Chase the Monkey
Teenage Takeover Part 2
The Shop
January 9, 2015
Photos and review by Randy Jarosz
Nox Boys paved the way for the under 21 scene and Chase the Monkey are taking full advantage. The trio consisting of North Allegheny senior Alberto Sewald, 18, on guitar and vocals, junior Matt Hanson, 17, on bass and vocals along with Pine Richland junior Paige Suvick, 16, on drums, are no strangers to the music community. The three year old band has been taking top honors at various battle of the band competitions and even took first place in 2014’s High School Rock Challenge.
Chase the Monkey didn’t waste the opportunity to shine again, Friday night at The Shop in Bloomfield for “Teenage Takeover Part 2.” “You guys are the best crowd we ever had,” announced Sewald to the packed venue, who were ready for some head pounding rock and roll.
“It has been one of my dreams for quite some time to play to a totally packed DIY venue with a crowd that’s really into it, and that completely came true that night (January, 9). Having people move and dance and jump like that to our music is the most incredible feeling. It was also the first time anyone’s ever crowd surfed to us, so that was fantastic!” tells Sewald in an interview.
Along with Chase the Monkey and Nox Boys other local teen talents included Pachyderm, who just released an ep, La Huesuda, and Face Box. Teenage Takeover in its 2nd year, founded by the Nox Boys, enjoyed their inaugural teen get together in 2014 at Mr. Smalls. The smaller venue this time suited the event perfectly, creating an auspicious vibe all evening. “You could feel the connectedness in the air and everyone was just there together having a good time. As a performer it really pushes you to kick it up a notch, and then the crowd gets more psyched, and the energy is just bouncing off the walls and back into people, where it turns into dancing or music or both. I love feeling so close to everyone,” explains Sewald.
Chase The Monkey went onto play “Trolley Car,” a song they had played live earlier in the day on WDVE and will be featured on their full length debut album in 2015. This band is a lot of fun starting with Sewald, who takes command of the stage with his wicked guitar playing and relatable lyrics. Hanson is a natural showman, leaping around stage and joining the rambunctious mob of teens in the front row. Suvick isn’t afraid to sweat it out alongside her band mates, with equal intensity, while beating on the drums.
With similar ambition as the Nox Boys, Chase the Monkey is sure to be a top name in the Pittsburgh music community soon eneough. You can check out the band at facebook and bandcamp or follow them on twitter. Even better, see them live this Saturday, January 17 at Strip District Music Fest. They play the 26th Street Market and Cafe at 4:15. They also have a gig at Mr. Roboto Project on January 22, doors at 6:30 and show at 7:00.
