Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Verge

Most of today's Chicago punk bands have strayed far from their roots.

The Chicago-punk scene's roots date back to the early 1980s, with bands like Naked Raygun and The Effigies. These bands gave Chicago a defined, unique sort of working-class sound.

Sure, Chicago has popular bands like Alkaline Trio, whose influences include Naked Raygun, Pegboy and a slew of Chicago originals, but they are completely separate animals.

But in 2003, Shot Baker exploded onto the scene.
A five-song demo distributed at a Mopes reunion show at the Beat Kitchen in the summer of 2006 displayed the band's philosophical, yet contemplative lyrics, backed by strong, driving music.

Their message and thoughts were reminiscent of Screeching Weasel. In his lyrics, Ben Weasel admits he doesn't know everything, but finds a niche in not knowing and trying to figure things out.

Shot Baker vocalist Tony Kovacs reincarnates and applies Ben Weasel's train of thought on Shot Baker's new album, "Take Control," released June 24 on Riot Fest Records.

The album packs plenty into it and it is less than 30 minutes long.

"Short On Time" is a straight-up punk song that begins the album and speaks of accepting the way things are, even if they would be better changed.

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em/I'm done searching for the truth."
It's not a song about giving up, but a song about living and going with the flow.

The second track, "Falling Apart," is a re-recorded song from the demo the band handed out at its 2006 Beat Kitchen show.
This tune's eye-opening lyrics sing of fear and man's ignorance.

Kovacs sings about the borders of large and powerful countries, which he says are nothing more than lines drawn in sand; depending on which side you're on, the other side's men are always going to be less than yours.

It's about the ridiculousness of pride and arrogance. But like most Shot Baker songs, it's a hopeful tune, ending with a positive message.

"Let evolution strike the human heart/Ignite the light of truth/Compassion will triumph over ignorance/It all starts with you."

The lyric is kind of like a "Your vote matters" message, only without the false pretense lying underneath.

"Just in Case" is another song that sparked a bunch of neurons.
Kovacs really digs a philosophical mine in this one, as he breaks everything down by saying, "Did you ever stop and think? Your ancestral history. All those people had to meet and all the circumstances had to be just right, down the line, back to the time when man first started. This big, bad life is what you're handed, will you take your time for granted?"

There's a little hint of sarcasm in there, poking fun at all the depressed people wandering the Earth for no real reason.

But the real kicker in this song that makes me want to live each day to the utmost fullest is when Kovacs says, "Now is your greatest journey, make it all worthwhile just in case there is no afterlife/Live like it ****ing matters, search for heaven deep inside just in case there is no afterlife."

"Take Control" is a truly amazing release. It covers both spectrums of musical enjoyment. If you're more into the words, this album has it. If you're more into the sound, this album has it down to a beat.

Do your ears and mind a favor and pick up "Take Control" by Shot Baker. For anybody else who hasn't quite figured things out but are open to life's possibilities, this album is a forcefully reassuring pot of gold.

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