The Virgins Incite a Racy Ra Ra Riot

CHICAGO: The NYC-based foursome churn out new tunage from their forthcoming major label debut with tourmates Ra Ra Riot.
PHOTOS BY ALEXIS WILSON-CASTALDI

"All we ever think about is sex / Nothing really matters to me now," drawled the lips of a leather jacket-clad Donald Cumming and his crew of Virgins. The words came from a new Strokes-type feet-shuffler called "Fast Times," which lived up to its name in the pit of Chicago's Schubas

Cornelius Reveals 'Sensuous' Side

CHICAGO: The Japanese indie technician debuts fresh concept show at the Metro.
PHOTOS BY KAREN CHAN

Sensory overload met beatnik jazz yelps as the Japanese Beck kicked off an exclusive five-date extravaganza at the Windy City's Metro last night (Jan. 23). A strobe flashed "The Cornelius Group…Sensuous…Synchronized Show!" across a giant white silkscreen, and a fuzz-heavy riff off the Mario Brothers' theme song teased fans before Cornelius, a.k.a.

The Busy Signals Don't Delay Punk Rampage

CHICAGO: These poppy punk revivalists fill the Empty Bottle with 90-second furies.
PHOTOS BY LAURA GRAY-SHAPERA

With a shoulder revealing Shivers cut-off tee and a spandex mini-skirt, Busy Signals vocal vixen Ana McGorty screeched "Turn up your stereo / Wind up to go go go," before leading into a blurring fit of Flashdance-like hot steps. At the Empty Bottle last night (Jan. 14), a full pack of punklings collected at the front of the stage