Glen Ellyn’s 3 In Counting stands out in that its star is already on the rise. 3 In Counting is an acoustic rock/pop/jam band from the Chicago suburbs, and since their formation in 2005 has worked hard to gain fans by crafting songs with interesting lyrics, seamless vocals, and well thought out instrumentation.

A singer/songwriter and guitarist originally out of the State of Iowa, Rob Schulz has been performing in and around the Chicago area since 1989. He released his self titled debut in 1990 followed by “Something To Believe In” in 1992. In 1994, he teamed up with fellow songwriter Mike McGlaughlin to form the power pop quartet Swinger. Their first release, “Half Day Road” was in 1996, followed by “The Walk” in 1999.

Released in August, 2008, a new 11 song record, “Tragedy & Comedy”. The opening “Guantanamo Bay” is a beach rocker with a decidedly “Kink’s/Beach Boys” feel, creating a satirical advertisement for an imaginary luxury resort on the south east side of Cuba. “Anyone But Me” is a song about longing for the days of old, while the rest of the world passes you by. “I Gave My Soul To You” yields a slowed down girl group rhythm evoking sounds of Elvis Costello’s “Party Girl” or “Man Out OF Time”. On the soaring “Gonna Rock You”, swelling guitars lift this existential angst song up to the heavens. Despite apparent influences, Schulz is no cipher, bringing his own unique personalities and sensibilities to the fore. His work displays a wealth of hook-packed classic power pop that is earnest, tuneful, sincere, dynamic and accessible. His frighteningly memorable melodies and precise guitar motifs are terrifyingly catchy.

THE BISHOP PLAYS HIGH ENERGY ECLECTIC ALTERNATIVE ROCK WITH IT’S HEART AND SOUL ON IT’S SLEEVE. THIS VERSATILE AND TALENTED GROUP DELIVERS A HIGHLY CHARGED PERFORMANCE THAT SHOWCASES THEIR EXCEPTIONAL SONGWRITING DEPTH. WHEN YOU LISTEN TO THE BISHOP, YOU HEAR INTROSPECTIVE LYRICS WITH INTELLIGENCE, SUBTLETY, AND A SENSE OF HUMOR. THE MUSICAL BACKDROP IS UNIQUELY THEIR OWN, WHILE THERE REMAINS A TRUE CONNECTION TO ARCHETYPAL MUSICAL ROOTS AND INFLUENCES. THESE SONGS MOVE YOUR SOUL. THE BISHOP’S LINEUP IS AS TALENTED AS IT IS INSPIRED. THEY ARE ANCHORED BY PRINCIPAL SINGER/SONG WRITER/LEAD GUITARIST BILLY GIRICZ, WHO IS THE DRIVING MUSICAL FORCE BEHIND THIS POWERFUL BAND. THE SOULFUL VOICE AND MULTI-INSTRUMENTAL EXCELLENCE OF PAULETTE BERTRAND GIVES THE BISHOP AN ADDED UNEXPECTED DIMENSION. DAN PASSARELI’S ROCK AND ROLL SOUL PROVIDES A LETHAL, JAGGED EDGE. SEASONED CHICAGO DRUMMER LUKE SMITH DRIVES A SOLID, HARD CHARGING SOUND WHILE NEVER LOSING SIGHT OF THE CONCEPT OF SONG. DARIN GREGG PROVIDES SONGWRITING DEPTH AND ENERGY THAT IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS BAND. THERE IS A CREATIVE BOND AND TRUST AMONGST THE GROUP. THEY HAVE EACH OTHERS BACKS. AND WHEN IT IS TIME TO PLAY LIVE, MAKE NO MISTAKE, THE BISHOP ROCKS WITH A TIGHT VITALITY THAT ENGAGES THE AUDIENCE.

Ovrevolt (pronounced over-volt) is the culmination of a twenty-plus year songwriting and performing partnership between guitarist John Menich and vocalist Brad Reamer who, in various formations of the band, have performed with such heavies as Ronnie Montrose, James Young (Styx), Anthrax, Randy Jackson (Zebra), and most recently, REO Speedwagon. In its current formation, Ovrevolt is powered by the potent combination of drummer Gary Kouba and bassist Michael Strack, both veterans of the Chicago music scene and accomplished musicians in their own right. Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, Chicago’s Ovrevolt uses the blues as a jumping off point, just as the English architects of rock did forty-some years ago, and meld it with unlikely influences to create something very heavy and unforgettable. Ovrevolt connects the dots between late 60’s English blues, early 70’s hard rock, Middle-Eastern devotional music, and 90’s grunge to form a cohesive sound that isn’t afraid to go off in tangents but never forgets the melody.