Vortis (band)
| Vortis | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Chicago |
| Genres | Punk rock |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Thick Records |
| Associated acts | Ex-Lion Tamers |
| Members | Michael Weinstein, Jim DeRogatis, Chris Martiniano, Louie Calvano and Tony Tavano |
Vortis is an indie punk band established in 2000, whose members include Mike Weinstein, the band's frontman and a professor of political science at Purdue University, as well as well-known music critic Jim DeRogatis (who is the band's drummer). The band was named after the Vorticist movement of the early 20th-century,[1] and has released two albums--Take the System Down, and God Won't Bless America Again. Both albums were released on the independent Thick Records.[2] Their sound has been described as eclectic, and they have been compared to the Dead Kennedys, Wire and the Butthole Surfers.[3] In particular, some critics have drawn comparisons between Weinstein's demeanor in live performances to Jello Biafra's persona.[4]
History
Weinstein joined Vortis in 2000 when his wife introduced him to several 30-year-old musicians from Chicago.[5] Weinstein also goes by the stage name "Fellow Traveler" when performing with Vortis.[6] They released their debut album, Take the System Down, on Thick Records in 2002, followed by God Won't Bless America the following year, also on Thick Records. They also released a split 7" in 2011 entitled "Things Won't Get Better", with the Cathy Santonies.[2]
References
- ↑ "Jim DeRogatis". WUSF-TV. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
- 1 2 "I dabble: 18 critics who became artists". The AV Club. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ↑ Moldy (5 November 2002). "Take The System Down". Punknews.org. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ↑ Kendrick, Monica. "Vortis". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ↑ Glaser, Julie (1 October 2003). "Professor brings punk to politics". Purdue Exponent. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ↑ Morris, Kurt. "Take the System Down Review". Allmusic. Retrieved 8 June 2014.