Gami Gang Floods Chicago’s House of Blues
Article and photos by Natalie Silva
You know you’ve tapped into the emo-punk-rock scene when you start to recognize half of the crowd at all of the concerts you go to. This was made quite apparent at the Origami Angel show last Saturday at House of Blues in downtown Chicago. Sprinkled throughout the venue were people repping Hot Mulligan merch and singing along to the Microwave playing pre-show. With openers Forests, Macseal, and Arm’s Length, there was no doubt that this would be an energetic show full of borderline violent moshing and frowned-upon-by-the-venue crowd surfing. From D.C. to Ontario, New York to Singapore, these bands truly banded together to create a night to remember.
Kicking off the evening was Forests, a three piece emo band from Singapore who got the crowd warmed up with their great energy and engaging setlist. With songs like “Kawaii Hawaii,” “Jazz Ruined My Life,” and “Tamago,” Forests managed to get even their new listeners to sing along, with their not-so-new listeners screaming loudly alongside them, showing their continued support. Playing a short but fulfilling set, Forests rocked out till their last minute, and exited the stage with a nod to the next act.
Macseal took the stage with grace. This Long Island indie-rock band tends to lean into the midwest emo that so many know and have come to love. Playing a number of their hits off of “Yeah, No, I Know” like “Sandbox” and “Harry,” recognition could be seen across the faces of attendees who didn’t know they knew Macseal. Hitting the crowd with some great performances of songs off of their new album “Permanent Repeat,” Macseal kept it lighthearted and fun, joking that songs like “Beach Vacation” were written about Lake Michigan. The band got even more laughs when they held up a framed picture of Harry Styles which eventually rested on the stage and stared out at the crowd. The banter was balanced out by many heartfelt thanks to the other bands, the audience, and their journey, and it was clear Macseal is in it for more than just the music. Finishing with “Next to You,” Macseal left the audience with but a mere taste of what they are capable of.
A pleasant surprise, Arm’s Length proved to bring the most fans into the venue after Origami Angel, though they surely were a new name for many. This Canadian emo band is quickly gaining recognition as they continue to perform across the world, touring with bands like Real Friends, Ben Quad, and Heart Attack Man, among others. It was immediately apparent why the band has so many fans, as their music was even better live than it is recorded. Standout songs were “No Sleep” and “Tough Love,” though there was not a single song that didn’t get the crowd jumping up and down and begging for more. There were multiple moments where lead singer Allen Steinberg stopped singing to hear the crowd finish the lyrics, and it was heartwarming to see the love and shock spread across the band’s faces as they saw their effect in real time. Definitely a band to keep up with, there is no doubt Arm’s Length will continue to grow, and with their name on the When We Were Young Festival lineup and the promise of more to come, fans can stay eager.
Last, but certainly not least, Origami Angel took the stage after a dramatic interlude of closed curtains and odds and ends noises from backstage. With flashing lights, they welcomed the crowd in their typical fast-paced fashion. Kicking off the set with “Lost Signal” the crowd was put in a trance. An iconic duo, Origami Angel continues to prove that big and bold can come from just two people. With insane guitar and drum solos, and fun and funky lyrics, there is never a dull moment at an Origami Angel concert. Playing nearly 25 songs to satisfy the hungry crowd, Origami Angel kept the momentum up with very brief introductions to songs, and stories that only built anticipation for what was to come. New to the city were performances of songs like “Skeleton Key,” and old to the city, but must haves, were “24 Hr Drive-Thru” and “The Title Track.” A personal favorite is always “Bossa Nova Corps” which is a treat for math rock lovers everywhere. Other crowd favorites seemed to be “Noah Fence” and “Self-Destruct” off of “GAMI GANG”. Crowd surfer after crowd surfer signaled an end to the long, but incredible, night, and the show closed with “Feeling Not Found”. Taking off with peace and love, Origami Angel left House of Blues alive and well, and full of emo rock.
