First...SubT in Chicago is a fantastic venue. It’s everything you could want as a music fan: intimate (read as small), great sound, great staff and a great neighborhood.

Second…The Postelles were sandwiched between New Jersey boys The Static Jacks and Liverpool’s own Wombats.

Third…The Postelles blew me, and the rest of the crowd, away. Just awesome. I’ve said before that there’s something about the Postelles that reminds me of drinking whiskey stolen from your dad’s liquor cabinet on a hot summer night at a slightly disreputable dance hall. Well that’s exactly what their show felt like in Chicago. If the crowd wasn’t familiar and fans beforehand, everyone I talked to after was by the time the guys were done!

Their 9 song set was crafted perfectly, even throwing in their cover version of Wreckless Eric’s “Whole Wide World.” (A song that I maintain is one of the best covers I’ve heard in a long time.) And I still have their “She She” stuck in my head. (Thanks!)

Live, these guys are great. Their sound was tight and clean. The energy was fantastic and the crowd was feeding off them the second they started playing. I was super impressed with David Dargahi’s guitar work. So clean and so sharp through the whole set. Singer Daniel Balk sounded fantastic and engaged the crowd with his genuine enthusiasm for the music and the moment. John (oh fan of the trench coat!) Speyer was rockin one of the danciest bass sounds I’ve heard in a while. He and Daniel played great off each other on stage too, clearly the band themselves were having fun. And no…I’m not going to forget Billy Cadden on drums. He was absolutely on fire through the whole set. Consistent and strong he definitely kept the beat for the rest of the guys!

The Postelles have such a unique sound; danceable with a hint of a hot rockabilly sensibility and a touch of surf music but no single part of it eclipses any other part. In other words, you don’t end up with a mash up of styles that just work together, instead The Postelles create a unique sound that they own.

Their busy fall schedule is set up touring with the Wombats but as we publish this, they’re tying up that leg (last show November 12th) and going to be starting a new round supporting The Kooks, starting on November 15th in Philadelphia. You can down load their stuff and see their full schedule at their site www.thepostelles.com.

And guys…if you happen to see this? Your “Beat on the Brat” cover would be awesome live too. Just sayin’.

Chicago, November 5th Set List:
Running Red Lights
123 Stop
She She
Hey Little Sister
Whole Wide World
White Night
Tidal Wave
Stella
Can’t Stand Still

The Postelles are:
Daniel Balk (Vocals, Guitar)
Billy Cadden (Drums)
David Dargahi (Lead Guitar)
John Speyer (Bass)