How Chicago band Course used the pandemic to congeal into something sturdy
Not every band needs the thrills of the live stage to make music. And some bands, like local synth pop group Course, don’t even need to be in the same room. “A Late Hour,” the group’s debut record out now, is a testament to the power of creative isolation. From the deserts of Texas to their tiny apartments in the heart of Chicago, Course (comprised of lead singer Jess Robbins, drummer Chris Dye, synth player Dan Ingenthron, guitarist mikey Russell and bassist Brian Weekly) managed to craft an inventive collection of songs that blend nostalgic instrumentation with clever lyrics.