In Rotation: The Kreutzer Sonata - The Rosehill Gates

Local Chicago hardcore punks The Kreutzer Sonata have released their follow up to last year's album of the year bracket winner, The Gutters of Paradise. The Rosehill Gates by all counts is a more pensive, more experimental album. Inspired by vocalist Adam's years working near the Rosehill Cemetery on Chicago's North side, the album is steeped in the city's people and places. Friends' schemes, fist fights, lost loves and family concerns all take center stage. Dives, streets, train tracks, cold apartments and the looming cemetery gates set the mood. By no means is this a depressing album to listen to, but it sets a more somber tone than the last couple releases.

"Feasts and Famines" and "Glory Daze" kickoff the B-side with a fitting representation of this album's sound and lyrical themes. Lean times, crimes, dim prospects and hidden beauty. "Degenerate Theory" leads the album with catchy guitar riffs and vocal melodies. "Fast Times" is the most straightforward hardcore ripper on the record, the exception among more broody tracks. It's a new direction for the band that doesn't stretch so far as to be unrecognizable but makes these songs definite residents of this record. The Kreutzer Sonata often rewards full-album listeners and that is certainly the case again here.

The Rosehill Gates features both longtime guitarist Karl and new guitarist Patrick. It's out now on Don't Panic Records & Distro and No Time Records. A run of 500 copies on vinyl includes 100 on pink and blue pinwheel vinyl and the rest on standard black. There is also a run of 100 cassettes. Check that out at The Kreutzer Sonata's Bandcamp. Stream the full album below. The Kreutzer Sonata play Midwest Live & Loud on August 31 at Cobra Lounge with Hub City Stompers, Wisdom in Chains, Duffy's Cut, Coldside and more. The three day festival also features the Old Firm Casuals, The Traditionals, Deathwish, Antagonizers, Concrete Elite and more. More info on Midwest Live & Loud here.