The PBJs

Proctor and Jason Bollinger, known as indie-folk pop duo The PBJs, were up next. Bollinger played drums and accompanied guitarist Proctor on vocals.
“He’s my comic relief,” Proctor told the audience as Bollinger made a few wisecracks between songs.
“I have the right equipment,” Bollinger said, playing several punchline rimshots on his drums. - Daily Gate Newspaper

Continuing her journey meeting visiting bands currently on tour, blogspot readers, SouthSide's next adventure took her back to Lakeview's Elbo Room where the duo, The PBJs (The Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwiches) were acoustically rockin' the upstairs lounge while the main lounge was preparing for the I AM Fest Battle of the Bands finale! It was definitely looking to be one exciting night of music at this popular venue. At the end of this review, SouthSide will reveal the winners of the battle of the bands who are vying for a chance to perform as opening acts at I AM Fest 2014 happening at House of Blues Chicago on Saturday August 16th.

When SouthSide arrived, this acoustic duo, Nalani and Jason, were already settled into their opening act as they performed a lively selection off their current 20-track CD, I Wonder If This Is How Dogs Feel ...songs, according their Facebook page, "...that will melt your heart..." Well, blogspot readers, that part was actually true. While reviewing their Chicago performance (after having performed at a festival earlier that same afternoon), SouthSide enjoyed fun splashes of imagery that had a touch of vivid realism within the lyrics amidst the vibrant twang of indie folk pop heard throughout the music. For instance, take their song "Road Trip" in which the upbeat tempo had you picturing life on the road traveling to parts unknown with The PBJs. To this reviewer's ears, it sounded like an adventure she wished could have been there to experience with them.

Then there were also moments during this opening performance when the music was a little more melodic and less poppy which was done to spotlight their vocal dynamics to the audience, blogspot readers. SouthSide liked how the change in the music helped to compliment the unique vocal pairing while mellowing out either the energy in the tempo and/or acoustic sound so Nalani's voice could take center stage. Taking a listen to their CD, this reviewer recommends checking out "It's The Way You Look At Me" - a tender ballad that will definitely get you melting due to the heartfelt emotions being expressed not only in the lyrics but also in the music itself and the confidence-builder "Love Yourself". The entire album was a joy to listen to but those two particular songs had SouthSide's feeling the love and melodic vibe from The PBJs. There was something else that she immediately got from their set. During their Chicago performance, the duo demonstrated they were more than just two musicians performing together on stage. She doesn't know if her inklings are correct but they mesh so wonderfully as a couple that it definitely made observing their live show even more enjoyable to behold.

SouthSide highly recommends checking out The PBJs as they currently cruise along on their "Road Trip" to a venue near you, blogspot readers. For more information, visit Nalani and Jason at http://www.thepbjs.com. - Southside On The Town