On Friday June 20, 2025, Chicago’s very own Neptune’s Core took the stage at Schubas Tavern. And they’re definitely no strangers to the stage.

Since forming in 2019, the North Center quartet has played Schubas numerous times before -along with gigs at other local venues, including The Empty Bottle, Thalia Hall, Subterranean and The Metro.

Comprised of two sets of sisters: Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar) and Hannah Richter (bass) plus Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals) and Kaitlin Cywinski (drums), the band made their way onstage to tune their instruments as the audience waited in anticipation.

Neptune’s Core began with their song “Mind Blinker”, a somber tune that immediately seizes your attention -with numerous haunting crescendos /decrescendos throughout. The middle of their set saw the band putting on matching white and blue ringer tees to perform. Bassist Hannah Richter remarked to the crowd, “This is the hottest f-in’ shirt I’ve ever worn!”, being mindful not to swear -despite no small children in site (numerous Millennials and older Gen Zers were scattered throughout the venue). This led to Hannah’s sister, singer Sofie Richter, to respond with a sly smile, assuring her, “You look good, girl!” Jackie and Kaitlin cheered their fellow band member on. Notably, the band also played a much faster-tempo take of The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby”.

Towards the end of their set, Neptune’s Core played an “unreleased” song (their words) titled “Unloved”. This is a song “that’s out [now], but it’s kinda not” lead singer Sofie Richter informed us. Indeed, the track had officially been released in July 2023 on Side Hustle Records. However, the singer elaborated that there are different versions of “Unloved” and that the band was surprising us with one of said versions (the band didn’t specify how many versions of this track actually exist).

Despite having played at Schubas numerous times before, it’s always a full-circle moment for Neptune’s Core each time they play here, considering Schubas is where Kaitlin and Jacqueline’s parents met. At its core (no pun intended), the Windy City natives are two sets of siblings who genuinely enjoy playing songs together and rocking out at any chance they get.

Check out the band on YouTube: “Neptune's Core at Reverb - Unmanned Mission”: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ydyw4078AI8

Listen to Neptune's Core on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/61B6Dl5TrM3Dr1LdmJn814?si=2TZt_eCTQ9iHWH4H4VqWAA

*Note: some basic band information comes from a February 2024 “Block Club Chicago” article (https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/02/28/neptunes-core-represents-next-generation-of-chicago-art-rock/)