When it comes to musical zeitgeists, the cultural epicenters are generally relegated to America’s two “main character” cities, LA and NYC. Obviously, there’s talk and respect for the Tennessee musical history, and Atlanta has had its burst in fame both with the recent rap boom and the late ‘90s burst led by groups such as Outkast, but there’s one city that never seems to get the shine it deserves when it comes to honing musicians and genres: Chicago.
Now, when I say Chicago, you probably think of one band in particular. Yes, of course, the band named Chicago. What you might not realize, however, is that some other historic artists/bands all got their start (and some have stayed) in the city, too: Kanye West, Wilco, the Smashing Pumpkins, Earth Wind & Fire (and then in a less historical sense, Chance the Rapper, Rise Against, and Disturbed.) Talk about diversity in sounds and demographics, right?
Another key group out of Chicago worth discussing is known as The Unswept, a rock ’n’ roll trio made up of three cousins who came over from Sheffield, England to pursue their dream in music — now four albums in, the pursuit couldn’t be going better. Their latest effort, Fast Casual, brings that classic Unswept sound to new heights as the group hones in on what made them work in the first place while also adding subtle new flourishes to the mix to bring them out of their comfort zone.
The O’Brien cousins gladly return from the bullpen with a new artistic lease on life; while all three members contribute lead vocals throughout Fast Casual, Charlie also adds in guitars and keyboards, Liz brings in the bass, piano, and violin, and Ryan brings in the drums/percussion and additional guitar. The Unswept seem determined to do their city proud with this beautiful mesh of Britpop, power-pop, and doo-wop through a modern lens.
Fast Casual is an album that flies by before you have time to realize it. With twelve tracks that clock in at a total of only thirty minutes, The Unswept are chomping at the bit every step of the way. The opening track “You Keep Me Company” features tongue-in-cheek lyrics, a melodic synth hook that feels subconsciously tied to “Just What I Needed” by The Cars, and a melody you won’t be able to get out of your head. Other standouts include “Something New,” which is a breakup rock diddy by way of Van Morrison and propelled by cowbell, and “Codependent,” which is the album at maybe its most rock ’n’ roll with guitar licks, pointed lyrics, and upfront vocals.
“I want you on my side but not on my case, I need you in my life but not in my face, I’m independent; don’t need no codependency.” Other songs that’ll stick in your craw the most are the one-two punch of “Please Don’t Waste My Time” and “Cheugy Choo Choo.” The former is the lightest the album ever gets, in the vein of Billy Joel’s “For The Longest Time,” and the latter is the inverse, with swaggering guitars, funky bass, and flirtatious lyrics.
The Unswept is a key component of the Chicago live music scene and Fast Casual will easily be a worthwhile addition to their catalog of setlist-primed tunes; not many trios are bold enough to pull off music as refined, high-concept, and poppy as The Unswept, but again… no bands are The Unswept, who have been training for these moments their whole lives.
Claire Uebelacker