Underwater City People at Los Globos

After disappearing from the scene for over a year, Underwater City People hit the stage at Los Globos.  It felt like they had never left the scene.  The crowd packed the space.  The raise your hands was still in play.  The twists and turns of the guitar and bass were timed perfectly so that they didn't bang into each other.

All of us loved the Underwater City People and I'm sure most of us hope it doesn't take another year plus for them to put on another show.

P.S.  I know I love a set when I realize that I have a huge smile.  I realized quickly enough that I had a huge smile.  

Raw Geronimo at Casey's

It was off to Casey's to catch Raw Geronimo. First off, it was a pain in the butt trying to find free parking in downtown Los Angeles.  I know, I should just pay for parking, but I have this thing about getting free parking.  And as for driving, as I was heading down Hill Street, some jerk driver kept hitting his horn.  When the light turned green, I watched the car driving pass and the driver and passenger were laughing their heads off.

I got to Casey's in time to catch Raw Geronimo even though I kept driving in circles.  Lauren Fay was not with the band on this night.  It didn't matter.  Both Lauren and Laena Geronimo are two of my favorite musicians to photograph and so I was plenty busy taking photos of Laena.

Okay okay, the music.  I'm not going to say Lauren wasn't missed, but I still loved the avant pop sound ex-her presence.

Noticed at Casey's:  a former member of Black Flamingo.

Warships at The Satellite

Warships

Charming Liars at Club Moscow

What is it about British bands coming to Los Angeles? It is similar to Portland bands coming to Los Angeles. They always seem to be solid bands. Charming Liars hit the stage at Club Moscow and immediately caught my attention with their energetic rock sound.

Noticed:  Lead singer of TM87 was in the audience -- a band I caught at a music festival in Chinatown and was amused by their bickering regarding a water bottle.

The Prolific at Club Moscow

The Prolific continued a good night of music at Club Moscow.  What was cool about seeing The Prolific was that I finally got to catch Matt Fuller's new band -- previously of The Mulhollands.

New Born Authority at Club Moscow

It was a solid night of music at Club Moscow. New Born Authority took the stage first.  When they began playing, I couldn't help but think:  this band would be perfect for the Blue Star.  Too bad -- unless I'm misinformed -- that venue isn't around anymore.

Gavin Turek at Bootleg Theater

Gavin Turek is the residency singer at Bootleg this month of April.  Every once in awhile I come across a band or a musician where time seems to fly past.  This was the case with Gavin Turek.  I was totally lost in the moment when she announced that it was her last song.  Now on the rare occasion there are bands or singers who will only do a 20 minute set. I figured she was in that category.  I looked down at my watch and was shocked that 30 minutes had passed.

Her electro music will have you dancing.  And she herself dances her mind off during the set.

Interesting note:  for one of the bands the whole audience seemed to be squeezed into one of the corners of the Bootleg.  I found it amusing, perhaps no one else will find that so.

Western Scene at Bootleg

Western Scene hit the stage between residency singer Gavin Turek and Hustle Roses.  An interesting placement as both Gavin Turek and Hustle Roses have a dance sound while Western Scene is more pop-ish.  The change-up in genre was good, because their sound is awesome.

It should be noted that the Salvation sign has been transferred from Silverlake Lounge to Bootleg.

Hustle Roses at The Bootleg

Hustle Roses (Ollie Stone) has a bubbly personality.  She shines with a smile.    

Birds of a Black Feather at Harvard and Stone

It was off to see Birds of a Black Feather at Harvard and Stone.  I only got to catch part of The Ross Sea Party. I showed up on time, but was stuck outside due to the bar being at capacity.  For the part of Ross Sea Party that I did catch, it surely sounded like they've taken it up a notch since I last saw them at Silverlake Lounge.  And for Birds of a Black Feather, the pulsing beats of southern rock merged with the beautiful harmonies of the two female lead singers results in some beautiful music.


Birds of a Black Feather



The Ross Sea Party

Harper Simon at The Satellite

Harper Simon's final night at The Satellite brought some excitement.  First off, Harper Simon came by before his set and said hello to this photographer.  I'll have to send over some photos.  Second off, just as his set was starting off, he broke a string on his guitar.  Hey, I say that's rocking it.

A couple guests came up for a couple songs.  Z Berg from JJAMZ hit the stage followed by . . . Dan Aykroyd.  From what I've read on blogs, Aykroyd performed "Rubber Biscuit."

Prior to the start of his set, Mandy Kahn had a poetry reading with the backing of the Angeles Ladies' Choir.  And there was also a comedian -- forgive me, but I missed her name.

Was it a great way to end a residency?  You bet.

Killsonic at The Satellite

A friend told me about Killsonic awhile back. It took me awhile, but I finally was able to catch one of their sets. They have an awesome dissonant sound created by drums and horns.

Don Juan Y Los Blancos at The Satellite

I saw Don Juan Y Los Blancos over two years ago. The Mo-odds were doing a secret show in the middle of nowhere Los Angeles.  It was good to catch up with this band.

Comment of the set:  I have to work tomorrow morning.  I'm a capitalist.