Some of you more regular readers will note that I’ve posted Scotland Yard Gospel Choir’s “Aspidistra” a couple of times in the past month, as they’re in the midst of their Schubas Practice Space Residency. Each month, a buzzworthy band with Chicago ties is invited to curate 4 Monday night shows in a month. It’s an opportunity to try new material or arrangements and to invite special guests to perform or lend a hand.

Though their self-titled full length was release last October on Bloodshot Records and the group has toured extensively since then, this month’s residency may be SYGC’s coming out party around here. Though the band revolves tightly around Welsh-born leader Elia and a few key players, live shows in Chicago are generally a gathering of the who’s-who of the city’s independent music scene. Sally Timms of the Mekons is a frequent contributor, along with members of Bright Eyes’ touring band and Windy City folk heroes Kelly Hogan and Nora O’Connor. It’s no wonder that the result is a scrappy blend of hook-laden folk rock and cheeky, irresistible chamber pop. Horns and strings are a given, as are Elia’s and pixieish guitarist Mary Ralph’s ocaasional zero-to-sixty propulsion of the pretty songs from bedroom twee to bona fide folk-pop-punk. It’s like if Jens Lekman and Richard Hawley took a bunch of speed and flipped out early Minor Threat…but like, with trumpets.

They’re versatile, they’re prolific, and they’re all ours for the time being. Hey world, come and get Scotland Yard Gospel Choir before we eat ‘em totally up.

MP3: Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - Aspidistra

MP3: Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way For A Boy
SYGC plays Schubas in Chicago this Monday, April 21 and next Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m.

Share This