London-based The Veils are a four-piece masterminded by Finn Andrews, a Brixton-born, Auckland-raised singer/songwriter extraordinaire. His emotive, commanding vocal delivery lays somewhere between Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen and (dare I say) early U2 Bono (think "October"), yet he possesses a unique style all his own. Signed to legendary UK indie label Rough Trade Records at the tender age of 17, the young prodigy released his band's debut LP "The Runaway Found" in 2004. Rooted in folk, but more atmospheric in tone, Runaway was a modest success that set the stage for their brilliant sophomore release "Nux Vomica" in 2006. At times haunting, but fully engaging throughout, Vomica clearly represented a huge step forward in Andrews' lyrical abilities and songcraft. Finn & crew are back in the Windy City to promote their latest release "Sun Gangs" just released this Spring. You can sample their sound at their Myspace site here.

Although formed by a couple of San Francisco State college mates in 2004, California's Foreign Born sound more like they were formed on the British Isles than from the smog-encrusted environs of L.A. Occasionally described by critics as a more "upbeat Walkmen", FB (to me) seem to have more in common with late-80's English icons Jesus and the Mary Chain and (to a lesser degree) The Fall than anything current today. Their debut "On the Wing Now" generated good reviews upon its release in '07 and they're on tour to promote their new album "Person to Person". You can sample their sound here.

Boston-based Faces on Film opens. Haven't listened to much of them, but from what little I've heard, they may be worth checking out as well.

Tickets for the show are a recession-friendly $12 plus online fees. You can get them here.

MEETUP DETAILS:
We'll meet up at the Blind Robin (853 N. Western) at 9-ish, then depending upon whether folks wanna see the 1st band we'll head over to the Bottle around 9:30 or 10. See you there!