Invocation
-Belbo's Stomp
-You Oughta Know (Alanis Morrisette cover)
-Steven (w/ Henry Van Loon from Grandma vs Grandpa)
-Trickster Pt 1 (Jake Sherin on drums)
-Inherit the Earth
-Clarity
-Crecy
-The Leap
Encore:
-Anything
-I Ran
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