Distracted

BY: ALLIE RUSSELL

Beat Kitchen in Chicago played host to a double debut on November 21^st as New York’s Dogpark and Meyru both performed in the Windy City for the first time. The result? An electric night that left the crowd excited for the future of both acts. 

Opening the night, Meyru immediately set the tone with their fun and polished sound. A standout track from their set was titled Here, which captured the room early on. The band balanced their sharp musicianship with charming onstage energy, even when their guitarist encountered a snapped string mid-set. Impressively, he changed it in just over two minutes (timed lovingly by the audience) while the rest of the band carried on seamlessly. By the end of their set, it was clear: Meyru wasn’t just an opener, but a band on the verge of commanding stages like Beat Kitchen on their own terms. 

Dogpark took the Beat Kitchen stage with confidence, kicking things off with Dive Bar Named Nirvana, an opening track that set the tone for a short and sweet set full of versatility. The band’s growth was palpable – they looked at ease and sounded better than ever. From instrument swaps between the guitarist and bassist to unexpected vocal showcases, Dogpark proved they’re not just a band but a collective of dynamic talents. 

The setlist leaned heavily into unreleased material, teasing what’s to come in the new year. Songs like Hollywood (a saucy number set for a January 2025 release) and Dreamwalker showcased their knack for infectious hooks and sharp lyrics. The bassist’s turn at lead vocals added another layer to their range, further cementing their depth and strength as a group. Their onstage chemistry was a show itself, with each member interacting with the others throughout the night in a way that felt like the audience was witnessing a celebration of their friendship. 

Every track performed could be considered a highlight of the night, including a ferocious cover of The Strokes’ Last Night, an energetic performance of Breaking in Brooklyn and a rendition of The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want that had the entire crowd singing along. Dogpark wrapped things up with Now It’s Over, leaving the audience on a high note and eagerly anticipating their next appearance. 

From Meyru’s smooth opening to Dogpark’s electric performance, the night felt like a passing of the torch between two up-and-coming bands poised for bigger stages. Both acts proved why Beat Kitchen is such a beloved venue for discovering fresh talent, and if this night was any indication, Chicago will be patiently waiting for their return.