kennythunder

The Tonic Room is known for its Open Mic’s as well as its reasonably priced draft imports. So when word spread that Tim Kasher would be playing his upcoming solo album in a 99-capacity bar, the curiosity filled the Lincoln Park bar with 20 somethings eager to hear what Kasher has been up to since Cursive’s “Mama I’m Swollen.” Why the Tonic Room? Who would be his backup band? Is that Winona Ryder? Holy fuck, that’s Winona Ryder! Why the hell is she here?!

Kasher’s band backed by fellow Cursive keyboardist Patrick Newbury and Chicago resident Geoff Dulce (Opener,) packed the makeshift stage that barely stands a foot off the ground. As Kasher began ripping into new material, the hushed crowd gathered listened intently, seemingly hanging on every note, lyric, or joke Kasher would make. Kasher repaid the loyal crowd by playing The Good Life’s “Night and Day” and Tom Waits’ “I Want You” which he claimed he had just sang at his sister’s wedding. While the covers seemed to delight everyone in the crowded bar along Halsted, it was Kasher’s new tunes that had everyone calling for more as the curious but anxious crowd would ask Kasher about the album’s release date between songs.”I’m Afraid I’m Gonna Die Here” and “Bad, Bad Dreams” seemed to get the most response as Kasher thanked everyone repeatedly for attending. The set ended with “Monogamy” as he descended to the back of the bar with high fives and sweat.

“The Game of Monogamy” is due October 5th on Saddle Creek Records.

Photos courtesy of Amanda Gentile