The Scene: SubT, a funky little venue in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.
The Sound: Wombats with supporting acts The Postelles and The Static Jacks.
The Static Who?

Jacks. The Static Jacks.

And once you hear these guys live, you’ll never ask “who” again. I went to the show knowing the Postelles and the Wombats were going to be amazing. What I wasn’t expecting was the tone for the night to be set by the first of two opening acts. With raw energy and an old-school-but-updated sound The Static Jacks came out strong and loud and showed Chicago that good things can come from New Jersey!
As the first of the three bands out, they were cramped on the stage because of the other bands’ equipment taking up space, but that didn’t affect their performance at all. Raw and hot, these guys were amazing. The sound was hard and intense and it engulfed the entire venue and the crowd gladly joined the game.

Ian Devaney is one of the most animated, dynamic leads I’ve seen in a while. On guitars, Henry Kaye and Michael Sue-Poi , blow it away. The layers their combined playing create are so rich it’s hard to believe you’re listening to a band with only a handful of years together under their belts. And more…you couldn’t miss Nick Brennan, so strong on drums without a misplaced beat through the whole set. Guest bassist Andrew Santora impressed me, and everyone around me, with his tight, light touch on the bass. Just fantastic!

The Verdict: There’s no denying these guys played a brilliant set and undoubtedly made some new fans of the Chicago audience. After the Wombats tour, they’re off to headline a brief tour of England then back to New Jersey. Keep an ear and an eye out for them…unreal good these guys.

The Chicago Set List:
Defend Rosie
Girl Parts
Blood Pressure
Walls
Mercy Hallelujah
Drano-ears
My Parents Lied
Into the Sun

The Static Jacks are:
Ian Devaney - Vocals
Henry Kaye - Guitar
Michael Sue-Poi - Guitar
Nick Brennan – Drums