CHICAGO, IL – Psychedelic soul outfit Vinto Van Go is bringing the summer heat with their new single “Hot Pants Boots,” a vibrant, groove-heavy track that sets the stage for their upcoming album In the Neon Wilderness, out July 4.
“It became a party right there in the studio,” says the band’s frontman and lyricist. “Everybody chirping in little bits... the whole construction of the song was so fun.” Built collaboratively, the track captures the band’s spontaneous, celebratory energy and reflects their deep roots in Chicago’s psych-rock and soul scene.
Described as “the best band at your local bar” and “the ultimate party band,” Vinto Van Go has carved out a distinct space in the city’s live music community. Their sound draws from the gospel-soaked soul traditions of Chicago’s past while pushing forward with layers of distortion, reverb, and psychedelic texture. “I love psychedelic music because it pulls the audience into the music. You’re not an observer anymore. You’re inside it.”
“Hot Pants Boots” has already become a live staple. “When we play it live, people immediately start dancing and cheering. Some of them are even dressing up for it,” the band shares. “We played a private Pride party last weekend, and the crowd showed up in hot pants and boots, knowing we were going to play that song. That’s the dream.”
Vinto Van Go formed during the pandemic, when longtime collaborators and friends used the pause in touring to experiment together in the studio. Each member brings a unique voice to the group. Ann brings theatricality and character to every vocal performance. Jon, a bassist from Manhattan who studied under jazz legend Ron Carter, guides the groove with precision. Jason anchors the outfit with sharp, intuitive drumming. Kevin, the band’s keyboardist and recording engineer, blends his Afrobeat experience into every arrangement. “We all know what to do and when to leave space for each other,” the frontman says. “You can hear that clearly in ‘Hot Pants Boots.’”
In the Neon Wilderness is the band’s second album, written and recorded entirely in the past year. Their debut album dropped in April 2024 and helped solidify their status as one of Chicago’s most exciting live acts. With local indie radio and fans alike rallying behind them, the group has developed a loyal following that’s spreading beyond the city. “We’ve got a scene here. If you go to a Vinto Van Go show, you’re going to run into at least 50 people you love seeing. That kind of community is rare.”
As they gear up for their album release and upcoming gigs, including a show in New York later this month, Vinto Van Go is keeping it simple.
“Thanks for coming along. Let’s keep going.”
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