Tuesday night in Echo Park was unusually busy and bustling with hipsters. Unable to find parking in my go-to secret spots, I knew something beyond the norm was afoot. As I approached The Echo, pushing past the crowds lingering outside Sage and Masa on this warm summer night, I immediately knew I was in for a memorable experience. Red Bull Sound Select has been putting on monthly shows with local lineups supporting nationally touring headliners for the past few months, with a measly $3 cover, which has been creating quit a stir. Past headliners include, Zola Jesus, Wavves, and DIIV. On this particular Tuesday, I headed out to see locals, Gothic Tropic, opening for Com Truise. Little did I know that word had spread so far and fast, that the entire line of hopeful and devoted fans, who previously, I’m sure, had been waltzing right in to these monthly events, had not only wrapped themselves around the block beyond the bridge, but by 9pm, had all been sent home. Having been lucky enough to make it through the velvet rope, I was ushered in just as Gothic Tropic took the stage. The room was filled with an electric energy, as the crowd was clearly aware that their presence was now a gift that so many others would have traded them for. A gratitude and genuine excitement filled the air, as the Krautpunk trio opened with a slow builiding jam session that led right into their upcoming single, “Underwater Games,” set to be released as a split 7” with HOTT MT. Their signature improvisational style weaved throughout their set like slow crashing waves at low tide. If you are a fan and know their songs, you can sense when they are riding the edge of chaos beyond the structure of the tune. The tight-knit group is always in total control on stage, creating their own universe. They have a magical way of authentically connecting with the crowd, while pushing them to step inside their world of experimental eclecticism. As lead singer/guitarist Cecilia Della Peruti wails away on her guitar, there are moments when she and the instrument are one being and it becomes difficult to tell whether her voice or guitar are in the lead. With notes of acid jazz, krautrock, post punk, and garage rock, you always feel like you’re experiencing something revolutionary at a Gothic Tropic show – something you hope will be embraced by the world, but not tarnished by it. The trio closed the set with “Monkey Bars,” to the crowd’s delight. About to embark on a West Coast Tour starting July 4, Gothic Tropic, is one busy group, as they are also slated to play the next Red Bull Sound Select show, July 27 – this time at House of Blues on Sunset, along with Tapioca and the Flea, HOTT MT, and headliners, Frightened Rabbit. – Jacqueline Caruso
