Lunde and Chapped Lips heat up Cactus Club with Milwaukee bands
Milwaukee’s Cactus Club was the place to be on a frigid night in January when local bands Lunde and Chapped Lips heated things up with a fiery performance. Despite the subzero temperatures outside, the rock and roll vibes inside the club were keeping everyone warm.
Frontman Nate Uhrich of Lunde acknowledged the chilly weather, joking that attending a concert was a great way to stay warm. The lineup for the evening also included local Heartland rocker Zach Pietrini, who helped inaugurate The Argo venue in Whitefish Bay with a stellar performance in December. This event marked the release of Lunde’s third album, “The Shotgun Theory.”
The show kicked off with Lunde playing the entire 10-track album from start to finish. However, before diving into the new material, the band improvised a jam session, starting with a few melodic notes from The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” This impromptu jam quickly evolved into a dynamic, Grateful Dead-inspired performance, showcasing the band’s musical versatility and cohesion while playing bass, guitars, drums, and Hammond organ.
Lunde’s musical style draws inspiration from classic rock bands like Boston and America, with a touch of early aughts influence. While their jams may evoke the improvisational spirit of the Dead, Lunde’s music is more structured and concise, highlighting their expertise in rock music.
The band’s namesake and drummer, Jeremiah Lunde, combined forces with Uhrich to deliver a high-energy performance that captivated the audience. As the producer of the band’s albums, Lunde (the person) also showcased his drumming skills, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. The infectious energy of the band’s peppy album resonated with fans, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the show.
Chapped Lips, featuring guitarist Slater Gutierrez, also added their unique flair to the evening with a blend of rock and roll influences that complemented Lunde’s sound. The synergy between the two bands created a dynamic musical experience that kept the audience on their feet.
The collaborative spirit between Lunde, Chapped Lips, and Zach Pietrini made for an unforgettable night of live music in Milwaukee. Their passionate performances and shared enthusiasm for rock music solidified their status as local favorites in the vibrant music scene of Milwaukee.
As the winter chill lingered outside, the warmth of the music inside the Cactus Club provided a welcome escape for concert-goers. With Lunde and Chapped Lips leading the charge, the night was a testament to the power of live music and the enduring spirit of Milwaukee’s local music scene.