Substitute, The Back Issues, Bent Antenna

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The three members of Substitute on stage.

Substitute

Less than a year after beginning to host music, the Dark Horse has already become a haven for a wide range of intriguing bands out on tours which otherwise might skip Madison. Another winner in August is Substitute, a New York City band which, judging by the limited recorded evidence to be found, plays straight ahead, hard-edged, but melodic and hooky rock 'n roll. That's not all that common in 2022. The locals on the bill are appropriately chosen, including the debut club tilt for The Back Issues (with members of Small Mediums, Rocket Bureau and New Recruits) and loud pop rockers Bent Antenna.

$8.

media release: Substitute does not play pop-punk. Substitute does not play indie-rock. Substitute is a New York City punk rock and roll band with an emphasis on threatening guitars, fast-driving rhythms, and memorable hooks. Guitarist and vocalist Paul Ridenour, previously a member of bands such as Big Eyes and Lilith Velkor, fronts this fearsome foursome with fiery fury, setting clean melodies and powerful choruses against thickly distorted guitars in a way that is often compared to bands such as Wipers or Nirvana. But Substitute doesn’t stop at aping the greats—the band adds to the formula a ferocious pace and strong sense of urgency—as well as a slew of sweltering yet distinctly melodic guitar leads. Substitute distills rock and roll down to its most primal elements: mean guitars and unforgettable hooks.

The Back Issues began as a pandemic recording project that proved too much fun to abandon. Madison veterans Adam White (Uzi Ferrari, Small Mediums) Kyle Urban (Rocket Bureau, The Arkofs) and James Leaver (Low Czars, New Recruits) have adopted the power trio format to dispense their own brand of Power Pop with astute efficiency. Songs are brief, hook filled celebrations of the genre that holds bands such as The Jam, The Beat, and the Kinks as standard bearers. Currently working on their first LP at Urban's studio, The Back Issues are eagerly venturing into the live arena to fill your head with engaging melodies, inventive bass lines and rock solid rhythms.

Bent Antenna: We are a loud and melodic independent pop rock band who ultimately came together at a Lou Barlow backyard show. It's been uphill from there. Thanks, Lou.