The indie rock band Built To Spill will be bringing some complexity and variety to the Vic Theatre this weekend. Aside from the Pitchfork Music festival, Built To Spill has been absent from the Chicago music scene since August of 2007. The Vic show should provide some much needed love for fans, both new and old.
Built To Spill, and frontman Doug Martsch, originate from the unlikely source of Boise, Idaho. The current lineup has been together for the better part of 10 years, so you can expect tight musicianship to compliment Martsch’s thoughtful lyrics.
The tour itself will be promoting Built To Spill’s first album in over 3 1/2 years. Martsch had buried himself in a studio, endlessly recording and re-recording the tracks that make up the new album, and then undigitally remastering them. As he finished he wasn’t even sure that he’d ever be able to make another album due to how much of a toll the work had taken on him, but to be able to finally preform these songs to fans will be a welcome relief. The stage will work as an outlet to be enjoyed by everyone.
The thing that I can most appreciate about Martsch is his ability to let his lyrics, which are about as thick as his trademark beard, become whatever the listener wants them to be. It’s refreshing that an artist isn’t so self righteous that he needs to be heard, but rather just enjoys creating experiences. Show starts at 7:30.