The Also-Rans, Son of Janus, Bing Bong

Doors 6PM / Show 7PM

$8ADV / $10DOS

The Also-Rans, a new Madison band, combines four musicians with a long track record in the area. Aaron Scholz added a third album to his solo discography in 2021, the understated but powerful Third Place, after putting his original work on ice for quite a few years. Matt Joyce is best known for his work in The Midwest Beat, a Madison/Milwaukee band that had a long and fruitful run of jangly, psych-blasted rock, much of it on the strength of Joyce’s songwriting, before they hung it up in 2019. Dan Kennedy’s career has reached confidently across charming, jazzy soul (including his 2013 solo album Seems Like Forever) and a range of Americana elements (which can be heard in his guitar-playing with Madison band The Getaway Drivers). Along with drummer Eric Salisbury, of country outfit The Ramble, they’ll be showcasing work from across Scholz and Kennedy’s songbooks at first, and eventually working on songwriting contributions from all four members. (Scott Gordon, Tone Madison)

Son of Janus is a 4 piece indie rock band from Rockford, IL.  Playing mostly original music heavily inspired by 80s and 90s pop punk, the band is fronted by the alter ego of lead singer/songwriter Ryan Hayes.  The other members are Mike Coulahan on bass guitar, David Thompson on guitar, and Tony Berkman on drum

BingBong formed in 2012, quickly becoming one of Madison, Wisconsin’s favorite bands.  Their 2022 single, Make It Right, was named the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Rock Song of the Year. BingBong has previously won MAMA Awards for Rock Performer of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for Bouncing Ball. BingBong’s newest single, “Rule the Ruin,” contrasts singer/guitarist Pam Barrett’s wistful lyrics with glassy, edgy guitar tones from Danny Hicks and the sharp rhythmic drive of drummer Brian Bentley and bassist Julie Kiland. Members of the band formed around their love for late-70s and early-80s guitar rock. Striving to revive the verve and the energetic power pop of that time, they’re heavily influenced by greats like Rockpile, The Pretenders, and The Smiths. BingBong’s raucous live shows—as witnessed by that blowout show at the storied Double Door in Chicago (2014)—speak to their ability to pack a larger venue with pure energy. Their local pub gigs yield a feeling of “Wow! I just witnessed something awesome!”

“Riding in on their brand-new LP, “Pop Restoration,” BingBong is one of the best pop rock bands in the state."  -  Andy Moore