A Movie Review: 10 Cloverfield Lane

10 Cloverfield Lane. The movie opens with Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) dealing with a breakup. She gets into her car and drives into the night. In a sudden moment, a truck crashes into her. She wakes up in a small cement room that is part of a bunker, handcuffed and an intravenous tube attached to her arm. She's being held captive or is she? Eventually, the door opens and Howard (John Goodman) walks in. He doesn't initially give her a feel-good sense. She soon is introduced to another individual, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.). Emmett tells Michelle that he fought his way into the bunker. What is going on? Howard and Emmett are convinced that America has been attacked via chemical warfare.

After Michelle is confronted with compelling proof that there is something seriously wrong in the outside world, the three of them settle into a semi-comfortable situation. Yet, signs start to pop up that indicate that Howard is not mentally stable. Michelle and Emmett initiate an attempt to gain greater freedom.

This movie reminds one of Room. I have to say that I enjoyed 10 Cloverfield Lane much better. Maybe it has to do with the Sci Fi elements of this movie. Room was about trying to escape a terrible situation. 10 Cloverfield Lane deals with taking a leap of faith, depending on gut feelings. In Cloverfield, it is obvious that something has happened. Yet, there are clues that Michelle and Emmett are being protected by a psychopath. What does one do? Which risk is worse: staying with a madman or potentially facing the aftermath of a chemical attack? The tensions just grow.

My one issue: I think there are two major flaws towards the end of the movie. One has to do with Michelle and her clothing. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but it just seemed off considering what we learned about the outside world. The second has to do with why certain parts of the bunker that broke weren't fixed. The answer to that one is obvious when it comes to the story line, but still.

Jett-K, The Alexander Noice Sextet and Max Ox at the Bootleg Theater

Jett-K

It was off to the Bootleg Theater to catch the residency band Fell Runner, but things didn't work out as planned. Some unanticipated foot poisoning led to their need to cancel for the night. That didn't mean that all was lost. In fact, it was a great night of music. I ran into three new bands/musicians that were just great.

The night started out with the simple tones of a guzheng (a Chinese string instrument) via Jett-K. This was my first time ever having seen Jett-K (who now is heading off to Berlin for awhile), but I did catch her backing up Queen Kwong.

Then the night moved on to some great jazz via the one-two punch of The Alexander Noice Sextet and Max Ox. I'm not positive if using jazz is the right genre to apply to The Alexander Noice Sextet. Part of me just wants to say that they're trance as they'll put you into an awesome trance with those haunting high pitch vocals. What did I notice: on the last song, the bassist was off just a bit so Alexander turned to him and shook his head. Alexander then made sure that the bassist understood the proper beat. When the bassist got it, Alexander nodded approval.

Max Ox just broke out the pure jazz. During one stretch, a handful of friends/fans started yelling out "Pizza." Either an inside joke or a well known joke that I just wasn't getting. The chanting of "Pizza" did fit in just perfectly with the beats.


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LP with Chelsea Lankes and Josiah at The Echo

LP

My March residency started out at The Echo. Obviously, driven by LP's residency, but it didn't hurt that Chelsea Lankes was on the bill. It so happened that she was the first one up on stage, which surprised me. I thought for sure she'd be on at 10 p.m. When I first saw her at The Bootleg, she was also first on stage.

Up next came Josiah with Tennessee brilliance. He openly admitted that some of his songs were about pass girlfriends and that one song led to a breakup with his then girlfriend. Hmm, the Taylor Swift of the Los Angeles music scene?

LP was the draw of the night. One person next to me told me that he hadn't been out to see a band in a year. He loved LP and when he heard she was doing the free residency at The Echo he knew he was coming out. Well, it did sound like he had a great time along with everyone else.

Had a brief discussion with a photography for LA Record. It is always nice to talk to fellow photographers.

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BERU, Sextile and Ghost Noise at The Smell

Sextile

My occasional trip to The Smell happened on a recent Saturday night. It was amazingly fun. BERU opened the night with a theatrical set. The lead singer started the set wearing a horror-like face mask. Two of the band members wore some light up shoes. To close the set, two friends of the bands came out wearing masks and tossing flower petals into the crowd.

Sextile has to be considered the band of the night. This band reminds me of a cool mix of local bands Eastern Conference Champions (unfortunately no longer around) and Feels along with midwestern band Prizzy Prizzy Please. My random impression: I think the drummer basically runs this band. She seemed to be telling her band mates what to do.

Ghost Noise uses the keyboards to wow the crowd. The main keyboardist goes with his emotions. His hands spoke the language of their music. Each band member had a bouquet of artificial flowers on their mic stands. I think the guitarist was the least concerned about the bouquet. The bouquet kept falling off the mic stand and she'd just ignore the flowers on the floor. One of her band mates would then pick up the flowers and put it back in place.


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Blondfire with Bloke and Bird at Harvard and Stone

Blondfire

I was trying to figure out what I was going to do on a Wednesday night as I didn't feel like staying home. I looked around and noticed that Blondfire was playing a free show at Harvard and Stone. The last time I saw Blondfire was in 2012. The last time I went to Harvard and Stone was probably 2014 or early 2015. I decided to head on out.

First up; however, Bloke and Bird. This band comes in from Sweden. The two members of the band, Jennifer Akerman and Lorenzo Jansson Kilman, were doing a simple acoustic set so it is difficult to say what their sound is when they have a backup band. Anyways, while they were on stage, I have to say that I noticed a lot of very attractive people in the audience. Well, I'd learned later that I was within inches of Jennifer's sister who just happens to be Malin Akerman. Yes, she is in Watchmen, but I've also been catching Billions on Showtime.

Blondfire hit the stage next. Lead singer Erica Driscoll was dressed in '80s retro-chic. I loved the rectangular skinny tie. Their music has an innocence to it. I absolutely love their closing song "Where the Kids Are." Admittedly, I haven't seen this band since 2012 so most of their songs are new to me; however, their set was largely dedicated to their upcoming album release. Solid stuff.


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The Controversy and Pom Poms at The Satellite: Night 2

The Controversy

Lucky for me, February had 5 Mondays. That seems a little strange for such a short month, but it was so. I got to do my normal Monday night residency venue cycle and then add in a repeat venue. My repeat venue was The Satellite where I got to see The Controversy and Pom Poms for a second time.

I arrived at around 9:45 p.m. and ran into a couple friends who were there to see The Controversy, as well.

Pom Poms hit the stage with fans crowding the stage. To me, there were much more folks at The Satellite this Monday night versus my earlier February night. It appears like music fans started to hear about this night of music and began to show up. On stage with the Pom Poms was a dinosaur. It was actually a pinata. At the end of their set, they beat it up and out poured candy.

What I noticed: a Satellite waitress took a look at the candy that was on the floor. I could tell she wanted some, but then she walked away. She came by again. I could see her eyes. She wanted some candy. Finally, on her third pass, she knelt down and grabbed some candy.

The Controversy came up next. Lead singer Laura was dressed in leather. She also ditched her shoes and went bare footed on stage. It is so fun photographing The Controversy, but it was a tough night for me. Red lights flooded downwards. And then the floor lights that The Controversy used were hitting my camera straight on. No matter. The night isn't only about me taking cool photos, it is also about listening to some great music.

What I noticed: One The Controversy fan was head banging the whole set.


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Bright Missiles and Deep Breaths at Silverlake Lounge

Bright Missiles

I spent a nice time at Silverlake Lounge to catch Deep Breaths and Bright Missiles.

Deep Breaths is the name for a singer songwriter. I couldn't help but think Irish folk music as I listened to his beautiful set. He used two different guitars during his set and he made both of them sing.

Bright Missiles is a three piece band that reminds me of soaring eagles. Noticed: their drummer can explode at a moments noticed.

I'm happy I showed up on this night. I walked out with a pleasant skip to my step due to Deep Breaths and Bright Missiles.


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Lena Fayre with Yassou and Me Yow at the Bootleg Theater

Lena Fayre

It was off to the Bootleg Theater to catch Lena Fayre along with Yassou and Me Yow.

Does Me Yow even have a Facebook page? I couldn't find one. What did I notice? Four young guys who were well supported by (I'm assuming) family members. As they took to the stage, a group of five individuals from young to old walked into the Theater, dressed to the 9s in tuxedos and formal dresses. I couldn't help but think that the family members had just left a classical concert to catch their relatives play a rock show.

Yassou came in from San Francisco. I didn't know that until I went to their Facebook page. When they went on stage they mentioned, "There are some really good pupusas in this area." I couldn't figure out why they'd mention that as those are widely available throughout Los Angeles. Then I learned they came in from San Francisco; but then, doesn't San Francisco have great restaurants? Having hung out in SF for 4 months a couple years ago, I can say they have some great restaurants. Oh well. Yassou's music has a dark glory to it, a pressing moodiness.

Lena Fayre is the residency artist for February. Her friends came in with chocolate covered strawberries. Thumbs up. I had one. Very tasty. What did I notice? Both Lena Fayre and Lilie Bytheway Hoy (Yassou) both wore white outfits. I wonder if that was pre-planned? Probably not. Both looked stylish. Lena Fayre took the stage with earnest sounds that provided a unique blend of Asian, soul and experimental.


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Colleen Green, Adult Books and Psychomagic at The Echo

Colleen Green

I went to The Echo to catch Colleen Green. She went with a karaoke set. I will admit I wished she'd gone with an original music set as this was only my second time seeing her, but it was all good. She had some friends on stage with her and they were all having a fun time singing some recent hits and then backtracking to the 80s.

Also playing were Psychomagic and Adult Books. Psychomagic sounds like one would expect based on their band name. They're from Portland. Portland equals great music in my book and they didn't disappoint. Adult Books is the residency at The Echo. They hit the stage a few minutes early, speeding through their set in quick order.


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Badlands, Pinned in Place and RVIVR at Pehrspace

RVIVR

It is always fun hanging out at Pehrspace, especially when you run into a follow photographer and get to spend a few minutes after the show talking shop. I learned my fellow photographer had taken some time off to study video. Now that's interesting.

The night's bill was filled by Razorcake and LA Zine: Badlands, Pinned In Place and RVIVR. RVIVR had a large fan base. One such fan asked if I was there media purposes. Unfortunately, not. Sometimes I shoot for Culture Collide. Other times I just do photography for fun. She asked if I was into sonic punk. Well, I really didn't know, but I suppose I am now as RVIVR knocked it out of the park.


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The Controversy and Pom Poms at The Satellite

The Controversy

It was off to The Satellite to see The Controversy in their shared residency with Pom Poms.

Pom Poms hit the stage first with their Johnny Cash inspired music. Their lead singer plays it smooth throughout.

The Controversy went with a ragged dress code while setting up their gear. They then left the stage and returned in a stylist dress and fluffy miniskirt. Ha ha. With that they went into their electronic beats and light shows to give a thrilling 30 minute set.

Though I didn't grab one, there were cupcakes in the back.




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Silver Snakes and Wovoka at Silverlake Lounge

Silver Snake

Silverlake Lounge had a solid crowd to catch Silver Snakes. With a charismatic lead singer, the band drew their fans up close and personal. Opening for them was Wovoka with speed metal sounds that pulsated the body.


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Kitten with Olivver the Kid and Hunny at The Fonda Theatre

I got to team up with Culture Collide to catch Kitten at The Fonda Theatre.

Kitten took to The Fonda Theatre stage on a late January night with dance sounds that make one think back to a re-imaged 80s. Those dance sounds embrace lyrics that explore the search for love, be it what lead singer Chloe Chaidez desires or what she wonders is desired of her. “Let’s get loud again,” she told her fans after a mid-concert acoustic song break. She could also have said, “Let’s re-energize again.” She did more than just energize her fans by dancing to the beat of her band – the hair, that hair flings so vividly. She crowd surfed a couple times and then to end her set she invited fans to join her on stage, which a couple dozen did before security held back more from joining the fun. Her crowd interactions made the concert feel intimate, like hanging out at local Los Angeles venues like The Satellite or The Smell (yeah, I read a little on Chloe Chaidez and learned she used to hang out at The Smell).

Opening up for Kitten were Olivver the Kid and Hunny. They had their own solid fan bases for the night. I noticed a handful of folks with Olivver the Kid’s symbol “ØV” inked onto their hands. Hunny gave the audience a warm-up with the dance grooves.

For more photos from the night, click on this Culture Collide link.