I declared midyear that Chicago’s Ethers self-titled debut — even before it was released — was one of the best albums of the year.
Now officially out, this excellent garage pop classic is a no-brainer pick for best new music release.
What’s more, these guys are playing the kickoff night of Trouble in Paradise, a can’t-miss three-day festival showcasing bands from the record labels Trouble In Mind of Chicago and North Carolina’s Paradise of Bachelors.
Ethers opens Thursday for another fine Chicago band, FACS.
Other highlights from the fest, which begins Thursday at Empty Bottle, include Negative Scanner (out with its own energetic new album), Omni, Gun Outfit, Nap Eyes and David Nance.
All the Young Punks 