Photo by John Sturdy

Formed in 2003, the Mannequin Men had earned the title of Chicago's drunkest, snottiest, and most amp-ruining band. These qualities contributed heavily to them also being hailed by many as the best thing in town. Live, they're a reckless,giddy maelstrom of slashing guitars, primal screams, and spilled drinks. Guitarists Kevin Richard and Ethan D'Ercole (also of the Watchers) spit out spiky riffs like they were throwing off sparks over bassist Rick Berger and drummer Seth Bohn's thunderous rhythmic stomp, while Richard howls about nasty girls and nastier boys. At an average show, the band inspires their audience to crush together in sweating, ecstatic surge. At a really good one--and most of them are really, really good--it's bruises and blackouts all around.