Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In spite of being a band new band without an album out quite yet, there was a sense that Close Enemies was already seasoned well beyond its years during an inaugural tour through the City Winery, which had no problem temporarily transforming itself into a rock club.

As far as individual experience is concerned, bassist Tom Hamilton is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer straight out of Aerosmith, drummer Tony Brock began in The Babys before backing Rod Stewart, while guitarist Peter Stroud played with Sheryl Crow and Don Henley, fellow axe-slinger Trace Foster served as a tech for Joe Perry and singer/actor Chasen Hampton has entertained since his teenage days on The Disney Channel.

Thankfully, their chemistry together was apparent from the moment it began to “Rain” down aggression, turning previous fans and curious onlookers alike “Inside Out” with excitement.

The guys rumbled on like the “Sound Of A Train,” their first single thus far, then dove further into a future project for “Wink & A Feather,” “More Than I Could Ever Be” and “Mystery Of Love.

“Love Is A Battlefield” was another fireball of an original anthem, not to be confused with the Pat Benatar tune of the same name, though there were a few covers coming closely around the corner.

Many were probably wondering if anything by Aerosmith would make the cut and Close Enemies did indeed oblige come a deep cut, “Sick As A Dog,” and the mega-hit, “Sweet Emotion,” each co-penned by Hamilton and Steven Tyler.

Considering the group’s “Peace Out” Tour got cut extremely short and full-length performances are said to be no longer possible for that famed front man, this was certainly the closest option at the moment and Hampton deserves a high-five over his interpretive efforts.

He also ably belted out pair of The Babys’ power pop gems, “Midnight Rendezvous,” and after being introduced by Brock’s thundering solo, “Head First,” the latter of which could very well be the blueprint of how Close Enemies is diving into the launch of its ferocious first chapter.

For additional information on Close Enemies, visit CloseEnemiesTheBand.com

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Mindy Smith (Jan. 30); Keith Washington (Jan. 31); Simone Green Tributes Natalie Cole (Feb. 1); Najee (Feb. 2); Cash Unchained (Feb. 5); Bob Marley’s 80th Birthday Celebration (Feb. 6); Maysa (Feb. 8); Soul Brunch: Valentine’s Soul Duets (Feb. 9); Don’t Call Me White Girl! (Feb. 9); Grateful For Biggie (Feb. 11); Gregory Stewart (Feb. 12); 10,000 Maniacs (Feb. 13-15); WDCB Jazz Brunch (Feb. 16); David Nail (Feb. 16); A Tribute To Jay-Z (Feb. 17); Luis Elizondo (Feb. 18); Tiffany (Feb. 19); The Voices Trilogy (Feb. 20); Classic Album Brunch: The Smiths’ “The Queen Is Dead” (Feb. 22); On A Winter’s Night (Feb. 22); Benjamin Clementine (Feb. 23); Vernard Live (Feb. 25); Damon Williams & Friends (Feb. 26); American Tune: Simon, Croce & Taylor (Feb. 27) and Syleena Johnson (Feb. 28-Mar. 1). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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