So this is a bit weird. Two Dispatch inspired posts in successive weeks. Yes I was, and still am, a fan of Dispatch. A friend’s recent visit to Chicago coincided with a scheduled visit from former Dispatcher, Pete Francis, at the Beat Kitchen. We headed over to Wicker Park at about 10pm and after a quick glance at the posted lineup, saw that the former Dispatch member was apparently not there. Hoping he might join one of the other bands on stage, we stuck around, drank a few beers and enjoyed the live music of two bands sans Pete Francis.

With the last band taking the stage and no Pete Francis in sight as the night crawled towards 1am, we nearly gave up. The band that took the stage, however, had decided otherwise. With near reckless abandon, the three smaller than average musicians calling themselves The Hard Lessons attacked their instruments. Its always a good sign when the band openly refers to the the drummer as “The Anvil.”

The Hard Lessons, proudly out of Detroit Fucking Rock City, play some of the most aggressive, grittiest, modern classic rock out there today. Its also one of the best live shows I’ve seen in months. Ripping through their hour set with dual vocals, engaged couple Augie (guitar) and KoKo Louise (keys), drank beer poured by fans, ignored the sound guy, and confessed that were stuck in Chicago as the van had to literally be pushed the last few blocks, but “That doesn’t matter right now because we made it to Chicago.”

Listening to their discs, one a cover EP of Neil Young tunes (”Hey Hey, My My” rocked during the show), and a Self-Titled disc, they feel a bit reigned in. Don’t let this deter you. The real brilliance of The Hard Lessons is in their live show. Here are a few tracks and an actual live show thanks to FabChannel.

The Hard Lessons - Wicked Man

The Hard Lessons - Hey Hey, My My