Gern Blandsten recording artists Watchers, a band whose bio boasts “sharp-edged anthems [of] intelligent art-pop,” have just unleashed their second full-length record of energetic, rhythm-soaked party rockers. In an attempt to capture the more impulsive intensity of Watchers’ live shows, the peculiarly titled Vampire Driver is the outcome of a month’s worth of in-studio improvisational experiments in Chicago-style angular guitar jams, some found-object fuckery and the occasional spontaneous outburst of percussive madness. To further spice up this furious mix of sounds, the band — singer/keyboardist Michael Guarrine, guitarist Ethan D’Ercole, bassist Chris Kralik, keyboard/percussionist Damien Thompson and drummer Jess Birch — enlisted the talents of scene mentors Wayne Montana and Damon Locks (the Eternals, ex-Trenchmouth) with quite impressive results. The official Vampire release party is set to roar through town this month, and will surely be one for the Chicago rock history books. (Appearing with The Eternals and The Jai-Alai Savant for the late show at Schubas on June 2) –text: Mike Scales