Somewhere between the churning sounds of a city and the punkish rebellion of thought lies the Chicago indie rock band, Microcosms. This power trio’s latest EP, Someone You Know features two very strong, very memorable tracks. Besides possessing killer riffs and commanding vocals, Microcosms elevate their modern sound with nods to rock of yesteryear into their standout sound. To fit this band into one genre, into one pigeon-hole is a disservice. Someone You Know sets the bar very high.
The first track, the title track, comes out the gate strong. The guitar riff build up is a perfect entrance to a mood that is both electric and skillfully ambient. Lead singer/ guitarist Andrew Tschiltsch carries the tune with a voice that is more than memorable. He’s a crooner disguised as a rocker and his presence is both mysterious and easily relatable. Calling to mind comparisons to a spot situated between Gavin Rossdale and Crybaby’s Danny Coughlan, Tschiltch’s voice can rock listeners to sleep any which way he’d like. Rounding out the band are Bryan Emer (bass) and Jered Piepenbrink (drums). Like most rock trios, the Microcosms have a tight sound and what makes these guys stand out with “Someone You Know” is the unique guitar riff and rhythm tones that sounds polished. Yet, very edgy.
SOUNDCLOUD: soundcloud.com/microcosms-1/sets/someone-you-know-ep/s-by5rq
“Waste of Time” is the EP’s second track. It’s equally engaging and has this other-worldly focal point. As a listener, this song evokes one to surmise that listening to it while on a ride home on the L Train might make for a perfect backdrop. As Tschiltch’s pivotal line of “my anger drives me blind” the confusion and the overall stress of the world seem to come tumbling upon the singer. The music band’s sound seems in-step with a bustling cityscape. To paint Microcosms as a maker of city-mused echoes and urban inklings is unfair; their sound is all encompassing. It’s easy to get lost in the backing music rather than the lyrics in this track, but his words and sentiment are strong.
What’s the final verdict? Guilty pleasure for sure. Microcosm’s describe their music as “Making music to question your beliefs to.” With that said, it’s easy to find a niche in one’s musical library for such a forward-thinking band that paints broad guitar strokes with tight rhythms and beats. They find a way that is between the punkish flavors of The Hives, the rock stretches of Bush, and nestled somewhere along the lines of Keane and Young The Giant. It’s there, where listeners might find a glimpse of the ever-changing, yet solid grounded sound of one of Chicago’s most exciting rock bands, The Microcosms. The riffs are just too good to deny and forget into oblivion. Songs like “Waste of Time” are a reminder that the rock sound is alive and well in the year 2019.
Clay Burton