Over spring break, I had the opportunity to catch a few shows in my hometown. Praised for its unrestrained energy and friendly, down-to-earth personalities, Milwaukee’s alternative rock scene hoards a wealth of hidden gems. I’m eager to see for myself, heading to the not-quite-a-basement, not-quite a bar, MKE Ultra to witness four bands still relatively underground outside of the city.
“This place smells like tomato soup!” Is the first thing I hear upon entrance, cutting through layers of excited chatter, drink orders, and a drummer warming up before his set. I don’t agree with the assessment, finding that, if anything, the modest, cozy interior of MKE Ultra smells pretty neutral for a DIY venue. The decor is eclectic, blending a spread of records, green-velvet couches, and a mounted goat head in a way that feels spooky, vintage, and vaguely medieval. The bathrooms, neglecting gender markers, instead feature portraits of none other than Jesus and his mama, Mary.
The show kicks off with a set by Casual Sex, a four-piece band from Sheboygan. Their frontman, sporting a Laura Palmer tee-shirt, fits in seamlessly with the red curtain billowing behind him. It’s a scene reminiscent of Twin Peaks’ Black Lodge, complete with hazy lighting and an air of mystery. Self-described as emo, song titles like “Gary Webb Didn’t Die for This” and “I’ve Got Compassion Running Out of My Nose, Pal!” certainly conjure the same naming conventions as the prolific post-hardcore bands of the 2000’s. Their newest single “Jimmy Toughknuckles” begins with dreamy, shoegaze-y guitars that gradually build to an energetic chorus and fade into a mellow, somber conclusion. Despite their sometimes-gloomy lyricism, Casual Sex’s set is definitely danceable, with a gratitude and positive energy that can be felt from the back of the room.
Following Casual Sex is In Shining Armor, whose latest EP cover was designed by Stout’s own Lily Smith. Consisting of only a lead guitarist and drummer, In Shining Armor’s sound is surprisingly full, packing the sheer force of a fully-fledged band into a deceptively small package. With a sound comparable to Deftones or Jimmy Eat World’s early, slowcore albums, the duo blends melodic riffs and vocals with a satisfyingly heavy rhythm section. “Shield,” a single off their new EP Spirit Hound, is my personal favorite, lulling the listener into a false ending before digging its heels in at the last moment with a gripping and emotional outro.
Ferris Wheel Regulars made the furthest and most treacherous trek out to our humble venue, travelling all the way from Kansas on one of the coldest, windiest days we’ve seen this year! Ferris Wheel is also the most established of the four bands playing tonight. Their first single, “Laboratory” was released in 2020, putting them in practically veteran status next to their fellow performers, who all formed post-2023. An extra handful of years spent rocking out and honing their craft is evident with each song off their newest album, Back in the Jetstream, which released in January of this year. Their sound is refreshing, melodic, and fun, making for an excellent live listening experience! The album is dynamic, shifting between understated, easy tracks like “Sister Star” to the unbridled energy of “Blue Super Giant and Thunderhead.”
The night comes to a close with Crash House. An elusive post-hardcore group out of Milwaukee, Crash House is understated in its presentation, but presents a polished, thoughtful debut with their first (and so far, only) single, “Heartstrings.” The recorded track begins with the ambient sounds of mingling voices in a crowd, making for a strangely immersive live experience. Like most bands playing this show, the members don shirts and pullovers marked with the names of their fellow performers. Their drummer, Cassius, even stalls the show briefly, ducking behind the makeshift stage’s red curtain to swap his Slayer tee for a piece from Casual Sex’s merch table. The group is undeniably talented, with a sound that’s catchy, moshable, and purposefully rough around its edges. While the rest of Crash House’s discography can only be heard live currently, listeners will be in for a treat when they’re ready to unleash it unto the internet.
But don’t just take my word for it, give them a listen yourself! These bands are a live-music experience you don’t want to miss, so keep an eye out for upcoming shows on their Instagram pages. If you can’t make it to the next show, don’t fret! You can open your ears to the sweet sounds of Midwest alternative on their Spotify. Links to the Instagrams and Spotifys of all bands discussed in this article can be found here:
Casual Sex: Instagram | Spotify
In Shining Armor: Instagram | Spotify
