From Sydney to Schubas: Radio Free Alice Takes Over Chicago
By Zoe Blakeman
Last night at Schubas Tavern, Australian band Radio Free Alice transformed the intimate Chicago venue into a pulsing, high-voltage storm. From the moment a lone saxophone note cut through the chatter and dim lights, it was clear this wouldn’t be an ordinary rock set. The band, known for their genre-bending mix of sharp guitar riffs, dance-ready bass lines, and bursts of brass, drew a packed crowd that came ready to move — and Radio Free Alice delivered.
They opened with Empty Words, bathed in red and blue lights that cast the stage in a blur of heat and motion. The song hit with a steady, vibrating beat that shook the room itself. Frontman Noah Learmonth threw himself into every lyric, pulling the audience into his world with equal parts intensity and charm. Just as the song’s momentum reached a fever pitch, the saxophone cut back in with a riveting solo, redirecting attention across the stage and giving the track a distinctive edge. Paired with razor-sharp guitar riffs, it was a powerful introduction — a statement piece that said: we’re here, and we’re not holding back.
The drive only accelerated with Paris Is Gone, a clear fan favorite and one of the night’s standouts. The moment the first notes hit, the crowd erupted into chaos — head-banging, jumping, and shouting along. Something was electrifying about the way the song filled the room; the connection between the band and the audience was undeniable, and the track’s relentless momentum never let up. It was less a performance and more a collective release, with Schubas transformed into a sweaty, kinetic dance floor.
Radio Free Alice then shifted gears with “Toyota Camry,” a track that carried a moodier, more shadowy energy. Bathed in blue light, the band’s silhouettes became faceless outlines, adding a sense of mystery to the performance. The audience carried parts of the backing vocals, their voices rising in unison with the bassist and rhythm guitarist. Though slightly more restrained, their excitement radiated from the stage — you could tell how much playing in Chicago meant to them, and the crowd gave it right back.
Later in the set came Chinese Restaurant, where the mood grew heavier and more tactile. Learmonth’s vocals dropped into a deeper register, while the bassline rumbled like a heartbeat through the floor. He leaned into the crowd, dancing with fans and feeding off their fervor as the band pushed the track into darker, grittier territory. It was a moment that blurred the line between performer and audience — everyone in the room was in on it together.
Spain followed, one of the evening’s most atmospheric performances. The saxophone returned, not as a flashy solo but as a haunting undertone that set the song apart. This time, the frontman took up the bass, adding an unexpected twist that gave the track extra weight. The stage was washed in deep red and purple light, enhancing the song’s eerie, almost cinematic vibe. Less explosive than the earlier numbers, Spain showcased Radio Free Alice’s versatility, proving they can lean into mood and atmosphere without losing force.
By the time the set wound down, it was clear that Radio Free Alice had given Schubas more than just a concert — they’d given it a night of catharsis, mystery, and raw electricity. With a sound that swings from surf rock brightness to shadowy, bass-heavy grooves — and with the unexpected punch of saxophone thrown into the mix — they’ve carved out a space that feels fresh in the indie rock landscape.
For fans, the show was confirmation of the band’s rising potential; for newcomers, it was the kind of introduction that guarantees you’ll be back the next time Radio Free Alice rolls through Chicago.
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Links:
Official: https://www.rfa.band/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiofreealiceband/
