Troubled Identity at Park West: Live review

Troubled Identity

High school age rock band Troubled Identity opened for the Freddy Jones Band at Chicago’s Park West music venue this past Friday. The band, which hails from the northwest suburbs, was greeted by cheers from its enthusiastic fan base, composed mainly of supportive friends and family. The band kicked off with “No Worries” from a self-titled debut EP. Slightly nervous at first, the band became more comfortable with each passing drum beat and less aware of the dozens of eyes on it.

This was Troubled Identity’s first performance at a major music venue, but the foursome acted pro, pausing after its fourth song to thank its record company, Out of the Box Records, Jam Productions and the Freddy Jones band for giving the band the opportunity to play. Bassist Alex Pomerantz declared, “We hope you all are having as good a night as we are.”

Instead of sticking to the format of its EP, Troubled Identity threw a wild card into its set with a performance of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze.” The cover was both a throwback to the band’s classic rock training at the Paul Green School of Rock and a display of sophisticated taste. Lead singer Max Subar belted out his lyrics and synchronized his guitar playing to the pulsating drum beats at the song’s end. The band’s vibrant energy and sheer enthusiasm at playing in front of a live audience was infectious and put a smile on my face. As it played its last song, a cover of “Rollover DJ,” it became evident that the band has at least one identity as an option: Rock stars.