Evan Thorne Brings New Energy to Showoff’s Pop-Punk Revival

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

With a bass in hand and punk roots in his soul, Evan Thorne is helping lead Showoff into a powerful new era. The veteran Chicago-based band—once known for its breakout hits like “Falling Star” and high-energy anthems of the early 2000s—is finding fresh momentum thanks to a revitalized lineup and their latest EP, Haverstraw, out now on Manic Kat Records.

Thorne, the band’s newest bassist, joined just over a year ago but has already left a major impression. “There was always music in the house growing up,” Evan said. “My parents played guitar and keys, and I was drawn to bass from a young age. I didn’t even know what it meant at the time, but I knew I wanted to be that guy in the band.”

Though Evan’s background includes everything from classical guitar to power pop obsessions, joining Showoff marked a full-circle moment. “I used to listen to these guys in high school,” he said. “When I joined, it was a little intimidating. But within weeks, we were playing big shows—like opening for Anberlin and Eve 6. It felt right immediately.”

Originally formed in the late ’90s, Showoff made a name for itself with a polished mix of punk energy and Beach Boys-inspired vocal harmonies. Their debut album dropped in 1999, produced by Goldfinger’s John Feldmann, and included tracks that helped define a regional pop-punk movement in Chicago. “They were one of the first Chicago bands to put this sound on a national pedestal,” Evan said. “They helped open the door for groups like Fall Out Boy and Lucky Boys Confusion.”

Now, decades and several lineup changes later, the band is experiencing a creative resurgence. The Haverstraw EP—named after the studio where it was recorded—features the explosive single “Crimson,” a fan favorite that finally received the spotlight it deserved. “It just punches you in the teeth,” Evan said. “There’s this timeless energy to it. The chorus references ‘Crimson and Clover’ by Cher, but it’s also a nod to Jimmy Eat World’s ‘A Praise Chorus.’ It’s an earworm—you feel like you’ve heard it before.”

The “Crimson” music video matches the band’s quirky, authentic vibe. Shot DIY-style with footage from intimate live shows and playful scenes in Milwaukee thrift shops and record stores, it captures the band’s chemistry and offbeat charm. “None of it was scripted,” Evan said. “It’s just us goofing off and playing packed shows in basements and bowling alleys. We wanted to show who we really are.”

That camaraderie also fuels the songwriting process, which Evan calls “the most collaborative and ego-free” experience of his career. “Someone brings a riff, someone adds a groove, and if it clicks, we run with it,” he explained. “It’s the most natural and creatively safe environment I’ve ever been in.”

Now, with Haverstraw gaining traction and live performances heating up—including a recent slot at Chicago’s Taste of Randolph Street and a direct support spot at Milwaukee’s Summerfest alongside Plain White T’s and Motion City Soundtrack—Showoff is riding a new wave of momentum.

But it doesn’t stop there. “We’re currently writing a full-length album we hope to release next year,” Evan revealed. “We’re also focused on playing more shows and reconnecting with fans who have been with us for years—and new ones who are just discovering us now.”

Showoff’s legacy in pop-punk runs deep, but thanks to musicians like Evan Thorne, their future is just as promising. “This band has been through a lot,” Evan said. “But right now, we’re the strongest we’ve ever been.”

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Evan Thorne, tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.