Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
Stabbing Westward delivered an electrifying performance at Chicago’s Bottom Lounge on November 30, 2024, showcasing their signature industrial rock sound in a packed venue. The band was joined by Comasoft and Bellhead as opening acts, both of which set the tone for a night filled with dark, energetic, and nostalgic vibes.
The Bottom Lounge, a small, intimate club, was the perfect setting for this show. The close proximity to the stage fostered a palpable connection between the band and the audience, contributing to the overall electric atmosphere. The venue added to the experience with its intimate environment and excellent acoustics, allowing every note and beat to resonate deeply with the audience. Fans praised the band’s tight performance and the seamless integration of nostalgic hits with new material, making for a memorable evening.
Bellhead
Bellhead delivered a standout performance Saturday night as part of a lineup headlined by Stabbing Westward and featuring Comasoft. The Chicago-based duo, known for their gritty and experimental post-punk sound, brought an electrifying energy that captivated the audience even in a support slot.
Their set showcased a mix of brooding bass lines, haunting vocals, and industrial-inspired beats, creating an atmosphere that was both raw and immersive. Bellhead’s minimalist two-piece setup—consisting of Karen Righeimer-Shock and Ivan Russia trading off on bass and vocals—proved highly effective, filling the room with their intense and textured sound.
The interplay between Karen’s ethereal singing and Ivan’s growling delivery added dramatic dynamics, pulling the crowd deeper into their dystopian aesthetic.
The night included tracks like “Frankenstein”, which resonated with its ominous undertones, and the fan-favorite “Unicorn Bones,” a powerful anthem that had attendees singing along. The duo’s ability to weave together punk aggression and dark melodic sensibilities made their performance a memorable start to the evening.
The crowd’s engagement reflected Bellhead’s growing reputation in Chicago’s alternative scene, and their live intensity undoubtedly earned them new fans. Their performance, complemented by the intimate setting of The Bottom Lounge, reinforced their status as a must-see act in the underground music circuit
Comasoft
Comasoft’s show was a vibrant and engaging display of their energetic electro-rock style. Sharing the stage with Stabbing Westward and Bellhead, Comasoft stood out with their infectious melodies and polished stage presence, creating a dynamic atmosphere that kept the crowd enthralled.
The band’s setlist featured a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, blending pulsating electronic beats with rock riffs. Lead singer Jay Ramirez charismatically introduced the band and engaged with the audience to add an extra layer of excitement to the night. Their performance complemented the dark, industrial tones of Stabbing Westward and the experimental stylings of Bellhead, offering a well-rounded musical experience for the audience.
The Bottom Lounge setting amplified the connection between the performers and the crowd, making the experience more immersive. Fans highlighted Comasoft’s ability to bring both energy and emotion to their live set, earning them considerable praise as an opening act for the evening’s headliner.
If you’re into bands that fuse electronic elements with alternative rock energy, Comasoft’s live show is well worth catching in the future
Stabbing Westward
When Stabbing Westward took the stage, the hyped crowd was ready to sing along with the band they came to see. The band opened with a high-octane rendition of “Falls Apart,” immediately captivating the crowd with Christopher Hall’s powerful vocals and resonant stage presence. The performace brought a mix of dark, brooding energy, emotional vocals, and powerful, synth-driven instrumentation to an enthusiastic crowd.
The setlist leaned heavily into Stabbing Westward’s iconic catalog, featuring fan favorites such as “Shame,” “Save Yourself,” and “What Do I Have to Do?” alongside tracks from their recent releases. Naturally, the crowd erupted for the classics. Hall’s distinctive vocals, while showing the wear and tear of time, still possessed the powerful emotionality that defined the band’s earlier work. His stage presence, though less overtly theatrical than perhaps in the past, was captivating, conveying both a sense of seasoned professionalism and a genuine passion for the music.
The band’s musicianship was tight and precise. While there were a few minor moments of slightly off-kilter timing, it didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience. While it was being fixed Hall serenaded the crowd with a few Christmas carols.
The instrumental work, particularly the driving basslines and the atmospheric keyboards, successfully recreated the signature Stabbing Westward sound. The inclusion of newer material demonstrated that the band isn’t resting on its laurels. While these songs didn’t have the same immediate impact as the classics, they hinted at a continued creative evolution and offered a taste of the band’s current artistic direction.
The crowd was predominantly made up of older fans who had followed the band for years, but there were also a surprising number of younger faces, suggesting that Stabbing Westward’s music continues to resonate with new generations.
The energy was high throughout the show, with enthusiastic singing along and head-banging during the more intense tracks. The overall atmosphere was one of shared appreciation and excitement, reinforcing the sense of community among fans. The evening was a testament to Stabbing Westward’s enduring influence on the genre and their ability to deliver a live show that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.
