There’s something sneakily seductive about a driving, mid-tempo tune. Though formulaic by nature, one can’t avoid the pleasures of a classic design, especially when homage transcends with a confident, more modern touch. The simplicity of LA band Army Navy derives from the timeless treasures of sixties pop. The tag at hand is that of indie pop, but their strict melodic patterns prickle with jangly, effusive rhythms that are too irresistible to ignore. Following the strong critical praise of their self-titled debut album, the band soldiers on with a new set of songs that finds them making subtle but necessary changes. Nonetheless, one could hardly tell the difference with first single “The Last Goodbye”, a shambling guitar pop tune that could be found inside a C86 compilation, but distinguishes itself by maintaining a lucid production instead of guising it with a wall of fuzz. The Last Place will be released under their own record label, The Fever Zone, on July 12th. While no tour dates have been announced, expect to see them around the LA area sooner rather than later. It’ll end your day on a lighter note. – Juan Rodriguez
Indie West Fest reviews: The Growlers, Mad Planet, The Tender Box,
Even though the sun was hiding behind a veil of clouds at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday, it didn’t hinder the bright and lively atmosphere of the Indie West Fest at all. (Tip: you can still get sunburned on overcast days, so still bring sunscreen.) With over 30 bands performing on six stages, there was never an uneventful moment.
11:15 am – Popchips Stage: Mad Planet
The six stages were sprawled out across the fairgrounds and at first were not labeled, making it a guess-and-check process to determine which stage was which. First up for the day on the Popchips stage on the far end of the grounds and nestled between two old buildings were electronic-rock band (and recent Deli Artist of the Month winner) Mad Planet.
Dressed in all white as the yin to the black-clad guys’ yang, bassist/vocalist Cooper Gillespie guided the crowd through the maze of sound they were creating. Her seductive alto rivals that of Bat For Lashes and floats gently on top of the simultaneously dark and twinkling synth and bass lines and rhythms provided by drummer Greg Gordon. Besides a set full of their original work, they played a haunting cover of Placebo’s “Black-Eyed.” It was an awesome way to kick off the day.
12:15am – Popchips Stage: The Tender Box
Right after Mad Planet finished up and conversed with fans, the guys from The Tender Box began setting up. As per usual at most festivals, in between sets the crowd clears out completely and then comes flocking back when the music begins again.
Drawing on traditional rock song composition, it could be easy for them to fall into the trap of predictability, but they’re too slick for that. Right as you think you know how the song will go, they throw a jam session right in the middle of it. They’re an intriguing live act and it only takes a few minutes of watching to sense their love and passion for what they do. And the best part is that they were willing to share that with everyone present.
3:00pm – Sailor Jerry Stage: The Growlers
It’s after 3pm now. The Growlers were supposed to be on fifteen minutes ago, but when Gram Rabbit’s set went over time, everything got pushed back a bit. The crowd, which congregated on the grass by the palm trees to wait, began creeping closer and closer to the stage sensing the beginning of the show and the end of the sound check.
Four of the band members were on stage and seemed fully ready to begin playing when practically out of nowhere, vocalist Brooks Nielson bounds onstage, barefoot and smoking a cigarette like the beanie wearing renegade he is. “I thought the show was gonna start without me,” he exclaimed. Happily back in their native California, playing so close to the beach was only apropos to their vintage reverb-soaked rock goth jams that would make the 1960’s beam with pride. Nielson played Mr. Charisma, talking up the crowd and dancing with himself and helping himself to anyone’s drinks lying on or around the stage. The crowd ate up everything they threw to us for not one person near that stage remained stationary. Everyone was swaying and dancing and singing along. Even the weather was sad to see their set end as it began to rain as the crowd and band alike begged for just one more song. But as they had already run over their allotted time, they had to bid adieu for now leaving everyone excited for what will come in the future. – Taylor Lampela
Incan Abraham “Sunscreen” video premiere
Hop in the car and take the trippiest road trip/hike/bonfire party of the summer. Check out the video for Incan Abraham’s latest video of title track “Sunscreen” from their latest release. Their luscious and layered psychedelic pop is the perfect soundtrack to your own summer adventures. Just make sure you’re not the first one to fall asleep! Also, the band will be playing every Tuesday night this June in residency at the Central S.A.P.C. Entrance is FREE, so there’s no excuse for not stopping by. 21+.
~Taylor Lampala
He’s your Brother, She’s Your Sister video premiere
Between a residency at the Satellite and releasing new videos and songs, May was certainly a busy month for the darling folks of He’s My Brother She’s My Sister. Among the many treats that the band cooked up is an animated music video for the song "Coattails." The video follows a mischievous, harmonica-playing monkey who sneaks into a He’s My Brother She’s My Sister show. While the monkey swipes people’s drinks and provokes some fights in the audience, it inevitably steals the show. All the monkey business is adorned by the song’s lively sing-a-long and twang. While the video is in black and white, the music and band members’ movements do not fall flat. On the contrary, the video is very delightful. If after watching the video, fans are left wanting more, the band is also offering its new song "Escape Tonight" as a free download on Bandcamp. While song is a bit more reflective than most He’s My Brother She’s My Sister material, the percussion and vocals are entrancing.
~Karla Hernandez
Plans for the Weekend: Indie West Fest
Summer is finally here and what better way to officially kick off the season of sun and generally carefree times than with a day full of both of these things? Come on out to the Indie West Fest at the Ventura County Fairgrounds this Saturday June 4th. With 30 bands scheduled to appear on four stages, there will be something exciting happening every moment. Boasting a diverse lineup, there’s music for all of your discerning tastes. Check out the haunted bluesy surf-rock of the Growlers or get lost in the blissful electronica of Mad Planet. Jam out with The Tender Box in two different languages; the band’s second LP features songs in both Spanish and English representing their southern California roots. Also, if you missed He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister at their awesome residency at the Satellite, you can make up for it here. This festival is a great place for people who love to make and listen to music to come together in a beautiful setting. Tickets are available online. It’s only $35 for the whole day, so don’t be the one to miss out on a day of fun, friends and great music.
~Taylor Lampala
Vincent Moon builds “An Island” of Music
Taking the business of documentaries in a new direction, Efterklang pairs up with French director, Vincent Moon, creating a film with the simple idea that it lasts as long as an album. Appropriately titled ‘An Island,’ the 50 minutes film takes place in August 2010 outlining Efterklang’s journey of performance and collaboration with local musicians on an island off the Danish coast. Although "An Island" is essentially a DVD package, it also harbors a special live EP entitled “ Live at the Roskilde Festival 2010." As an extra bonus, everyone is encouraged to set their own price for the album. The avant-garde group of Efterklang and Vincent Moon have added new twist; fans can visit the DVD’s site at www.anisland.cc and view the film for free by arranging or attending a Private/Public viewing party.
~ Mary Broadbent
KICKSTARTER PROJECT – vincent moon & lulacruza in COLOMBIA from Vincent Moon / Petites Planètes on Vimeo.
Dante vs Zombies start June residency at The Echo
Starting their reign of terror in the Indie music scene in September 2009, in that sliver of time, Dante vs Zombies have become surreal outlaws of the live “Sing-n-Dance-along” show by their own admission. Their first release, "Yes I’m Stalking You/Branded By Nuns" 7" now out on Albino Crow, sounds like a trippy, psychotic journey into a Roger Corman romp fest. Fun? Indeed. Groovy? For sure! These cats know how to live it up and surely their residency on Monday nights at the Echo in June will get your blood boiling and your bum shaking. 9pm/21+/FREE
Dante vs. Zombies – Yes, I’m Stalking You from KR Videos on Vimeo.
Jimmy Gnecco finds his “Heart”
Whether it’s heartache, nostalgia, or contentment, the reasons an artist might be compelled to transmit an explicit feeling to an entire body of work will always be a mystery. Jimmy Gnecco has always been inspired by sorrow – when he began his career as the main songwriter of Ours, he utilized a brooding rock sound to balance his personal affliction in a grandiose manner. But something happened along the way: while those years brought a connectedness with his audience, he also felt that he had left those closest to him. After eight years of absence, the prolific songwriter found a way to reconnect that passion with “The Heart”, a set of mostly acoustic songs that may seep with melancholy, but also provide a hopeful air. Gnecco still hasn’t lost his driving force – a fragile falsetto so passionate that it can shatter glass at its most powerful.
– Juan Rodríguez
Sue Scrofa LIVE at Silverlake Lounge Review
Thursday night, Silverlake Lounge hosted a throng of girly folk bands, including current Readers’ Poll contender Sue Scrofa. The five-piece outfit started off the night of girl power…FULL REVIEW
A House For Lions serves up a double birthday treat
It’s always nice when you get a birthday present…for someone else’s birthday. In honor of their one year anniversary of becoming a band, LA-based A House For Lions is offering their debut EP I Want Us To Be Remembered for the low price of whatever you want! For a limited two week span, the band is offering their simultaneously upbeat and relaxing folk-rock blend on their Bandcamp site as a name-your-own price deal. Their mellow songs are perfect to listen to in the evening with the perfect mixture of a sense of nostalgia and outdoorsy guitar melodies to keep you in a good mood. If you’re looking for some new summer jams, return the favor and pick this up to support a great upcoming band and enjoy these tunes for yourself. As an added bonus, on Friday May 27th, they’ll be playing a show in the intimate space at the Hotel Cafe at 11pm. Pre-sale tickets are only $5. Sounds like the perfect way to close up a long, busy week. 21+. ~Taylor Lampela
He’s your Brother, She’s Your Sister ripped up The Satellite
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister proved that the only few common threads of the residency were riveting music and unpredictability. Each week brought on new themes… Read More
EC Twins release “Say Yes”
Coming from the treacherous streets of Manchester, the EC Twins sought after making the bustling city of Los Angeles their home. The duo’s lively electronic music reflects a contrast between past and present – they’re undertaking is definitely one of seizing the day and leaving any troubles at home. The duo, which consists of Marc and Allister Blackham, has been much beseeched in the LA club scene, largely due to their effervescent and eclectic tech house. For a pair who’s constantly hopping through the underground circuit and celebrity circuit, getting everyone “dirtied” up as they like to say, they remain earnest and grounded musicians who take their job of delivering a good time very seriously. On Monday, May 23, they celebrated the debut release of their remix of “Say Yes” featuring Shakeh at Playhouse in Hollywood. Tuesday, the single was released exclusively on www.beatport.com, and then on iTunes the week of June 6.
~Juan Rodriguez