Veruca Salt

at Local 186
by Jim Dennis

With the recent success of such female fronted outfits such as the Breeders, Belly ,and Hole, Chicago-based Veruca Salt couldn’t possibly have had better timing. On the strength of one independently-released single, they have managed to create the kind of buzz and subsequent major label bidding war that millions of bands only experience in their dreams. In true punk rock fashion, they have opted to forgo the male dominated world of corporate rock and release their debut on Chicago based Minty Fresh records.

Unable to get any information on the band, all I can tell you is the cherub-like cuteness of the two frontpersons left me unprepared for the sonic onslaught they delivered to their eager masses. Surprisingly, the majority of the songs were vastly different than the upbeat college radio hit “Seether” (tactfully placed near the end of the set). The two guitarist share the lead vocalist spotlight and joined their Juliana Hatfield-like voices together for tasty two-part harmonies that offset the churning grungy din of the music. Though not yet a seasoned live band, Veruca Salt played with a passion and integrity that was uplifting. Highly personal lyrics set to cool chord changes, effective lights to the heavy dynamics left me a true fan of this vital new band. This bill was a great coup for Local 186, who have been been consistently bringing cutting edge acts to the city. Keep up the good work.