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”..all radio is going to the internet…” Smentek & Mullen
Hey, Fearless fans, it was a very wet and rainy night for Southside. However that didn’t stop me from having fun on a Thursday. I had the extreme honor of meeting Michael Teach of Chicago Acoustic Underground. With a resurgence of acoustic/folk rock in Chicago, this internet radio outfit features the best in local talent. Michael along with co-host Michael Narvaez interview and cover live shows for listeners to pod cast. For more information about Chicago Acoustic Underground, visit www.chicagoacoustic.net or www.myspace.com/chicagoacoustic.
Kicking off another exciting lineup for the Elbo Room was a band very excited about being reviewed. Smentek & Mullen, both fans of the Fearless Radio shows Daytime Debauchery and New Music Binge, performed an excellent set. Opening with their original ‘Picture You,’ this acoustic duo’s music featured a wide variety for the audience to enjoy; from blues to country and even a little CCR, this band had a little something for everyone. Their good friends Tristan Cosino on bass and Gabe Hamer on drums lent this acoustic duo a hand by adding a broader rock sound to their songs. Smentek & Mullen’s next song was their original ‘Runaway with Me.’ I loved this song’s acoustic sound mixed with a rock rhythm that you could dance to. Next up was another original of theirs; ‘When You Fall.’ This was the moment when Steve Smentek’s voice absolutely shined. He wowed this reviewer with his vocal range, going as low as a baritone and still sounding perfect while singing. I felt the rawness and power of his natural voice. It was a very moving experience Fearless fans.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed their renditions of CCR’s Green River and Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues as well as their blues/R&B inspired ballad, ‘As She Sleeps.’ ‘Crazy Chicago Nights’ closed out Smentek & Mullen’s performance. This is a fun song about having one of those wild nights in Chicago though it could easily describe a typical night around town for SouthSide. Don’t be fooled by the slower tempo at the beginning of ‘Crazy Chicago Nights,’ this song will rock your socks off. I strongly encourage Fearless fans to be on the look out for more great things to come from this dynamic duo. Smentek & Mullen can be found online at www.sonicbids.com/smentekmullen and www.myspace.com/smentekmullen as well as several live performance clips on youtube.
Until next time Fearless fans, support your local indie artists and their music.
Peace,
SouthSide
- SouthSide of Fearless Radio
Discography
Independently Released CD's that have been featured in local and regional broadcasts.
Smentek & Mullen's first full length release will be in 2009.
Photos
Bio
Smentek & Mullen, www.myspace.com/smentekmullen, are a Chicago-based singer-songwriter/rock duo whose music maintains its artistic integrity while being accessible to a variety of listeners. Steve Smentek (lead vocals / rhythm guitar) captivates audiences with his strong but steady bass voice while Matt Mullen (lead guitar) provides the harmonic undercurrent to Smentek's vocals.
Fests/Venues where Smentek & Mullen have performed include the Bash on Wabash, Third Coast Music Fest in Saint Joe Michigan, Elbo Room and Double Door Dirtroom to name a few. Their music has been featured at Cubby Bear’s Local Band Showcase, the Chicago Acoustic Underground and has also been reviewed by Fearless Radio. Although Smentek & Mullen perform many shows as a duo they also enjoy augmenting their sound with bass and drums given the right circumstance.
Smentek & Mullen also like giving back to Chicago’s musical community by hosting the Windy City Showcase every Thursday at the U.S. Beer Co. Each week they feature different local artists as well as perform original and cover material.
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