Chicago’s Own: Brigitte Calls Me Baby Wraps Up Two Sold Out Shows At Lincoln Hall

Jun 25, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Local Loop, Music News, Reviews Comments Off on Chicago’s Own: Brigitte Calls Me Baby Wraps Up Two Sold Out Shows At Lincoln Hall

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By: Raymond Burton Estes

On Saturday, June 22nd, Chicago’s own Brigitte Calls Me Baby wrapped up two sold-out shows of eager fans at the Windy City’s Lincoln Hall. As their sound is a perfect blend of Americana, early rock ‘n’ roll, and guitar-driven post-punk and indie rock, it’s no surprise that the age range of their audience included Boomers in their seventies to Gen Z fans in their early teens and folks from different backgrounds and walks of life. Perhaps their timeless sound or hopeful pessimism brings all these people together or both. Whatever the case, Brigitte Calls Me Baby has a little bit of something for anyone who shows up to the party.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby hit the stage and opened their set with the still unreleased “There Always,” which got the packed club moving and eager for more. The band played a well-crafted set of released and unreleased songs but many of those in the audience knew all the words, likely from listening to their singles and EPs, attending their shows, and watching videos of their live performances online. It was refreshing to see such a diverse audience take ownership of this band, clapping and singing along throughout the performance as if the songs also belonged to them. After about an hour, the band closed their powerful set with “The Future is Our Way Out,” hinting that both the band and the audience had unfinished business before this party could end.

Satisfied but not satiated, the crowd clapped as they chanted “one more song” to cajole Brigitte Calls Me Baby back to the stage to finish what they started. When the band returned, they launched into their upbeat interpretation of Wham’s “Careless Whisper,” which has been a staple in their performances since late 2023. The band took liberties with the rhythm, tempo, and vocal approach, making this song their own in ways that many artists could only dream of achieving, updating this classic 1980’s pop hit for the current era. Old and young sang along, thrilled to share this familiar song, this band, and this night together. The band then broke into their recently released synth-heavy, new wave-inspired dance single “We Were Never Alive” before closing out the night’s roughly 70-minute set with their upbeat guitar-driven “Impressively Average.” Though ready for more, it was clear that the crowd had their fill as there was no question that the band had indeed delivered the goods.

So, what could have brought this cross-section of the American public out to the packed club on one of the city’s hottest nights of the year? The only explanation could be Brigitte Calls Me Baby’s tasteful blend of genres, exceptional musicianship, appreciation for their fans, and sense of enjoyment while playing and interacting with the crowd. There aren’t many artists that blend the energy of early rock ‘n’ roll, the urgency of punk, the romanticism of new wave, and the classic feel of Americana to create a contemporary soundtrack for a community facing so many challenges and opportunities. Their music is both familiar and strange, providing both comfort and adventure. There also aren’t many bands that can deliver an addictive melange of melancholy and joy perfect for brooding or dancing your woes away. Brigitte Calls Me Baby is that band. They’re also a band that makes the time to thank their crowd, acknowledges their fans’ role in their success, and invites the crowd to visit with them after their shows. When the darkness is this sweet, it’s hard for the initiated to stay away.

If you’re late to the party, check out their music and catch them live. Their debut album, “The Future Is Our Way Out,” will be released on August 2^nd and they’re playing Lollapalooza on August 3^rd at Chicago’s Grant Park with the Killers. There’s no better way for Chicagoland to celebrate this band’s accomplishments. If you’re out of town, buy their records and catch them on tour as their calendar is filling up for September through November. With all they have going on, it’s hard not to notice they’re a local band on the rise.

On a personal, or personnel, note, Brigitte Calls Me Baby’s lineup included Wes Leavins (vocals), Jack Fluegel (guitar), Devin Wessels (bass and synth), Jeremy Benshish (drums), and David Rosendahl (guitar). Rosendahl recently replaced co-founding and long-time guitarist Trevor Lynch. Among the newly initiated, none could have known Rosendahl was a new recruit, as his performance was flawless and he clearly fit in well with the rest of the band.

RIYL: Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, the Smiths, the Strokes, and the Killers.

The band’s setlist for the night follows.
“There Always”
“Palm of Your Hand”
“I Wanna Die in the Suburbs”
“Fine Dining”
“I’m Still Here”
“Slumber Party”
“Always Be Fine”
“You Are Only Made Of Dreams”
“Eddie My Love”
“Pink Palace”
“Too Easy”
“The Future is Our Way Out”
“Careless Whisper”
“We Were Never Alive”
“Impressively Average”

The show’s only opening act was New York City’s Telescreens, an alternative rock band that provided a perfect start to the show. The band played a cohesive set of catchy tunes that got the crowd moving and warmed up for the main event. Telescreen’s social media posits the question, “Where do we go but up?” If their solid performance and appreciation for the audience and Brigitte Calls Me Baby is what’s to be expected, then this band has no other place to go but up.

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• 2024, Brigitte Calls Me Baby, Chicago, Chicago's Own, Lincoln Hall, Sold Out

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