Upon arrival to Subterranean this past Friday night I was struck by the size of the line that extended down the block. I noticed immediately the band members standing idly in front, but my confrontations and persistent questioning could wait. Standing in anticipation, my friend described Tera Melos’ music as spastic and technical, with simply wonderful start-stop dynamics and rhythm. So, with high hopes for the night’s performance we filed in; the atmosphere was cool and collected and the air seemed fresh and reminded me of the simplicity of previous shows and all the local shows from my past of crowded basements and good music. I knew that tonight was going to be the same. When I asked others what they thought of the venue, they expressed that, “The venue has an intimate, raw atmosphere and is flooded with the stereotype that comes with the surrounding wicker park territory,” which I fully believed was true.

The first band was Shapers. A Chicago local, whose opening started off fantastically with aggressive washes of sound that slowly melted down to a delicate calm contrast.  Their entire set proved to be an engaging post rock feel, the music was blended together into waves of sound that seemed almost explosive and electronically beautiful. I incredibly enjoyed their performance.

Feeling like it was getting late quickly, Castevet took the stage at 10:30, yet their music seemed to slow the night to a halt.  It was my second time experiencing their set; the first was at the annual math rock, Fourth of July show, infamously named, the Brobq. Their set was brilliant, with thrilling stage presence that was easily unparalleled by other bands. They held a vibrant flow of personality in their music that without a single doubt, held its own voice. The crowd grew in energy within minutes of their start and soon stage dives and always-present monitor pounding; the passion in their music was extremely evident. After their first few songs, they paused and posed the importance of DIY or die ethics and dedicated their set to the basement house shows that they played to get to where they were today, which I found to be extremely courageous and terrific. Chicago local & friend, Bobby Markos, of the band Native, was present showing his support for his brothers on stage, which I also found very honorable. After their set was finished, I had the opportunity to say thanks to the lead singer, Andrew Hock. Graciously, I thanked him for stepping back and admitting that basement shows are the foundation of any good band.

Yet the most awaited of the night, Tera Melos, was about to start. As I stood in the crowd as they began, I was instantly at a loss for words and delighted with the nostalgia that hit me instantly from previous shows, their performance highlighted these feelings to an extreme. The energy of lead guitarist Nick Reinhart was absolutely astonishing. His guitar skill was later described in post-show conversation as unbelievable, absolutely inventive, and stunning. It may be safe to say that during their set, we truly fell off the map. The set list was wonderful, holding characteristics of any moral human that seemed, savage yet honest, instinctive yet traumatic, but above all hopeful.

At one point, Nick leaned out over the microphone and said, “Out of the 600 shows that we play on this tour, Chicago is by far the most fun. On the west coast, kids just stand there with their arms folded and critical. I need to move here some day.” I had a chance to ask him a few quick questions after the show:

SN: What is your personal motivation to play music and what led you to be so experimental?

Nick: Well, my stepbrother bought a guitar once and after seeing him play there lied my motivation to play and I personally just got bored playing punk music! It just seemed like more of the same? 

SN: So what are your thoughts on the city and this venue?

Nick: It’s an incredible city, and we love playing here, its one of the best places to play a show and I really want to live here!

SN: So what do you have to say to your local friends here in Chicago?

Nick: (laughing sarcastically) WE LOVE YOU!!! But really, you guys are awesome and thank you so much.

I then thanked him for his time, which was met by a wonderful hug. We then departed with calm content smiles upon our faces. Tera Melos is by far one of the best technical math rock bands on the scene and I encourage anyone with the chance to experience them to do so. The night was one filled with nostalgia, memories, and wonderful music that deserves and demands to be heard.      - 6655321