Chicago band set to play Bloomington debut

Chicago rock band Blane Fonda will be making its Bloomington debut 8 p.m. Saturday at Rhino’s All Ages Club. Opening acts include Bloomington metal bands Pariah and Horrid House Guest. Tickets are on sale for $5.

Blane Fonda released its debut EP, “Master of Stars and Broken Arms” in August, but began playing together in early February. Existing band, The Sapiens, parted ways with its lead vocalist. The band proceeded to host a callout for a new singer.

Bassist Dave Veller said the band was looking for someone who was interested in hooks and melodies.

“We wanted someone who was ready to be a team player and be a writing partner in a team process,” he added. 

Veller said the members of the band have become close friends and look forward to meshing their different musical interests together.

“It is interesting working really hard 9-to-5 jobs and intricately balancing a passion project, but all five of us hit the right place for us to go for it,” Veller said.

After performing a well-received show at Chicago’s Beat Kitchen, Blane Fonda headed into the studio to record “Master of Stars and Broken Arms.” The seven track EP’s title is open for interpretation, but Veller said it has something to do with divinity and destiny.

The band’s influences include Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Depeche Mode and Muse.
“We want our songs stuck in your head and you to keep coming out to shows,” Veller said.

He said his band is a dynamic group with an interactive show and have no problem getting in the middle of the crowd to dance with people.
 
“We are into anything that makes people move and walk out of the show bopping their heads all day,” Veller said.

Veller said Blane Fonda enjoys playing in random towns and meeting people.
“It is about more than just a 45-minute set of music,” he said.

Veller also said he hopes that two years from now his band is living out of a van, playing rock concerts every night.

“It is not for everybody, but it is for us,” he said.