Words and photos by Isabelle Jonsson
Halloween came early for Los Angeles. The Growlers transformed the historic Hollywood Palladium into a night of horror as they sold out the last show of their Beach Goth tour in the U.S. After the alluring Kirin J Callinan opened up the evening, as well as a thrilling performance by Michael Jackson, the band was welcomed onstage by Madame Elvira where they played a two hour set in wicked costumes and makeup.
Words and photos by Isabelle Jonsson
Hailing from London, Shame’s post-punk spirit and frenetic performance left me and my concert buddy in a daze, as it was nothing like our expectations from having heard just one of their songs. Their authentic London flair, pure enthusiasm and the charming demeanor of lead singer Charlie Steen as he talks with the crowd can persuade any audience into really embracing their music.
Shame will always be adored in the local music scene and welcomed in Los Angeles. Their shows are a wild ride and you won’t want to miss them the next time they’re in the U.S.!
Listen to Shame here!
Words and photos by Isabelle Jonsson
Opening up for Shame at the Teragram Ballroom last Monday, the duo (Melissa Scaduto and Brady Keehn) struck the audience with their raw energy and enthusiasm for their art. Brady’s lively movements along with a perfect mixture of 80s synthwave and 70s punk, or “primitive post punk from outer space” as they call it on their facebook page, make you want to dance around to their unique sound.
Following the release of their new EP entitled “3” last month they went on a European tour, but are now back in the U.S. I encourage everyone to see this band, not only because they are one of my absolute favorites, but because they really are one of a kind that you do not want to miss!
Listen to Sextile!
Upcoming shows:
November 16th – The Pico Union Project – Los Angeles
December 7th – Whistle Stop – San Diego
Words by Melody J. Myers
Birdie Monds – Watson who preforms as SOAK is back with her newest single “Everybody Loves You”. The last time we heard from the Irish singer-songwriter was when she was just 17 years old and released her debut album, Before We Forgot How To Dream. SOAK is now back at 22 years old with “Everybody Loves You” a track with honest lyrics, and beautiful vocals SOAK sings about the feelings we are in denial about within ourselves, how contradicting we can be with ourselves, and rejection. With honest and a feeling of being in denial lyric such as “Everybody wants you / Not me today, cause I’m done” and ending with how we really feel “Everybody loves you / And I do too”. Give a listen to the new single here.
Photos by Kayla Fernandez
Los Angeles based folk-rock artist, Phoebe Bridgers had a whimsical set opening up for The National. Bridgers wowed the crowd with her flawless falsettos and dreamy presence. Her relatable lyrics and her light funny banter between songs will swoon you. As she is wrapping up a tour with The National, the talented songstress will be hitting the road again within the next few months. Check out her tour dates here, she is an musician you do not want to miss.
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Photos by Kayla Fernandez
Critically acclaimed band, Phoenix closed out a five night residency at The Fonda Theater. The French foursome are experts at creating a memorable show. But even more than the music, Phoenix’s visual presentation left a mark. To put it into one sentence, it was like a European summer daydream. Frontman Thomas Mars, swooned the audience by singing ‘Rome’ on top of the barrier looking down upon lucky fans. It was an energetic show all throughout the night. Don’t skip out on Phoenix, you will definitely regret it.
By Sara Valenzuela
Rolling into town with a new album (Liquor) in the bag, Lydia gave the capitol a visit. The Arizona-based indie group delighted DC with their new ‘cinematic’ sound. Leighton Antelman (lead) was all smiles on this hot and humid night, showing off Lydia’s new spark. The group continues charming its crowds with every show, DC was no different. It’s always a good time with Lydia!
Don’t be shy and give it a try! Liquor gives fans a refreshing new taste on what Lydia has to offer. Listen here:
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Words by Jenna Ethridge
Following the release of his latest album, God’s Favorite Customer, Father John Misty officially commenced his current tour at the Hollywood Bowl this past Sunday. Father John Misty, also known as Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, Josh Tillman, was accompanied by Big Thief and Gillian Welch: an artist that Tillman has personally wished to share a marquee with since his alias was “a lot less stupid.”
As the audience was subjected to an apocalyptic visual of the Hollywood Hills engulfed in flames, provided by the Pure Comedy short film released earlier last year, Tillman entered the stage adorned in all white and debuting his newest look- consisting of short hair and a trimmed beard- in stark comparison to his typical image. “Funtimes in Babylon” served as an appropriate opener to his set, as Tillman warned the audience of his arrival and presence in the venue’s location of Hollywood, which was extremely fitting considering his recent cameo in Hotel Artemis for which he also released the song “Gilded Cage”, independent from his album released the same week. Songs such as “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” and “Only Son of the Ladiesman” also paid homage to his residency in Los Angeles, as Tillman sang about the Sunset Strip and of being a Dodgers fan, likely helping him win over those in the audience priorly unfamiliar with his material. Though promoting God’s Favorite Customer, the setlist included a variety of songs from all four studio albums that seemed to flow together effortlessly, providing the audience with a fair representation of Tillman and his musical thematics.
Though the majority of the show lacked his usual on-stage banter and improvised commentary, Tillman still managed to make the audience laugh after shocking them with lyrics as presented in “Pure Comedy”, acknowledging its probable impression and reassuring that “it gets worse.” Evident by his performances of “Mr. Tillman” and “Date Night”, songs from God’s Favorite Customer translated extremely well live, as Tillman sauvely paraded around the stage with a sense of confidence and enjoyment similar to “The Ideal Husband”. With help from his orchestrative ensemble, Tillman was also successful in transforming his slower songs into even more brooding ballads, as he took to the piano for an intimate performance of “Just Dumb Enough to Try”. While the deprecating motif of God’s Favorite Customer is already perceptible through the studio recordings, Tillman’s vulnerability manifested even greater live, as animated images of flowers bloomed behind him during “Please Don’t Die”- symbols of fertility and revival that were reminiscent of those portrayed in the music video released earlier this month through Sub Pop and Bella Union. The stage’s dramatic lighting also contributed to the intensity of songs such as “Things It Would’ve Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution”, as bright beams danced sporadically around the stage and the song progressed into its chorus.
For an artist with such a theatrical stage presence, the Hollywood Bowl was an ideal homecoming for Tillman’s extravagant demeanor and awe-inspiring music. Look out Hollywood, here Father John Misty comes.
Words and photos by Jessica Gurewitz
“We’re the Beths.. B E T H S. sorry there’s so many consonants.” Vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Stokes of the New Zealand band spoke candidly to the packed room, and although she noted that she was nervous to be playing in New York, there was no way to tell once they started playing. Elizabeth and Jonathan Pearce (guitar/vocals), were joined by Katie (drums) and Chris (bass) on Monday night in Brooklyn. The energetic set included tracks from the band’s EP, Warm Blood, and they also played the title track of their upcoming album, Future Me Hates Me (Carpark Records). The Beths are just kicking off their U.S. tour, and are definitely ones to watch!
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Words and Photos by Jessica Gurewitz
Post Animal played a sold out show at Rough Trade in Brooklyn on Wednesday. The Chicago based band kicked off their North American tour in April in support of their new record, When I Think Of You In A Castle.
Post Animal’s live sound is somehow even more immersive than on the record, but maybe that is because the boys bring such great, infectious energy to the stage. Opening with “Gelatin Mode,” they launched into an incredible set, full of material off of the new record. As the gig went on, the crowd grew rowdier and rowdier, with the boys eliciting one of the most excited and fun New York crowds that I’ve been a part of. Post Animal stayed smiling and hydrated (pictured) through their killer set, and blew everyone away again, playing a few more songs, including an insane performance of “Goggles,” in a highly requested encore.
When I Think Of You In A Castle is out now on Polyvinyl records. The boys are touring for the rest of June, and play at Lollapalooza in August. Tickets are still available, don’t miss this band!
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