NE-HI

Chicago-based indie rock band NE-HI formed as a favor to a friend who needed a film scored. The four members of the band -- guitarist/vocalists Jason Balla and Mikey Wells, bassist James Weir, and drummer Alex Otake -- wrote some songs, but when the movie never came together they decided to start a band instead. Based around a D.I.Y. basement space on the city's Northwest Side, the foursome took their scrappy sound -- suggesting Wire if they were signed to Flying Nun, or Rain Parade if they released singles on Postcard -- to stages around the area, building up a loyal following along the way thanks to their energetic performances and catchy songs. ~ Tim Sendra