The Complex

What a fun weeknight at The Vine. Whether you joined us for dinner with friends and family, a birthday celebration, or even a first date, we hope we helped make the evening a little more memorable.

Some of our favorite shows over the years have been at The Vine, and we’re excited to be part of their 20th Anniversary celebration this September with a full band performance.

Next up, we’ll be back at Niko’s in Woodstock this Sunday starting at 2 PM. This will be a full band show. There’s something special about live music on an outdoor stage on a beautiful afternoon. We’d love to see you there.

Hope to see you at our show tomorrow night at The Vine and Father’s Day at Niko’s in Woodstock. It’s going to be a great time.

Ok, and now finally (thankfully😉) the last song on The Henkel Complex release, Neighbors Gather Round (check it out on any streaming platform and tell your friends)

The Car Song

This is a fun little song about a time I went and bought a car. It’s really that simple. The story is true. Nothing Earth shattering. What I love about it are the guest singers, which feature former students from long ago (not too long ago). Anyway, the music teacher was sick one day and I was asked to cover. Instead of just sitting there, I spotted a guitar, taught them the song, and we recorded it. I added some additional instrumentation afterward at home. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the most enjoyable, organic things that I’ve been a part of. Anyway, I hope you enjoy its simplicity and pureness.

Join Jake and Brendan on the patio at The Vine - Grayslake, IL this Wednesday June 17 from 6:00-9:00pm!

What a great way to close out the Round Lake location of Black Lung Brewery. Really looking forward to seeing what they do next in Grayslake. Great people, great atmosphere, and great beer.
Brendan and I will be at The Vine in Grayslake this Wednesday night. Always a welcoming place with good food, drinks, and positive vibes. Hope to see some familiar faces there. Any requests?
We’ll also have the full band out on Father’s Day at Niko’s in Woodstock. Beautiful outdoor stage, excellent food, and a great spot to spend the afternoon.
And if you have a few minutes, maybe give “The River” a listen. It’s a very personal song for me. Hidden in the mix is an old recording of my mom singing Happy Birthday to me before she passed in 2015. The song became a way for me to process loss, memory, and the emotions surrounding the end of life. Writing and recording it helped me work through a lot over the years. If it connects with you in any way, I’m grateful. Peace and love.

Oh man, I’ll wear my rain boots…or swimming trunks if I have to, but I sure hope the Everclear concert in Antioch goes off tonight. What a fabulous band to grace the community. We sure are lucky.

While we wait, maybe take a listen to this newly released song, Surrender Abby, on all major streaming platforms.

“Surrender Abby” is about resisting temptation and refusing to lose yourself just to be loved or accepted. It’s about staying true to who you are, even when giving in feels easier. Sometimes the hardest and most important thing you can do is stand firm, protect your peace, and realize your worth should never depend on someone else’s approval.

Man, this Friday at Black Lung and next Wednesday at The Vine. Two great shows coming up. Can’t wait to hang with you!

Take a listen to “Not Dreaming”

This punk rocker was written by bassist Ray Menges. He is a master of the punk pop sound. You’ll have to ask him what the song is about, the only thing all the rest of us can say is that it’s catchy and dynamic.

Can’t wait to play Black Lung on Friday. Any requests?

Anyway, have a listen to this song…

Full Speed Ahead

Fueled by unbridled energy, ego, and being only 22 when I wrote it, this punk rock anthem remains unapologetic. The song blends autobiography and metaphor, reflecting on the experience of being the youngest member of a punk band and navigating chaos head-on. The gang-style chorus in 'Full Speed Ahead' brings together every musician in the room that day, creating a deafening and reckless hymn of momentum and consequence. Guest vocals by the stellar singer-songwriter, Will Richter!

Thank you to the Newell’s for having us play your private party last night!! We had a blast and you know how to throw one heck of a shindig.

Next up - Jake and Brendan acoustic set TONIGHT at Sunset Grill, Antioch 6:00-9:00pm

Heading to a private show in Wilmette. Great setlist. Can’t wait for our next public show (tomorrow at Sunset Grille).

In the meantime, maybe have a little listen to:

“Take You Down”

In the 1990s, my high school bandmate and guitarist Anil Bhate originally wrote this acoustic-driven song that captures a laid-back, alternative vibe similar to “Steal My Sunshine.” Having revisited the lyrics in 2026, I refreshed them to mirror my current perspective on life, which emphasizes taking control, pursuing peace, and cherishing the uncomplicated joys of existence. The track maintains a mid-tempo rhythm and contemplative mood while retaining enough momentum to keep it engaging.

While we predominantly perform cover songs, our creative drive pushes us to collaborate on writing, recording, and releasing original music. This might be likened to scratching an itch or pursuing a personal passion project. Regardless of its nature, we're excited to share our new music with our fans. In the coming days, we'll be discussing one of our songs in detail and inviting your feedback. Our latest release, Neighbors Gather Round, is available across all streaming platforms, listed under 'The Henkel Complex' for legal purposes.
Let's talk about 'The Storm'. 'The Storm' is a song with a mid-tempo rhythm that navigates through building pressure and quiet desperation, backed by a relentless drumbeat reminiscent of a train in motion and the rich tones of a 12-string guitar. The song's lyrics describe a storm on the horizon, symbolizing both man-made and natural disasters, where celebration and chaos coexist. The track is moody, reflective, and uneasy, focusing on the theme of ignored warnings leading to a point of no return.