CHICAGO | On February 23 a unique local artist event, in association with CIVIL Fest took over the Metro for a special night of diverse music, featuring Sharp Pins, Uniflora and Pinksqueeze.
The stage was set with Sharp Pins, the solo project of Kai Slater, featuring Peter Cimbalo on drums and Joe Glass on bass. Sharp Pins have been actively playing great shows in Chicago for the past few months and last week at the Metro was no exception!
Offering a dynamic set of memorable songs from their latest record as well as some new material, Slater delivered a harmonically rich and enjoyable performance that had the crowd tapping their feet. The three-part harmonies from Cimbalo and Glass — who both had great chemistry — perfectly showcased the band’s musical talent.
After the show, I asked Peter Cimbalo about his experience playing with Sharp Pins and how performing with the band influences his solo music under Alga, “It felt super gratifying to be able to play Metro with Kai and Joe. I’ve seen so many great bands come through that venue, so being able to perform on that stage myself with some good friends was very special. I think that Sharp Pins and Alga pull from similar sources of inspiration, like power-pop and Beatle-Esque 60s sort of stuff, so being able to relate on that level is super rewarding and definitely inspiring.”.
Sharp Pins is the current songwriting outlet of Kai Slater who has been a key figure in Chicago music for the past half-decade; being a founding member of both Dwaal Troupe — an analog and harmonic quartet — and the heavy post-hardcore influenced trio Lifeguard. Lifeguard, who formed in 2019 with bassist/vocalist Asher Case and drummer Issac Lowenstein signed to Matador in 2023; further etching themselves in Chicago rock history with their spirited arrangements and undeniable talent. Slater’s latest project, Sharp Pins, might be my personal favorite. His 2023 self-released record Turtle Rock, blew me away with its satisfyingly noisy and creative style of pop music.
Slater was kind enough to answer some of Radio DePaul’s questions regarding his new record, the Metro show, and the greater Chicago music scene.
AVH: “Recently you have been dedicating a lot of focus towards the Sharp Pins project, which has a much more DIY direction, with your last album being self-released with Hallogallo. How do the writing and recording processes differ in this project as opposed to your stuff with Lifeguard on Matador? Do you feel more liberated to experiment in a more independent environment?
KS: “I have been self-releasing and home-recording for a while, this has just been the most recent thing. I’ve never had a proper solo project so it’s been really liberating to release an album that’s completely myself and pretty naturally recorded. The writing is really different because Lifeguard is built off of not only songwriting but collaboration and improvisational stuff. And you can’t really improvise with yourself, as much as you could try.”
AVH: “On last year’s record, Turtle Rock, you seem to find a lot of comfort in a more power-pop/indie sound, have these communities always been influences for you, or is that just how the music naturally manifested?”
KS: “The album definitely just built off all the songwriting I’ve always loved to do, and all the recording things I’ve gotten better at. I’ve been a mod for a while, and I’ve been trying to write perfect pop songs for a while too. I got into power pop stuff 3 or 4 years ago, my friend Charlie Johnston really introduced me to that stuff while we had the band Dwaal Troupe. Dwaal Troupe was initially inspired by mid-period Beatles and Elephant 6 stuff, psychedelic pop and folk stuff, but once me and Charlie started listening to a lot of classic power pop, the band took that influence and it definitely just led into my general songwriting goals and inspiration, everywhere, Sharp Pins and Lifeguard. I believe in pop music and it’s what I want to do!”
AVH: “You have played many iconic venues in your young career, does it feel different to play somewhere like the Metro as Sharp Pins?”
KS: “Playing Metro as Sharp Pins was really cool! It’s a great venue and it’s cool that the sound system could handle the 3 part vocal harmonies that well. But the thing I was most excited about was the band Uniflora playing. I was just really happy to see such an awesome young band play Metro and have such a good reception. So that was the biggest win I think.”
AVH: “The Chicago Youth scene has always been a vibrant source of experimental music that defies definition and genre. Are there any specific local acts you are keeping your eye on?”
KS: “Well, Uniflora for sure rocks, as well as Twin Coast, Donkey Basketball, Alga, Laurie Duo, Deerest Friends/Konstantin Konstantius, Joe Glass, TV Buddha.”
Thanks so much to Kai Slater for the interview! You can see Sharp Pins play with Alga and Tom Henry at Color Club on March 18th! Be sure to check out Sharp Pins and Hallogallo, their record Turtle Rock is streaming everywhere.
Following Sharp Pins, was Uniflora, boldly making their Metro debut. Uniflora is the Chicago-based high-school band of Quinn Dugan (vocals), Theo Williams (Bass), and Ruby O’Brien (Drums). After releasing their experimental rock-influenced EP Plastic Sturgeon last November, Uniflora has gained significant local recognition, dropping two follow-up singles “Hellgirl” and the instrumental “LMCB”. Uniflora’s experimentations with noise and time signatures were a welcomed occurrence with all three members displaying individual prowess and shine. Having never seen the band perform, they continued to win me over during their set showcasing a variety of material with an expansive sound stage, despite only being a three-piece act. The band was unphased and gave an impressive performance. Guitarist/Vocalist Quinn Dugan’s guitar strap even fell off mid-song and they still got through it, winning over the crowd. Uniflora’s combination of mathy guitars, ripping basslines, and creative drum rhythms cemented them as a band to watch in the coming months.
It is amazing to watch talent break out at such a young age — high-school acts like Lifeguard and Neptune’s Core have cultivated large followings, creating unique and fleshed-out projects so early in their careers. It’s important for a venue as tenured as the Metro to host events spotlighting local artists. This sentiment was encapsulated by the audience, who represented many different generations of music listeners. Ranging from high schoolers to grandparents this Metro local series event was a night to remember, highlighting diverse musical acts from in and around the city.
Thanks again Kai Slater for the interview and Uniflora for getting me out to their debut at the Metro! Keep an eye out for future projects from both, as well as events from CIVIL Fest!
All photos by Aden Van Hollander