After their recent performance at SXSW (South by Southwest) Festival in Austin, TX, The Unlikely Candidates hit the road for the co-headline Strange Lines Tour, along with The Brevet. The tour kicked off on April 4^th at Maintenance Shop in Ames, IA.  For their fourth show of the tour, on April 7, 2019, the band returned to Chicago, where dedicated fans came out to Schuba’s Tavern for a late night Sunday rock and roll experience… and the fans were not disappointed.

Formed in 2008, The Unlikely Candidates are out of Fort Worth, Texas.  The alternative, indie, pop rock band currently includes: Kyle Morris on lead vocals, Cole Male on guitar, Kevin Goddard on drums, Brenton Carney on lead guitar, and Jared Hornbeek on bass guitar.

After interrupting the band’s dinner of some authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza from none other than Giordano’s pizza (I think they needed more pizza), a little fun and games were had while taking portraits in the Green Room.  The band was very accommodating as we quickly took advantage of our limited time. After shuffling things around in the room, we were able to get the guys to pose for a few portraits in what I can only think were authentic old Wrigley Field seats.  In addition, a small wager was made in the hallway a big (literally) game of dice.  It was on to the real fun.

With the opening acts of Laik and The Brevet getting the audience primed and ready, the lights put way down low and the mood lights set, the night’s performance by The Unlikely Candidates was ready to go.  The band started out strong with “Call My Name” of the 2017 EP release Bed of Liars.  The show continued up from there, as they included songs from each of their three EP’s: 2013 debut EP, Follow My Feet; 2017 Bed of Liars; and 2017 Danger to Myself. In addition, new singles like, “Best I Ever Had”, “Bells”, and most recent “Novaocaine” where included in the set. They even shared an unreleased song called, “Fingers Crossed”.  Its a keeper for sure. Maybe we’ll see a single of it released soon.  A little surprised that “Strange Love” wasn’t included, but was pleased to hear the Dirty Heads collaboration song, “Celebrate.”  

As The Unlikely Candidate’s lead singer, Kyle Morris, hopped off the stage and scrolled through the audience, he sang, “I’ve been running wild had a good time, but I can’t stop now. Oh my dear Lord!” It was a fitting song to end the night after the band had energetically and passionately poured out their heart, soul and a lot of sweat to Chicago throughout the night. 

For those not familiar with The Unlikely Candidates, where have you been?  If you’re a fan of music from Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco and X Ambassadors, you need to add this band to your song rotation.  Those who already know these guys, good going! With various singles being release recently, we can only hope that a full album is not too far away.

Be sure to keep up with the latest information and tour dates for The Unlikely Candidates at their website: TheUnlikelyCandidates.com