Sweep that Leg, Johnny!
by Jesse Karch

Once again, the ’Sco will be providing wholesome entertainment for the youngin’s next Thursday, Nov. 8. For only two dollars, Sweep the Leg Johnny and Pele will be charming concert-goers, and at 10 pm on a school night no less.
Pele, the opening act, is a midwestern three-piece on Polyvynil Records. With experimental and often improvisational sets, their music will put you in a special mellow mood.
In upbeat contrast to the lulling instrumentals of Pele, Sweep the Leg Johnny presents an energetic show. Hailing from a very deep-dish in Chicago, Sweep’s website describes their live shows like an “uppercut to the chin.” They’re furious, fast, high-energy, sweaty, with complicated time signatures and introspective lyrics. The multi-talented lead – singer, Steve Sostak, also plays the saxophone, plus he has a mean stare made even more menacing by his enormous muscles and expansive tatoos. A sexy yet scary combination, indeed.
With two previous full-lengths on Southern — Tomorrow We Will Run Faster, and Sto Cazzo! (which means something dirty in Italian) — and a new album coming out early next year, the show will consist of both old and new pieces. In addition to new music, this tour marks the first time they’ll be using a saxophone/vocals-drums-bass-guitar-guitar line-up. The second guitar is sure to make the band’s already energetic and complicated music even more so.

Sweep the Leg Johnny and Pele can be seen at the ’Sco Nov. 8 at 10 p.m. $2 with OCID.