Pitchfork

There's a reason DIY deity and Evens guitarist Ian MacKaye still commands the level of respect he does, and it has something to do with his ability to tow a fine line. He preaches without proselytizing, regales without rambling, rocks out without, well, looking like a total wanker. Together with drummer/co-vocalist Amy Farina, MacKaye drew several hundred followers out to Chicago's Pulaski Park Field House-- essentially a gymnasium-- for a five-dollar gig on a chilly Friday the 13th.

MacKaye kept the lights up so he could look into the eyes of all in attendance ("We make this show together," he explained). He talked about how government exists to slow people down, enthused about how having a self-contained tour setup allowed them to play in atypical spaces (like beneath a giant whale skeleton), marveled at the idea that music is sacred and probably existed long before language, and bantered back and forth with the audience and Farina about hiring a "tea lad."

The Evens also used the near-reverential silence during songs to their advantage, playing up the dynamics in their compositions-- including several new ones from forthcoming disc The Evens Get Evens (November 6, Dischord)-- following rock-outs with delicate strums and letting shouts dissolve into whispers. They even got most of the crowd whistling and then tongue-clicking along at random for the intro to "Sara Lee", which made for one of the most unique auditory experiences I've ever had.

The whole deal was so thoroughly awesome that we can forgive MacKaye if, when he really gets to yelling, he sounds just a wee bit like Bobcat Goldthwait.

Click below for a full-length video of this evening's performance of "If It's Water", from the Evens' self-titled 2005 debut LP.

More photos and remaining tour dates ahead.

The Evens' self-contained tour:

10-16 Louisville, KY - St. John's Church
10-17 Charleston, WV - American Legion Post #20