Review / Photos | The Record Company @ Thalia Hall 5/24/17

Jun 1, 2017

By: Robin Zimmerman | Photos: Howard Greenblatt

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The Record Company proved Chicago is second-to-none during a recent pair of sold-out shows at Thalia Hall. Following their fiery opener, “You’ve Got Me on the Move,” lead singer Chris Vos proclaimed that “This is the first time we’ve played two nights in one city!”

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After the cheers died down from the Chicago-proud crowd, the band launched into a blistering set that included sizzling live renditions of cuts from their 2016 Grammy nominated album, Give it Back to You.

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It was a show that lived up to the advance buzz—and then some. It also made many ticket holders grateful they saw The Record Company perform in a smaller hall.

Like the Black Keys before them, this three-piece band with the big sound seems destined to play much larger rooms in the very near future.

Ever since they burst on the scene, the LA based trio has pushed all the right musical buttons. With influences that range from the Stooges and the Rolling Stones to John Lee Hooker and down home Delta blues, The Record Company is hard to categorize but easy to enjoy—especially live.

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While the band has made a big splash nationally, its members are not yet household names. Chris Vos handles vocals, lead guitar and harmonica with Alex Stiff on bass, guitar and vocals beside him. Drummer and keyboardist Marc Cazorla provides the band’s steady backbeat.

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The Record Company’s set list covered everything from radio hits like “Rita Mae Young” to an acoustic sit-down that included a stellar rendition of “Subterranean Homesick Blues” in honor of Bob Dylan’s birthday.

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After the acoustic set, it was back to high-energy blues infused rock. The trio closed with their breakthrough hit “Off the Ground” and some other gems before a triumphant exit.

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Another upcoming artist, Devon Gilfillian, was the opening act. This Philadelphia native recently made the move to Nashville to be part of that town’s music scene. Like The Record Company, he has merged many influences including rock, gospel blues and southern soul to create his own unique sound.