You’ve probably seen Mutts around Chicago at local festivals like Do Division and Milwaukee Ave Arts Festival. Maybe you even heard their song “God, Country, Grave” on Cinemax’s Banshee or have seen their records in Reckless or Saki. No matter how you know them, if you live in Chicago, you’ve likely heard of Mutts.
Mutts will continue their residency at Township in Logan Square this upcoming Monday and every Monday for the rest of February. Half of the proceeds from this residency go to Chicago HOPES, a non-profit that organizes after school programs for kids living in homeless shelters throughout Chicago.
Mutts are supported by other Midwest bands during their residency including Kane Place Record Club from Milwaukee and Chicago rockers Common Shiner who are on the bill this week. Next week, Empires and Maid Myriad. The final show on 2/24 will be supported by Vic and Gab and Wedding Dress.
Mutts’ politically charged, hard-rocking album Pray For Rain is worth more than just a few listens especially when you’ve got that coiling urge inside that feels like you need to release some heavy anger or have to take out your anger with no punching bag in sight. They also successfully Kickstarted a double LP in 2012 of the plugged-in side, Separation Anxiety and an unplugged side, Object Permanence. This release conveyed their varied sound and gave no one a reason to think that Mutts are in any way predictable or unstoppable. And that is truly refreshing.
Mutts’ set lists will contain old favorites as well as new songs, which will be very exciting for current fans who may be curious where the band will take their sound next. Their grunge/blues style consists of heavy drums, pounding piano, and raw guitar. Mike Maimone’s raspy, deep vocals are often compared to that of the grumbly and beautifully dark, Tom Waits. Maimone delivers passionate and introspective lyrics while often incorporating lines of poetry into his songs. You can expect nothing less than loud and high energy live shows every single time these guys perform.
Also, Mutts are DIY in every aspect. From funding their latest LP release through Kickstarter, to setting up gigs and promoting all over the midwest and all without a manager or label, I’m truly impressed by their accomplishments after only being around for about 4 years. They’re an ultimate local indie band and they’re no doubt getting much bigger.
See Mutts on Monday at Township and if for no other reason, do it for the kids of Chicago HOPES.
PHOTO: DAN JARVIS
