Depeche Mode comes to First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, on Saturday, Aug. 24. The synth-rock trio returns with its 13th album, Delta Machine.
"Welcome to My World" sets the pace with Depeche Mode's dark vintage sound. Similarly, "Secret to the End" follows the same vein and "Slow" successfully incorporates a blues feel. But "Broken," "The Child Inside," "Alone" and "Goodbye" are predictable goth fodder that could have been filler on any Depeche Mode outing since 1997. Luckily, there are divine remixes to "Heaven."
Singer-songwriter Jillette Johnson is another in the growing trend of artists narrating the tales of the LGBT community. Johnson's "Cameron" finds a youth who is teased by classmates and is misunderstood by his father because the child favors girls' clothes. Once the chorus comes, Johnson shows she understands Cameron by singing, "But you are a real-live human, aren't you, Cameron?" Johnson's website allows visitors to highlight and tweet their favorite lyrics from "Cameron."
On Monday, Aug. 26, Johnson shares the bill with Satellite at Schuba's, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Johnson's promising full-length, Water in a Whale, is out now via Wind-up Records.
Over the years, I have gushed over Canadian female duo The Pack A.D. The pair often is listed as one of my top picks at year's end. The EP Some Sssongs serves a much-needed reintroduction to this rocking twosome with my favorites "Positronic" and "Sirens" from 2011's Unpersons. Also on Some Sssongs are "Haunt You" and "Deer," as well as the brand new cut "Battering Ram" with pounding drums and a blistering guitar intact. This will keep me buzzing until The Pack A.D. comes out with Do Not Engage in January on Nettwerk. The Pack A.D. would be a perfect addition to Riot Fest.
While I wait for the new Janelle Monae album, I gravitate toward fellow genre-defying talent Imani Coppola. On her 2012 masterpiece The Glass Wall, the independent artist magically combines a modern sound, profound lyrics with a touch of pop.
Upon hearing the opener, "Say Hello," I am completely committed and enticed by what Coppola has to offer. There is something unique throughout The Glass Wall such as rhythmic rock on "Ave Maria" or the pulsating, thumping beats on "State of the Art." "The Kids Are Dangerous" has dub-step, but I am forgiving because it suits the song here. "The Same Pain" is a genuine left-of-center pop anthem waiting to be discovered. The keenly observant message in the verses climax into the chorus on "The Future," as Coppola sings, "The future ain't what it used to be," ultimately concluding the magnificent musical journey.
Coppola found herself in the spotlight with her 1997 debut single "Legend of a Cowgirl" and again with the retro-soul group Little Jackie, which landed the hit "The World Should Revolve around Me." The Glass Wall is a remarkable collection.
Norwegian electro-pop singer Annie makes a splash with the EP A&R. The five-track-set is produced by Richard X. The lead single, "Back Together," is a fun throwback to the early '90s dance scene, worthy of the likes of Kylie Minogue or Little Boots. "Invisible" is Annie's best shot at crossing over since she came onto my radar with the delicious ditty "Chewing Gum." On "Invisible," there are big beats, teleporting her listeners once again to the clubs two decades ago. "Mixed Emotions" has breathy vocals reminiscent of J-pop siren Nokko with a revitalizing dose of energy.
A&R is out now digitally and makes me quickly forget the overhyped and unsatisfying new material from Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.
Ever since I heard the hypnotic "Falling Apple" and "Color in the Whites of Your Eyes" last year, I looked forward to a proper album from Brooklyn's Heaven. Released last month, the absolutely delightful effort Telepathic Love blends atmospheric alternative rock with elements of psychedelic pop. The title track comes across as if Heaven studied Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Beach Boys closely.
Heaven posted The Covers EP, which has versions of New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle," The Kinks' "See My Friends" and Fleetwood Mac's signature "Go Your Own Way," all completely done in the band's dreamy style. It is available for free download at www.youareheaven.com .
Splitting its home between Chicago and Minneapolis, ON AN ON delivers accessible alternative rock on its debut, Give In. The superb "Every Song in the World" is a standout, celebrating the glory days of college radio. ON AN ON branches out and proves it can have a bigger sound on the epic "Hunter."
To take the art of being a hipster to a new level, ON AN ON has a cassette with its takes of Bjork's "Unison" and Hot Chip's "Boy from School" for sale on its tour. Both were released this month digitally. ON AN ON will be at North Coast Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 31.
North Coast Music Festival hosts multiple electronic, dance, hip hop and alternative draws like Passion Pit, Nas, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound and Capital Cities. The three-day event will be held in Union Park, which is along North Ashland Avenue and West Lake Street, starting Friday, Aug. 30. For a complete schedule, map and a glimmer of hope to differentiate North Coast Music Festival from its counterparts, please visit www.northcoastfestival.com .
