Formerly known as The Smiles, the young group of guys who are now playing under the name The Miracals will be performing their fist show with the new name on Saturday at the Satellite as part of Monte Mar’s record release party. The Miracals’ debut EP is available as a free download on Bandcamp, and from the first note of "Cala Cola" to the ebullient guitars of "California Girls," it is capable of giving listeners a toothache. Regardless of the season, The Miracals manage to make it feel like summer all year long. The sweet lyrics flow effortlessly and the melodies quench the need for genuinely fun pop songs like a splash of lemonade on a hot summer day. The band has just wrapped up its second EP and is set to be released later this year. – Karla Hernández

 

The San Diego-based rock quartet Transfer was meant to play stadiums. The foursome follows a standard rock ‘n’ roll band structure—vocals, guitar, bass, drums—but the wall of sound these musicians create resonates like the work of an orchestra. It is so full, so loud, and so well produced that it is hard to believe it is the work of four men. It is also hard to believe that this band is about to release its debut record. Transfer’s songs are so polished, each track hooking its listener with catchy pop riffs and anthemic lyrics, and then reeling its listener in with layers of psychedelic guitars, that it sounds like this is not the band’s first go around. But it is. The four-piece will release its freshman album, Future Selves, on October 11 via Cool Green Recordings, and then head out on a European tour with Kaiser Chiefs. – Katrina Nattress

Transfer – Losing Composure

Los Angeles flew to Paris for a weekend with the Ooh La L.A. festival, sponsored by Goldenvoice, KCRW and the French Consulate, among others. The El Rey theatre, one of LA’s prettiest and most elegant venues, was home to three nights of the hottest acts in the French music scene. Saturday Oct. 1st was the night of the electronic music showcase. You knew it was going to be a LA-Paris infusion night when the DJ spinning tunes before the night began was playing French covers of popular American songs such as "These Boots Are Made For Walking" and "Paint It Black". A fascinatingly diverse crowd showed up spanning the ages and the cultures. It wasn’t unusual to hear snippets of rapid French conversation taking place everywhere.

The first act of the night, Chateau Marmont, were a band straight from Paris whose arpeggiated 80’s style synths and vocoders paired with rock n roll drums and bass was like stepping into a nightclub twenty years ago. Yet their sound seemed so modern. Adding some grunge and dirt to the sound, it was so deep, the old wooden floorboards of the theatre started to shake. And the same phenomena occurred when DJ Cam took the stage to a simple set up of samplers, a turntable and a computer to create these sounds and frequencies that should not be audible to the human ear. On both sides of the spectrum. If the floor was shaking before, that was merely a tremor.

After the crowd had warmed up, in terms of drinks and dancing, the real party began when Etienne de Crecy took the stage for another round of electronic explosions. The crowd rushed the front to be a part of the fun. Again, on a stark stage, the lights bounced off the lights and the crowd. The bass was beyond intense. It was deep and dirty, and the audience was transported from downtown LA to an underground club somewhere in the outskirts of Paris. The music inspired many different dance styles from ladies on a night out who’d had a bit too much, to the lover’s melding together to the one guy dancing like Frankenstein as a robot. Etienne de Crecy really showed the crowd how much American electronic music has developed out the ideas first created by the European movement. I bet all the kids wearing tails and leg warmers at EDC, etc. don’t know that.

Under the strobes and within the pulsing beats, LA was given a special taste of live music from across the sea. Everyone wanted in and didn’t let go until the equipment clung onto those notes to the bitter end. – Taylor Lampela

As The Drowning Men are currently on their 23-date U.S. tour alongside The Airborne Toxic Event, they are gearing up for the release of their full-length, The Beheading of the Songbird; initially self-released, but will receive its official retail release on October 25th. The album has an interfusion of folk and roots Americana, Eastern European ethnic folk and other awesome randomness parallel to Arcade Fire, The Decemberists and My Morning Jacket. – Nicole Dawley

Drool Brothers are bringing their sardonic, fuzzed out groove rock to Fenix 5-4 to celebrate their new EP, "Decoupage". The Whittier, CA band are known for their exciting but unique live shows at unique places. They like to cross pollinate artistic mediums with their art rock by playing museums and galleries, and try to include artists from different mediums on the bill. Given this, Fenix 5-4 is an upcoming eastside venue whose artistic yet circus atmosphere compliments the Drool Brothers frenetic colorful music. The Drool Brothers will have copies of their new EP on hand, which includes “Tube Tops and Go Go Boots” and a cover: a warped, fuzzed out version of Minnie Riperton’s “Lovin’ You.” Also available, colored vinyl giveaways and over 100 varieties of beer. Don’t miss all the frenzy at Fenix 5-4 on Friday, October 28.

Los Angeles group the New Division introduces their own brand of woozy, ethereal new-wave music to the masses with a brand new song and album. "Shallow Play" comes off the group’s brand new album, "Shadows", which was released last week. The panning effects of the twinkling synthesizer lines is disorienting at first, until you just allow yourself to get swept away by the sounds. John Kunkel’s voice floats lightly on top of the music, but yet are so full, they sink to the bottom. The vocals soar up and up and up to guide you through the uncertainty of the soundscapes the band (made up of Kunkel, Brook Woolsey on guitars, and Mark Michalski and Michael Janz "Janzie" on synths) all create for our aural pleasure. If you’re looking for new new-wave music that is great to vibe out to, look no further. Stream "Shallow Play" on SoundCloud now and check out their album "Shadows". – Taylor Lampela

Shallow Play by The New Division

You’d think after performing sold-out shows this spring and summer across the U.S. that Uh Huh Her —Leisha Hailey and Camila Grey—would be worn out. But that is not the case for the electro-pop sirens, who are gearing up for the release of "Nocturnes", due out October 11, and prepping for the Keep-A-Breast Tour begining October 8th. The first single from Nocturnes, "Debris" (produced by Grey and guitarist Brad Ackley), sets the tone for the 11-track album, which is described as a blend of “moody dance pop with guitar and synth-driven electro.” Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the duo will headline the first-ever Keep-A-Breast Tour, which supports breast cancer awareness and prevention. The trek kicks off October 8th in Philadelphia, PA and wraps up November 6th in Portland, OR. – Nicole Dawley

Same High by uhhuhher

Colleen Green is a self-proclaimed stoner, but do not let that fool you into thinking that all she does is sit at home on her couch. In addition to venturing out on a national tour with Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, Green actually keeps herself quite busy releasing a bunch of music and making comics. Originally from Boston, her music entails a guitar, drum machine and dulcet vocals reminiscent of bands like All Girl Summer Fun Band. Green moved out to Oakland in 2008 and released some tapes and EPs on her own. It was not until earlier this year that she got some label love from Hardly Art Records and released a 7". Green and some friends also hosted shows at their Oakland home, known as the Full House House. Green is now living in Los Angeles and getting ready for the world to hear her newest EP, called "Cujo." The 6-song EP will be out via Art Fag on October 4th. On the first single, "Rabid Love," Green plays her guitar with fervor and her love-striken heart does not take any prisoners. The music has a fun West Coast vibe, accompanied by gritty tones that keep things interesting. Green will open for Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles tonight at the Troubadour. – Karla Hernández

Since they formed in 2009, Silver Lake residents Family of the Year have been steadily turning frowns into smiles with their distinctive shades of folk pop. But while there’s still eager anticipation for their debut full length, which is currently slated for a 2012 release, they’ve just released another EP that is far from being a makeshift addition to their brief, but stout body of work. The title track, “St. Croix”, invokes a dream pop aesthetic alongside a series of glistening guitar chords and an infectious, if slightly tacky chorus: “you bring the Ocean/ I bring the motion/ together we’ll make a love potion”. Not exactly a lyrical touchstone, and there’s the possibility that the bohemian vibe might put you off, but at least their illusion of what the Caribbean life would sound like is utterly endearing. After a brief stint in the Pacific Northwest, they’ll be coming back on October 13th with an EP release show at Bootleg Bar.

St. Croix by Family of the Year

 France comes to LA for a weekend at the Ooh La L.A. Festival this Thursday through Saturday at the gorgeous El Rey Theatre. Saving you a whole bunch in plane tickets to Paris, you can just make the quick venture over to the venue to see some of the hottest French acts of Today. Thursday night will include an exclusive music entitled "Nouvelle Vague performs Dawn of Innocence" performed by Nouvelle Vague and directed by Jean Charles de Castelbac. Also on the roster is Hugh Coltman, an English folk singer who has gained much popularity in France. Friday features popular band Tinariwen and Moroccan folk singer Hindi Zahra. Saturday rings in October with a bang of electronic proportions. Bring your dance shoes over to the El Rey and jam out to the sounds of Chateau Marmont, Feadz, DJ Cam and Birdy Nam Nam. Bringing their own style of European dance music, they’re all sure to provide us with a good night. The event itself is sponsored by the Consulate General of France and Cultural Services of the French Embassy of LA, so it’s legit. Grab your buddies and come out to at least one night, if not all three! Tickets are $30 on Thursday and Friday and $25 on Saturday. Save a little extra and buy a 3-day pass for $75. À bientôt!

For some artists, music is a natural form of expression, while others need to go through a type of purgatory to get his/her inner genius out in the world. A quick listen to the third full-length release from Arrica Rose & the …’s (“The Dot Dot Dots”) will clearly reveal that the chanteuse falls into the first category. Her golden singing voice comes as easily as the act of talking. On the new album, entitled "Let Alone Sea," Rose is dynamic as ever. Rose and her band gracefully move from straightforward folk tunes to songs that could have easily been taken over by a Bat For Lashes-inspired alter-ego. "We Made Out Alright" has a ghostly feel to it, but still maintains a strong guitar presence. The touches of Nashville, with her smooth, moody voice, also carry a strong authentic tone that makes the listener feel at home. While her soft whispers are comforting, the emotions also have an edge that could turn at any given moment. The album is a cozy experience, but also keeps listeners on their toes. Arrica Rose & the …’s will be playing at Room 5 on Saturday, October 1. – Karla Hernández

Fay Wolf describes her live performances as “sadsongfunnyjokemusictimes.” Now, don’t run and grab your Webster Dictionary just yet. The Connecticut born-Los Angeles based singer/songwriter and pianist simply makes songs that are alluring yet gloomy; funny yet sappy–similar to Ani Difranco, Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos. Her second album, “Spiders,” produced by Billy Mohler (Macy Gray, Lenka, War Tapes) and Joshua Ostrander (Eastern Conference Champions, Kav, Voxhaul Broadcast), which will be released independently on November 8th, is an 11-track album that displays her unabashed honesty, dark humor and wit that her fans have come to know and love.

Wolf is not only a crooner, composer and ivory-tickler, she is a classically-trained actress who has made appearances on primetime television shows such as Law & Order, Numb3rs, Bones, Ghost Whisperer and NCIS: Los Angeles. Her songs have even been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Covert Affairs, and Pretty Little Liars.
Get a preview of Spiders at Barre on Monday, September 26th. – Nicole Dawley