Opportunity Problems.

In November, we finally met the challenge of our good friend John Hastie of [ Nonagon ] - play in Chicago already. So we figured that we'd bust our asses by taking a whole three days away from life and family by driving out to Chicago via Cleveland, and then driving the whole way back in a day. Hardcore, right?

Wrong. Turns out that we didn't figure on John encouraging anyone he's ever bumped into on the street that they absolutely must come out to see the show; not for his band's benefit, but for ours. Our two or three days of hard driving was easily eclipsed by his crazy - no manaical - drive over days and weeks to make this be a great evening. The guy was nuts to help us - conning a local promoter to push the thing, helping people to move as a favor exchange and even getting the estimable [ Jay Ryan ] to basically give us money by making some great posters for the show.

All we know for sure is that we walked on stage in a club comfortably populated with folk who were excited to see us and we played our best and it was a blast. What a great night.

John Hastie - beware. We do not take kindly to those to whom we owe a debt. Our debt to you is steep and so, paradoxically, is our loathing. Let not slumber nor drudgery be a shield - we breathe slow out there in the shadows, waiting to pay you back. While you toil, we hone a glinting blade to toll an avenging tone. And wonder not, Hastie: IT TOLLS FOR THEE.

Up ahead? We'll be doing some time on the road. More than usual. More details to come.