CheekyChicago

Local Chicago rockers Makeshift Prodigy have come a long way since playing the Abbey Pub two years ago. What I witnessed this summer was a new and improved alternative rock band whose live show will blow your mind. Makeshift Prodigy dominated the tiny nightclub stage found within Enclave.

Goosebumps appeared and chills ran through my body when listening to “Blinding Lights.” If ever there was a radio single from MP’s repertoire, “Blinding Lights” is the obvious hit. The tune is reminiscent of a Goo Goo Dolls melody, matching up a descending three-chord guitar and piano progression with enough reverberation to match anything U2 has ever recorded.

Hidden back in the dimly lit corner, Joe Bauer played quarterback and kept his teammates marching in time to the beat of his drum kit (and Pro Tools rig). Bauer serves as MP’s producer and engineer in the studio in addition to taking responsibility for the band’s live light show and website design.

Set List

Mathematica

Let Go

Alive

Blinding Lights

Sentimentalist

Blame

Sirens

Great Machine

Clockwork

This Is The End

Pianist, rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter Anthony Bagnara’s vocal delivery is exceptional when performing live. However, upon listening to “Mathematica” on the band’s album of the same title, it is evident to my classically trained ears (thank you, 12 years of aural awareness testing) that Bagnara is not quite hitting the falsetto notes that encompass the song’s hook. Whether flat or sharp, the  pre-chorus and subsequent chorus can be somewhat painful to listen to.

What emanated from Bagnara’s vocal chords while kicking off the ten-song Enclave set was drastically different from the track’s original recording. Perfectly on pitch and belting like there was no tomorrow, Bagnara hit the nail on the head with every note. I could not have been more satisfied; nor more impressed with the singer’s blatant improvement.

With a foundation based on solid songwriting and catchy compositions, Makeshift Prodigy has what it takes to make a career out of their passion. Comprised of five guys from Chicago’s suburbs, each member brings their own skill set and personality to the table and when placed together on one stage, have so much energy it appears the audience will combust with an overabundance of excitement and pure exhilaration.

Jake Foy’s guitar playing is fierce and forceful. If something were to happen to The Edge, Foy could effortlessly fill in for the U2 guitarist, adroitly pulling off that unmistakeable reverberated electric guitar tone. Watching Foy’s dextrous fingers effortlessly glide over the strings is something of a wonder.

Makeshift Prodigy’s anthemic tunes are bursting to be released to the mass public. Nightclub gigs are not capable of capturing the essence and atmosphere that is found in the band’s music. With their futuristic epic rock sound, only outdoor stadiums illuminated by a star-studded night sky can serve as the ideal setting for a Makeshift Prodigy performance. It may take years, but this band will play Soldier Field.  Mark my words.