By: Jenafur Schlangen
February 12, 2025
Chicago, Illinois
Walking into Thalia Hall during the largest snowfall event in Chicago so far, I had no idea what to expect from Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats. The name itself gave me a sense of mystery and intrigue. And, as soon as the band hit the stage, I knew this was going to be something unique. The stage setup was minimalist. There were barely any lights, just a haze of smoke filling the air, and the stage was dark…with the exception of one lone candle, sitting atop of a small, wooden table, placed just in front of the mic stand. It was clear this was part of Uncle Acid’s signature style, known for wanting very little light. The stage was drenched in darkness, with the occasional flicker of neon colors that matched the haunting, hypnotic atmosphere they were creating…as well as that lone candle mentioned before.
The music hit hard from the get-go. It was a mesmerizing blend of fuzzy, sludgy riffs with a distinctly retro feel, like something straight out of the ’60s or ’70s, but with a modern edge. The sound was heavy and immersive, building an almost trance-like experience. Uncle Acid’s voice was hauntingly smooth, the kind of tone that wraps around you in a way that makes you feel both unsettled and drawn in at the same time. The guitar work was sharp and relentless, while the rhythm section locked into a groove that felt like it could go on forever.
Not to beat a dead horse, but the lack of bright lights or flashy visuals forced the focus entirely on the music, and it felt like a kind of ritualistic performance. It was not your usual rock-star spectacle but instead, a performance is about connecting with the audience through sound and mood. Speaking of mood, the crowd was just as absorbed as I was, swaying with the rhythm and losing themselves in the music. There was a hypnotic quality to the show, like you could easily forget time and place. Each song seemed to flow seamlessly into the next, building an emotional intensity that didn’t let up for the duration of the set.
What I appreciated most was how understated the whole thing was. Uncle Acid wasn’t here to be flashy or a showman. His performance was humble but captivating. The stripped-back visuals, the sparse lighting, and the slow-burn intensity of the music combined into something that felt more like an experience than just a concert. And, as the final notes rang out, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The show wasn’t about spectacle or ego, it was about raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form. Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats have created something entirely their own, and as someone who had never seen them before, I walked away feeling like I had witnessed something truly special.
