Vortis (band)

Vortis
Origin Chicago
Genres Punk rock
Years active 2000 (2000)–unknown
Labels Thick Records
Associated acts Ex-Lion Tamers
Members Michael A. Weinstein, Jim DeRogatis, Johnny Los, G Haad

Vortis was an indie punk band established in 2000, whose members included Michael A. Weinstein, the band's frontman and a professor of political science at Purdue University, as well as well-known music critic Jim DeRogatis (who was the band's drummer). The band was named after the Vorticist movement of the early 20th-century,[1] and released two studio albums: Take the System Down, and God Won't Bless America. Both albums were released on the independent Thick Records.[2]

Reception

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] John Petkovic of the Cleveland Plain Dealer described the sound of God Won't Bless America as "a mix of both - music and cheerleading, that is."[5] The Columbus Dispatch said that "Musically, they fall into the netherlands where metal, "Oi" punk, hard core and Mr. Bungle tread".[6]

History

Weinstein joined Vortis in 2000 when his wife introduced him to several 30-year-old musicians from Chicago.[7] Weinstein also went by the stage name "Fellow Traveler" when performing with Vortis.[8] 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]

Discography

  • Take the System Down (Thick, 2002)
  • God Won't Bless America (Thick, 2003)
  • Things Won’t Get Better (split 7" with the Cathy Santonies, 2011)

References

  1. ↑ "Jim DeRogatis". WUSF-TV. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
  2. 1 2 "I dabble: 18 critics who became artists". The A.V. Club. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  3. ↑ Moldy (5 November 2002). "Take The System Down". Punknews.org. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  4. ↑ Kendrick, Monica. "Vortis". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  5. ↑ Petkovic, John (2003-08-01). "Punk professor sings his protests with a rock beat". Cleveland Plain Dealer – via ProQuest.
  6. ↑ "Hide the Bats: Ozzfest is Blasting Back into Town". Columbus Dispatch. 2003-07-31 – via ProQuest. Musically, they fall into the netherlands where metal, "Oi" punk, hard core and Mr. Bungle tread, but don't hold that against them.
  7. ↑ Glaser, Julie (1 October 2003). "Professor brings punk to politics". Purdue Exponent. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  8. ↑ Morris, Kurt. "Take the System Down Review". Allmusic. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
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