Mellowdrone at Spaceland on Valentine's Day

Jonathan Bates in Infrasonic Studios working on the new Mellowdrone album (Photo by Celeste T)

I last caught up with Mellowdrone at the Orange County Museum of Art back in October of 2006. I missed their early show at the Echo back in December but have Valentine's Day plans to see them at Spaceland. The real reason I mention this show is that not only that I am a fan of Mellowdrone, but it is a good chance to bring a can of food as a donation to the Los Angeles Food Bank for a discounted ticket. If you are too chicken to ask that someone special on a date, the crafty Mellowdrone folks made it easier for you by making old school Valentines that you can print out here. Come out and show some love and stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Mellowdrone.

Jim Ward at the Paul Gleason Theater

Jim Ward

I was fortunate enough to see At The Drive-In before their untimely demise. It was a chaotic and visceral performance that made a larger impact later in my memory when the band broke up soon after. Jim Ward soldiered on to form Sparta who immediately won me over when I saw them open for Weezer at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine in 2002. This admiration was permanently solidified when Sparta covered Jawbreaker's "Kiss The Bottle".

Nico Stai




Nico Stai opened with their introspective indie folk tinged rock. Nico Stai (Guitars/Vocals) had has vintage Gibson guitar howling as he plucked away during "Like Alcohol". Jeff Evans (Guitars) was armed with a Fender Telecaster Deluxe as deftly added clouds to the gray skies of Nico Stai's songs. "The Song of Shine and Shame" was one of their many standout songs that made me want to catch a full set from them. It is no surprise that they will be playing Indie 103.1's Monday Night Check One..Two at the Viper Room on March 31st.




Jim Ward appeared on stage with a lonesome Gibson Acoustic guitar as he started to strum "Without A Sound". I was already blown away because I figured he would only play selections of his new acoustic based album "Quiet". Jim has a very powerful voice live but I think his guitar playing and song writing skills have been criminally overlooked. "Taking Back Control" sounded even more powerful as an acoustic number. Jim also managed to include the chord fragments of "Breaking The Broken" to make the song sound very full.




At the end of his mini Sparta set, Matt Schmitz from Sleepercar joined Jim on acoustic guitar as they tackled "Take It Back". Sleepercar is another project that Jim is involved in. Sleepercar plays like a Texas infused version of Wilco and are worth checking out. Jim also took time out to reassure the crowd that Sparta was still alive and well and that they would continue on but he needed another outlet for his other musical endeavors. I applaud Jim for branching out. He mentioned that he got the idea for his acoustic based project seven years ago while messing around with an Old 97's riff.

"Take It Back" was the first foray into Jim's solo album "Quiet". Jim and Matt harmonized well on vocals and guitars as they worked their way through the jangly number. "Easier Said" was an emotionally heavier song that played like a Texas hymn. "On My Way Back Home Again" had Chris Weinrich come out to play pedal steel to augment the country vibe of the songs. Chris had a Boss Digital Delay and small Boss Looping pedal to add some space effect sounds to characteristic pedal steel. It was amazing to Chris play the pedal steel up close as he conducted an informal clinic. The vibe in the room was very relaxed as the pedal steel guitar was gently crying during "Mystery Talks". The instrumentation was taken to new levels when Chris later came center stage for a ukulele solo during "Coastlines" that couldn't help but put a smile on everybody's face. I don't know who was smiling wider, the crowd or the performers.


Jim Ward setlist for the Paul Gleason Theatre Late show (1/25/08)
"Without A Sound"
"Taking Back Control"
"Breaking The Broken"
"Take It Back"
"Easier Said"
"On My Way Back Home Again"
"Mystery Talks"
"Wed Nites"
"Stumble"
"Heavy Weights"
"Fences"
"Broken Promise"
"Coastlines"

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Key Club

Baby 81 was one of the top albums of 2007 and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club toured relentlessly in its support. I managed to catch a few of those shows at the House of Blues San Diego, Wiltern, Greek Theatre, Shoreline Amphitheatre and their video shoot for "Berlin" at Little Radio. The announcement of a few final shows to close the touring book on Baby 81 led me to immediately purchase tickets for their show at the Key Club.

The Key Club was beyond packed as I was unable to secure a decent vantage point on the floor which led me upstairs for a bird's eye view. Peter Hayes (Guitars/Vocals) came out with a lone Gibson acoustic guitar as he delicately strummed out the chords of the B-Side "Grind My Bones". Peter's guitar slidework was excellent as always giving the song an enhanced loose vibe that would linger for the duration of the night. Unfortunately, some of the upstairs patrons must have been drinking quite heavily as one audience member was yelling in between each song the same string of profanity laced encouragements. "Complicated Situation" highlighted Peter's guitar abilites mixed with some passionate harmonica playing. The full band joined Peter on stage to a large round of yells and howls from the crowd. Robert Levon Been (Bass/Vocals) triggered some feedback loops that decayed into the dark blues of "Shuffle Your Feet". The fuzz started to rain inside as much as it was pouring outside with the start of "Love Burns". I never get tired of hearing "Berlin" even after the fact that they played it twenty times at the video shoot. "Weapon Of Choice" accelerated the pace of the show and was another clinic in how to effectively play slide guitar. "All You Do Is Talk" had Peter reaching for his violin bow to use on his guitar to start the song. The harmonizing of vocals with Peter and Robert on "All You Do Is Talk" was memorable enough that I didn't have to write it down as a note. "666 Conducer" had a more organic loose vibe to the song with bursts of noise and feedback in all the right areas. "Six Barrel Shotgun" is one of my top five BRMC songs and was stretched out to a mini noise jam. Peter triggered his tremolo pedal to start off "Red Eyes and Tears" before Robert dived into the forboding bass line. "Sympathetic Noose" was played by Robert solo and was followed by the Bob Dylan cover "Visions of Johanna" instead of his other Bob Dylan cover "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll". "American X" was epic as always with an extended feedback ending. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club convincingly closed out their set with a fierce version of "Spread Your Love" and "Whatever Happened To My Rock N Roll (Punk Song)". I hope they finish their new album quickly so they can go on tour again.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Setlist at the Key Club (1/24/08)
"Grind My Bones"
"Complicated Situation"
"Shuffle Your Feet"
"Love Burns"
"Berlin"
"Weapon Of Choice"
"Howl"
"All You Do Is Talk"
"666 Conducer"
"Six Barrel Shotgun"
"Red Eyes And Tears"
"Ain't No Easy Way"
"Promise"
"Sympathetic Noose"
"Visions Of Johanna"
"As Sure As The Sun"
"American X"
"Took Out A Loan"
"Killing The Light"
"Spread Your Love"
"Whatever Happened To My Rock N Roll (Punk Song)"

The Teenagers at Spaceland

The Teenagers recently landed a slot on Coachella, so I figured I better see them at Spaceland before they become too big to see at a small venue. The Teenagers are doing a mini tour in support of their recently released album "Reality Check". It turns out I got a Coachella sneak preview.

Run Run Run with David J from Love and Rockets





Run Run Run had their trademark lights and smoke machines set up before they dived into their anthemic rock. I last caught up with Run Run Run in September and mentioned they had a British rock influence similar to Echo and The Bunnymen. I would like to add Love and Rockets as an influence as they brought out David J from Love and Rockets to perform a white hot version of "No New Tale To Tell". David J has been a busy guy with the reformation of Love and Rockets playing Coachella as well as his stage production Silver For Gold based on Edie Sedgwick at the Met Theatre starting in March. Run Run Run played a solid set with tracks from their album "Endless Winter" and from their new EP "Good Company". Xander Smith (Guitars/Vocals) had a slick black Gibson Les Paul custom loaded with P-90s soapbox pickups as the lights flickered with each of his guitar riffs. They have really honed their live show and played a tight set.

The Teenagers






The Teenagers played beyond their age as they led blasted through an electro post punk set. "Starlett Johansson" started their set with its rapid distorted guitars and tongue in cheek lyrics provided by Quentin Delafon (Vocals). Quentin was pacing the stage and posing for some of the cameras in the front row. Dorian Dumont(Guitars) was sporting a Korn t-shirt while cranking away on his black Fender Jaguar while his Fender Deville amp was blasting out power chords. I love the synths on the record and was slightly disappointed they didn't have a synth player but the duel guitar attack made up for it. Michael Szpiner (Bass) had his Leonard Dicaprio shirt on as he pounded away on his Fender Bass during "III". Quentin's french accent is very noticeable on the album but while he was singing at Spaceland it disappeared. "Make It Happen" was another propulsive jam with a few mini guitar leads sprinkled amongst some floating synths. "Homecoming" was the crowd favorite of the night as Quentin pulled a young female audience member on stage to complete the duet. The female audience member seemed to have enjoyed herself as she cried out "I Love My English Romance!". The Teenagers reminded me of a young Killers in that they have a lot of good songs but need a few more shows under their belts to really sharpen their live act. I would still circle my Coachella schedule for a time slot with the Teenagers.

Sparrow Love Crew at the Detroit Bar

Matt from Delta Spirit


Monday night residencies continued to roar on as I stayed local to drop in on the Sparrow Love Crew at the Detroit Bar. My first encounter with the Sparrow Love Crew was almost a year ago at the Detroit Bar. I managed to keep a close eye on them by reviewing their shows at Spaceland, and the Detroit Bar in June and August.







Matt Vasquez from The Delta Spirit came on stage in disguise holding a spinning arrow sign advertising that the Sparrow Love Crew were free on Mondays. A mash up of Queen "We Will Rock You" and Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like Its Hot" blared over the speakers as The Sparrow Love Crew stormed the stage with a party starting version of "Naidu". Sparrow Love Crew are difficult to characterize but mix and mash elements of Electronica, Hip Hop, and Indie together for a tasty treat. "Monsta Boogie" is ferocious and has all members trading off lyrical duties effortlessly as Dj Opi Styles scratches up a storm in the background. "Nightlife" has a Depeche Mode influenced synthesizer pulsating beat before switching gears into a dance floor inciting riot. They followed up "Nightlife" with another hot jam that seemed to have taken samples from the video game Galaga. DJ Opi Styles didn't get to use his home built Theremin too much but did dazzle the crowd with a trip hop scratching solo that bended a sample of droney guitars. "Who's That?" showcased their MC skills as they had the crowd at the Detroit Bar jumping. A potentially fatal error occurred mid set as the beat dropped out in the middle of the song. The Sparrow Love Crew went acapella and continued the song as some members started the vocal beat box. The crowd roared in approval at the ending of the song to verify how much they enjoyed the acapella version. I would like to see them at a Spaceland residency to test out the Los Angeles crowd because they already have all of O.C. in their back pockets. The Sparrow Love Crew are finishing up their seven song debut EP that will grab the attention of a lot of record labels.

NAMM at the Anaheim Convention Center Day 3

Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins

Moogerfooger Paradise




Nightmare from Elm Street Freddy Guitar with red guitar strings

Matrixsynth on the Moog Little Phatty (Excellent sounding patch as well)


Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order) and Page Hamilton(Helmet)

Pigtronix Effects





I am still sorting through photos from NAMM but will add more words and links soon.

The Parson Red Heads at Spaceland

The onslaught of Monday residencies in January continued with a lot of difficult decisions to make. I had to opt for The Parson Red Heads. The deck was stacked high with support from Everest, the Mezzanine Owls, and Light FM.





I have a problem with Everest. They are too good. If Everest takes off, what will happen to the other stellar bands they play in? Davey Latter (Drums) is an integral part of Great Northern with his rock solid drumming. Jason Soda(Guitars) and Russ Pollard(Guitars/Vocals) help make the Watson Twins one of the more underrated bands on the Los Angeles scene. I won't even start about Rob Douglas and Joel Graves and their contributions to Earlimart. Everest is not far from The Watson Twins with their endearing alternative country roots. "The Trees" is one such polished gem in their arsenal with its propulsive guitar riff with acoustic countermelody. "Rebels In The Roses" is another quiet acoustic spun jam that places you on a back porch during a hot summer day with a large glass of lemonade. I was also envious of Jason Soda's Fulltone Tube Tape Echo and extraodinary guitar playing skills. I will catch them again with the Radar Bros. next week.







Mezzanine Owls have had my attention ever since I caught them at Little Radio during Summer Camp. Jax is lucky to be releasing their new EP which features "Snowglobe" and "Ghost Ship". Since I have seen the Mezzanine Owls five times previously, I can testify that this was their best show yet. The new songs were louder, faster and played with strong conviction. Jonathan Zeitlin (Guitars) was abusing his tremelo arm that it popped out. Jonathan was undeterred as he banged on his guitar even harder. I highly recommend you go to their myspace page and check out "Snow Globe". It has all the essential ingredients in all the right places. The song opens with a Korg MS2000 shower of sound mixed with a thumping bass line coupled with a soaring guitar line blended to perfection with Jack Burnside's vocals. I hope the world is ready for the flight of the Mezzanine Owls.






The Parson Red Heads have gained momentum since I last caught them in September of 2007. Their album "King Giraffe" finished on a number of "Best of" local releases in 2007 and landing a Spaceland residency is a good way to start your year. It was difficult to track them again with their massive stage presence but the music is still the focus point as they produce a lost chapter of Sixties inspired sunshine pop seasoned with kick of country. If you attend a Parson Red Heads show expect a lot of clapping, tambourine shaking and a good time.






Light FM came out throwing punches. "16 Below" immediately grabs your attention with its propulsive bass line and siren like guitars. Josiah Mazzaschi (Guitars/Vocals) had a perfect blend of distortion and overdrive coming out of his Gibson SG. Josiah's use of octaves and occasional use of the Wah pedal reminded me a tad bit of Ned's Atomic Dustbin. "Save The Drama" played like a cross between the Rentals and Weezer with its swirling synth action and crunchy guitars pinned with a tight song structure. "Switchboard Control" was a showcase for Kim Haden (Synths) an she dialed up some synthesizer goodness on her Korg MS2000. Light FM plays with the Pity Party on February 4th for a super stacked line up with The Happy Hollows and Rademacher at Spaceland. It looks like February residencies will be bustling.

NAMM at the Anaheim Convention Center Day 1 and 2

Richard Devine's Weapons

Richard Devine attacking Livewire modules


Warren De Martini from Ratt's new guitar








Slash

Kerry King from Slayer


Dave Mustaine from Megadeth














The Real Van Halen Bassist


NAMM pictorial coverage continues with more words to be added soon.

NAMM 2008 at the Anaheim Convention Center Day 2

Mistress Juliya






Shadows Fall














The NAMM Madness continues.

NAMM 2008 at the Anaheim Convention Center Day 1

Grandmaster Flash

Herman Li of Dragonforce






Nick Bowcutt of Grim Reaper/Guitar World







I will post more information about the products above in a few days after I plot my next few days at NAMM.

The Vandelles at the Prospector

The Prospector was transformed into a psychedelic den on Saturday night with the strong line up of The Stevenson Ranch Davidians, LSD and the Search For God and The Vandelles. The kaleidoscope of sounds were enhanced with DJ sets by Billgazer and Little Radio's own DJ Short Shorts.

The Stevenson Ranch Davidians





The Stevenson Ranch Davidians were up first and started up the time machine for transport back to the halcyon daze of the sixties. Dwayne (Vocals/Guitar) and Cary (Guitars) had Epiphone Hollowbodies splashed with delay and reverb as they dialed up hazy sounds of psychedelic rock. Jessica (Bass/Organist) had a Hammond Bass Organ at her feet that she deftly used to enhance the bass lines of their tunes. Their latest release is "Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs". If you are into psychedelic rock they fit the bill nicely. I particularly enjoy "No Tomorrow" which is on their Myspace page for your listening pleasure or stop by their website to download four songs for free.

LSD and the Search For God






LSD and the Search For God was intense before they even played a single note. The band had in excess of thirty effect pedals spread out like toys across a child's bedroom. Sophia(Vocals/Guitars) had an ethereal voice along with a cool sticker on her pedalboard that said "Digital is Crap". Andy (Guitars/Vocals) was surrounded by his semi-circle of guitar pedals. His notable pedals included a Z. Vex Seek Wah and a Moog pedal. Andy's vocals were slightly low but the music was comparable to the great wall of China. "I Don't Care" fell somewhere between Asobi Sesku and Film School with Andy and Sophia trading vocal duties as guitars soared behind them. "Backwards" was like a homage to My Bloody Valentine with its broken reverb drenched guitars and whispered vocals. I will have to check them out again to make sure they don't add any more pedals to their collection.

The Vandelles






The Vandelles reminded me of A Place To Bury Strangers with the fact that they are from Brooklyn and use a projector during their performance. In the sound department, The Vandelles come across as a surf noir noise racket. The surf notion was perpetuated by the fact that Dave Herbert (Guitars) was sporting a Dick Dale shirt. Lisha Nadkarni (Bass) was pounding on her OLP bass as the band played with "Dead Wave". Jason Schwartz (Guitars/Vocals) would occasionally go back to his Fender amp to pull some more feedback from his Univox guitar. "Swell To Heaven" could have easily fit on the Jesus & Mary Chain album "Barbed Wire Kisses" with its fuzzed out guitars and surf vibe. The projections added an trippy element to music and help transport the listener back in time. "Lovely Weather" is one of my favorite songs from their self titled EP as the song rains feedback and cuts you with its guitar lines. I mentioned the Jesus & Mary Chain because the Vandelles would later cover "Surfin' USA" just like the Reid brothers back in the day. Jason capped the night with a microphonic feedback tsunami as he put three microphones on his Fender amp. The surf is definitely up for this band.

The Happy Hollows at the Echo

Charlie circa Viper Room


The Happy Hollows impressed me with their performance at the Viper Room. I was determined to check them out again so I stopped by the Echo on Friday night. The Happy Hallows had some competition on Friday night as Club Underground was playing some stunning video footage of one of my favorite bands Lush directly above the Happy Hollows. The Happy Hollows prevailed as they played a crisp twelve song set that has me eagerly anticipating a full length release.

Sarah Negahdari (Vocals/Guitars/Socks) reminded me a bit of Juliana Hatfield as she wielded her Gibson SG like a sonic machete. One can detect elements of the Pixies and Sonic Youth but I wonder if the Blake Babies have ever been sited as an influence. My Juliana Hatfield suspicions were heightened as Sarah started singing a new song in French that reminded me of "Fleur De Lys" from Juliana Hatfield's classic album "Only Everything". Charlie Mahoney (Bass/Keyboards) walked over to his Alesis Ion Keyboard to dial up some Devo inspired keyboard patches as he ripped into "Flower Children". Both Charlie and Sarah sang on this power pop punk jam which needs to be released on their debut full length. "Meteors" was equally pleasing with it sing along chorus from their "Bunnies & Bombs" EP release. "Vietnam" is great live as it is played much faster and propelled by Chris Meanie (Drums). "Colors" snares you with its high bass notes and its jagged rhythms. "Delorean" was another new song that served as a social and political commentary with the band singing, "We all need a Delorean to take us away". The Happy Hollows will be playing with The Pity Party on February 4th at Spaceland which will be a packed house.

NAMM 2008 at the Anaheim Convention Center

The NAMM show is here. It is the one of the largest music product industry shows in the world. I am still working on three reviews but expect a massive amount of gear photos in the next few days. I did manage to pick up a press release about the Metasonix G-1000 Guitar Amp. I think my website would be revoked if I posted a picture of it or told you its real name. I therefore refer you to the link here. It was named by Mike of Livewire synthesizers. I will have to find Mike at NAMM to talk to him about it.

Foo Fighters at the Troubadour

The Foo Fighters have to be one of the top 5 rock bands in the world. I have reviewed them two times in the past when they played Dodger Stadium and the Home Depot Center. The Foos managed to drop by the Troubadour for a breakfast show with Kevin and Bean on KROQ for some questions with the fans and to play a few songs. "Skin and Bones" acoustically started off the mini set with the full band backing Dave Grohl (Guitars/Vocals). "My Hero" was next and started off acoustic then kicked into overdrive with blaring guitars and excellent fretwork by Chris Shiflett. I remember seeing Chris in No Use for A Name back in the day. Chris had his Les Paul Goldtop and Dave had his custom Trini Lopez Gibson guitar. I also looked at Chris's pedalboard which had an MXR Eddie Van Halen Flanger, MXR Eddie Van Halen Phaser, and a Line 6 Delay Pedal. Dave Grohl's pedalboard had an MXR Phaser 90 and a Boss Digital Delay. "The Pretender" and "Long Road to Ruin" were in the next batch of songs and the crowd was going crazy when they weren't taking pictures with their camera phones. "Long Road To Ruin" sounded solid with the additional cello in the background. The rock didn't stop as they also played "Times Like These" and "All My Life". It was also Dave Grohl's birthday and the surprise of the morning was Lemmy from Motorhead came out with the birthday cake. Lemmy also participated in the stellar Dave Grohl side project of Probot. I was dazzled when Dave brought out Kaki King for a mesmerizing performance of "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners". Kaki was very impressive on her acoustic guitar and I will have to review one of her shows in the future. Dave mentioned he gets anxious playing with her because she is so good. The morning was capped with "Best Of You" which had Dave screaming like he was still at Dodger Stadium. I may have to add one of their Forum shows to my burgeoning concert review schedule.

Foo Fighters Setlist at the Troubadour (1/14/08)
"Skin and Bones"
"My Hero"
"The Pretender"
"Long Road To Ruin"
"Times Like These"
"All My Life"
"Ballad Of The Beaconsfield Miners"
"Best Of You"

The Airborne Toxic Event and The Morning Benders at Spaceland

I knew it was going to be packed at Spaceland when I couldn't find a parking spot on the street and the valet parking was full. The Airborne Toxic Event secured a coveted Thursday residency and word continues to spread fast about their engaging live show. I last caught The Airborne Toxic event in November when they played at the Detroit Bar and was impressed.

The Morning Benders





The Morning Benders continue to impress me with their live performances. This was the fourth time I have caught them since originally seeing them at the Viper Room in November. Their songs continue to grow on me and I have been listening to their two EPs "Boarded Doors" and "Loose Change" quite a bit. The Morning Benders started their set with the catchy foot stomping "I Was Wrong". Joe Ferrell (Guitars) was tremelo picking so rapidly he sliced his hand and was bleeding all over his Fender Stratocaster. Joe had an Electro Harmonix Black Finger Compressor in his pedal chain along with a Boss Digital Reverb to compliment Chris Chu's (Vocals/Guitars) Fender Telecaster tones well. The Morning Benders also played "Crosseyed" which is another potential single off their upcoming release "Talking Through Tin Cans". The Morning Benders are the front runners for the most live reviewed band in 2008 as I will see them again with The Kooks at the Troubadour on February 7th and with We Barbarians at the Detroit Bar on February 25th. The Morning Benders did not play their cover of "Ceremony" but did play "A Song" which is the B-side off their 7 inch release of "Waiting For A War".

The Airborne Toxic Event





The Airborne Toxic Event shouldn't be playing Spaceland with the performance they turned in. I envision them playing the Wiltern within a year or so. The soft synth swells of "Wishing Well" echo nicely before the jangling guitars roar in with the violin riding the undercurrent of the sythns. The music soon gives way to Mikel Jollet's commanding voice. "Papillon" is fueled with stabbing guitars and the shout along chorus of "I'm such a mess!". "Gasoline" is fueled by a hypnosis inducing bass line that almost has a punk vibe to the song meshed with clean rapid fire guitars. "Does This Mean You're Moving On?" incited a dance party on stage and featured some tambourine action to coordinate all the stage invaders. Mikel must have been inspired by Joe Ferrell's earlier guitar performance and broke a few guitar strings on his Fender Jaguar and Fender Telecaster. The Airborne Toxic Event are finishing up their debut album and I imagine they won't be unsigned for long as they mysteriously list Sub Pop in their top friends.

The Deadly Syndrome and The Morning Benders at the Viper Room

I have been attending the Indie 103.1 Check One..Two Monday night shows dating back to August 2007 when I caught Gliss. The word continues to spread as the Viper room was packed. A slew of excellent Monday night residencies started this month but the place to be was the Viper room for The Deadly Syndrome, The Morning Benders and Younger Youth.

Younger Youth



Younger Youth started the evening with their brand of soaring indie rock. Younger Youth is fronted by Matthew Muller (Guitars/Vocals) who was mixing power chords and tremolo picking on his Fender Telecaster to provide a wide canvas of sound. Casey Ryder (Drums) was constructing a variety of time signatures to mix up their songs. They currently have one song on itunes called "The Only Ones" and are currently recording. Matthew announced their bassist Paul was leaving which hopefully won't derail their future plans.

The Morning Benders





The buzz on The Morning Benders continues to get louder. I was impressed when I saw them at the Viper Room and at the Silverlake Lounge. Bronson from the Los Angeles Times recently featured them on Buzz Bands. The Morning Benders have a new album coming soon entitled "Talking Through Tin Cans" that will make a lot of noise in the indie community. "I Was Wrong" is one of the new songs off the album and is an accurate snapshot of climbing reverb guitars and cymbal smashing good time that the Morning Benders extol. Chris Chu (Vocals/Guitars) was strumming so hard on his Fender Telecaster he broke a string. Chris also was using a #1 Echo pedal by Electro Harmonix with his Fender Reverb amp to get an squeaky clean guitar sound. The Morning Benders covered "Ceremony" so well that I think they capable of taking on some darker subject matters. They closed their set with the one-two punch of "Grain Of Salt" and "Damnit Anna". I will keep you informed when the album gets a release date.

The Deadly Syndrome






I was surprised that I had to go back to the April archives of 2007 to find my review of The Deadly Syndrome when they opened for the Klaxons. The Deadly Syndrome have been touring in support of their album "The Ortolan" on Dim Mak records. I was amazed how much tighter the band sounded as they played on the fringe of chaos with their fractured off kilter indie rock. Micheal Hughes (Keyboards) was dialing up weird synth patches on his microKorg and adding other tones with his Nord Electro 2. William Etling(Guitars) was rocking out like he was in a speed metal band with his Paul Reed Smith guitar with a Line 6 Delay pedal, a Boss Digital Reverb, and a Boss Blues Overdrive pedal. Christopher Richard (Bass/Vocals) had a sweet Fender Telecaster Bass reminiscent of Sting as he bounded across the stage. The Deadly Syndrome opened with "Heart" and continued to play selections off their debut album. They brought down the house with "I Hope I Become A Ghost" with its bouncy piano lines and sing along chorus. "Eucalyptus" culminated in a tribal drumming session that was a Mike Tyson knockout punch with Christopher singing "Goodbye!". I would recommend you also check out their recording from Spaceland to get the flavor of their live shows.

The Pity Party at Little Radio

New Years Eve is always filled with concert going options. I pondered Eagles of Death Metal at the Roxy but I wanted to avoid the Sunset Strip and the traffic. I didn't hear any rumblings of a Little Radio New Years Eve party and was starting to get concerned because I had such a great time in 2007. Little Radio came through with a line up of The Pity Party, Fat Lip, and Restaurant to ring in the new year.



2008 is already shaping up to be the year of The Pity Party. They earned a coveted Spaceland residency in February and have a full length album in the works. 2007 was a busy year for the Pity Party as I caught them at The Silverlake Lounge, Troubadour, Epicentre, Detroit Bar and the Viper Room. Heisenflei (Drums/Keyboards/Vocals) continues to entrance the audience with her multi tasking duties of instrumentation. M (Guitars/Vocals) has expanded sonic arsenal at his feet ready to destroy the audience without warning. The Pity Party debuted a new song "The Natural Want" which surprisingly had a hip hop flavor to it that even surprised me. Is their any genre they can't do? "Houses on The Sun" is another live favorite song of mine with its dark drunk synth bass line and slurring beats. I really hope this song makes it on their debut LP. "The War Between Eight and Four" has M digging deep for squeals from his Fender Stratocaster. "Love Lies" does well to showcase Heisenflei's vocals and is another track I hope to see in its recorded form. The Pity Party saved its ace in the hole for a new song "Yours, That Works" that pasted off kilter drumming from Heisenflei to M's dissonant guitars. It was a great way to start 2008.

M from The Pity Party Pedalboards

Happy Tweaking New Year

I hope everyone had an enjoyable New Year. I will be putting the pedals away to get back to my busy concert going schedule. Can you identify all the pedals in the picture?