Lifeguard Makes a Splash at Empty Bottle
Article and photos by Austin Krzysik
On one misty evening, in a tucked-away corner of Ukrainian Village in Chicago, Lifeguard's energetic performance saved me from a typical boring Sunday.
Although I have lived in the Chicago area my entire life I never really tried to immerse myself in its diverse and unique music scene. While most of my experiences with musicians have been at large venues or festivals, recently, I have been yearning to explore more aspects of Chicago's culture. After hearing about the opportunity to cover a post-punk rock band based in Chicago, I jumped at the chance to see what they had to offer.
Lifeguard, a Chicago-based band formed by high school friends Asher Case, Kia Slater, and Isaac Lowenstein, showcases a unique blend of talent and passion wich is required for a memorable performance. Starting from humble beginnings in 2019, they have recently seen success in their latest performances, such as Chicago's infamous Pitchfork Music Festival and their upcoming European tour. Best known for their song "17-18 lovesong" featured on their 2023 EP "Dressed in Trenches," Lifeguard embodies a mix of teenage angst and post-punk indie flair.
At the beginning of the night, the audience was greeted by Font, who had been touring alongside Lifeguard for their past couple of shows. Despite the crowd seeming stiff initially, they began to loosen up as their songs started to hypnotize the room. While playing tracks from their most recent album, "Strange Burden," released in 2024, one standout moment of the show was their performance of "Hey Kekulé." The unique implementation of a smooth electronic keyboard, soft guitar strums, and a mellow vocal performance by Thom Waddill, produced a palpable energy amongst the crowd. With little prior knowledge of the band, I was pleasantly surprised by their spirit, which was an excellent introduction to what would come next.
Then, at long last, it was Lifeguard’s turn to grace the stage with their presence. From their first song, I quickly realized that their live performance set a high expectation for the rest of the night. With a loud, brash, garage rock feel, their track, “I know I know” brought about the kind of powerful shockwave you can only get standing twenty feet from the band. The impact of Isaac Lowenstein‘s drums, soaring harmonies of Kia Slater‘s bass guitar, and angsty vocals of Asher Case, really represents an off-the-cuff post-punk performance. Chaotic in the best way, they break convention in ways traditional punk bands do not. With songs ranging from calm and laid back to upbeat and raucous, the audience (myself included) frequently hit the small but lively dance floor to rock out and express our excitement. There was something about their raw and authentic guitar and vocals that transported me back to my more rebellious teenage years, something that I really cherished. One important aspect that shaped my experience was the intimate atmosphere that Empty Bottle provided. The venue was unexpectedly wholesome and friendly despite its outwardly edgy and rough appearance. Unlike the larger venues that I frequented in the past, Empty Bottle constructed a refreshing experience that allowed me to connect with Chicago's music scene. Despite all band members being teenagers, their performance is something that I would expect from seasoned professionals, which only adds to my high opinions of them. Their performance left a lasting impression on me, and I genuinely can't wait to see how this band continues to evolve over the years.
Lifeguard starts their European tour on July 26th in England. Details about their future shows can be found through their Instagram or Spotify.