The Lawrence Arms

One would assume that a band called the Lawrence Arms would have at least a little something to do with the free state's finest city, but a quick listen proves that this trio is as Chicago power-punk as Chicago power-punk gets. The band's lyrics tend to teeter between culturally aware and pop-culturally obsessed, and like their pals in Alkaline Trio, Arms guitarist Chris McCaughan and bassist Brendan Kelly split the singing and songwriting duties. This leaves drummer Neil Hennessy with plenty of time to crank up the tempo on the band's snarling three-minute mini-epics. They might be more Cook County than Douglas, but they're still welcome to visit anytime.