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L'Assassins

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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By Dave Miller

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The Wanton Looks returned to Brauer House Saturday as, of all things, TV stars.

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The trio appeared on Mancow's television show Monday and Tuesday, playing "Demons" and "Electromagnetic Force." While only parts of each song made the broadcast, the Looks made the most of their appearance, particularly during the lengthy instrumental ending of "Electromagnetic Force." Traci Trouble dropped to her knees and laid on her back, waving to two dumbfounded little kids behind her who were gazing into the studio. It was good theater and the performance received a rousing reaction from those in the studio, including Creed singer Scott Stapp. Mancow asked Stapp what advice he would give the Looks. "I think they're great," Stapp said. "I think they've got a lot of energy. They rock. I think they're perfect. I wouldn't change a thing." 

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Whether it was the TV appearance, the band's first show at Brauer House in May, the strong bill or a combination of the three, more people showed up for this show than for the group's aforementioned debut at the Lombard venue. Of concern was Trouble's hoarse voice, which was also put to work earlier in the week in the singer's other band, Hotlips Messiah. Trouble spent the day communicating with pen and paper.

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No worries -- Trouble and her voice quickly warmed into form, though she smartly ditched her customary screams in "Cut Off." Drummer Meg Thomas and guitarist Inga Olson upheld their end, as always. Together, the Looks showed why they received the ringing endorsement on TV. "Used & Abused" and "Demons" stood out in a sock-it-to-you set. Trouble was her usual outspoken self. She took a swipe at the sameness of the suburbs, noting the nearby intersection contained the ubiquitous strip mall, gas station and fast-food restaurant. "Be careful so you don't get lost," she said. Trouble also offered an observation on their Mancow appearance. "We were the only women not dressed like sluts," she said. "I could say I was a role model for little girls, which is pretty cool."

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The Looks' setlists are always interesting in that you never know what's going to be played. They opened with a new song, "Oh Oh," and closed with another new one, "To Be Free." Not many bands display that kind of confidence. Sometimes some of their best songs go unplayed, though. "Electromagnetic Force" was conspicuous by its absence. "Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah" and "86 Me" were missed, too. The band could play their songs as they're picked out of a hat and the show would still rock hard, but it could throw bigger punches with more focused and strategic setlists.

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L'Assassins closed the three-band bill with their second show in as many nights at the venue. The four women from Minneapolis featured a throwback vibe in sound and dress. Chugging, rockabilly rhythms, colorful tattoos, sharp guitar, and flowers in hair proved a perfect match for the club. Singer Tee Ann Simpson connected with the crowd with her irrepressible energy.

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Local openers The Dyes set a good tone for the night led by singing guitarist Lisa Manson, whose vocals featured a Wanda Jackson-like lilt. Buddy Holly and Jackie DeShannon were covered. At the end of the entertaining set, enthusiastic drummer Charlie Crane, who broke his snare earlier, knocked over his kit in a big finish.

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The Wanton Looks setlist:

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Oh Oh

Worst Side of Me

G.O.P. (Greedy Old Pigs)

Cut Off

Better Off

See You Again

Used & Abused

Get Thru to You

Demons

This Night Alone

Neverending

To Be Free

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Start: 11:10 p.m./Finish: 11:56 a.m.
Totals: 12 songs, 46 minutes

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Photo Gallery

Show poster

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

 

The Wanton Looks

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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L'Assassins

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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L'Assassins

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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L'Assassins

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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L'Assassins

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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L'Assassins

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

 

The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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The Dyes

November 2, 2013 @ Brauer House

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