Saturday, March 29, 2014

You better count your blessings


We took some shortcuts and arrived at the venue earlier than estimated, which was a really good thing because we got there just as the first band went on.  This show was the best show I've been to in a very long time.  I guess there's no denying my love for simple garage punk bands.  That's where my heart is.  All three bands were really good.  What a great lineup!  I've been stressed out and a little blue but when I was at this show, I was able to forget everything and be happy and enjoy the show.  Criminal Hygiene opened the night with a fun, loud set.  The singer rocking a cool MC5 t-shirt.  Twin Peaks were great as well, even doing a cover The Replacement's "Bastards of Young", dedicating it to anyone not going to Coachella.  Then, The Orwells.  As the band members set up their own gear, which is something I like to see, Mario's performance started even before their set began.  At this show, his pre-show antics consisted of squeezing a bottle of lotion (or was it shampoo) all over his fans.  Then, he froze and posed up close for all those fans going crazy taking pics with their phones.  But, crazy on-stage antics and cool personalities aside, what a fun show that was!  Oh, I was so overjoyed.  They did a short cover of "Build Me Up Buttercup" that totally made me lose it.  And they even did a cover of the Black Lips' "Not A Problem".  (If you've been following my blog, you know how much I like them.)  Yes, covers are familiar, unexpected, and lovely, but it's their music that made me a fan (if you've been following my tumblr, you know I'm an Orwells fan).  They opened with "Other Voices" and we all immediately jumped up and down and danced.  The crowd was great: teenagers, adults, older people, and even a blind man, all moshed and danced together happily.  It was the best night, and this is why I love punk.  I live for these moments.

MARCH 22, 2014 - TROUBADOUR, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

PHOTOS: YOUNGEST INDIE

C R I M I N A L   H Y G I E N E






 T W I N   P E A K S





THE ORWELLS





















Saturday, March 22, 2014

And it is still all the same


INVSN has been touring in support of their new album "INVSN" they released last year.  Fronted by Dennis Lyxzen, INVSN is kind of an evolution starting with The Lost Patrol Band, to Invasionen, and now INVSN.  And I really like this new "INVSN" the best.  Late last year, they toured with Minus the Bear, but mostly the East Coast.  So, they finally made their way to the West Coast with a headline tour, after several shows at SXSW last week.  I had been patiently waiting for this.  Lucky for me, they scheduled a date at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.  Random fact: the first time I saw Dennis was at the Troubadour with International Noise Conspiracy.

In the crowd, I ran into LA Band The Ceremonies.  They were most recently on tour with Glasvegas (see previous post!).  No shows scheduled in the near future as they are working on their new LP.  But it was nice to see them.  They were there to see their friends Dear Boy.  I'll be totally honest and say I wasn't really familiar with Dear Boy, although I had seen the name.  But as soon as Dear Boy hit the stage, I became an instant fan.  Really liked their music, and they had lots of fans already.  You guys have to check them out, if you don't know them already, that is.

Then, it was time for INVSN.  Dark stage lighting, black paint on faces, long wavy hair, all black everything, dreamy sounds, demanding drum beats.  I really love the album so it was great to hear it live.  And to see the band perform.  And to see Dennis doing his thing.  And then to hear Dennis speak in between songs.  It kind of took me back to Coachella 2012.  Like a deja vu.  Well, what he said before going into "Distorted Heartbeat" was something I can relate to.  It kind of made me emotional.  I can relate to this album in so many ways and maybe that's why most of these songs have become my anthems.  Anyways, I can't believe this night was already here and gone.  As soon as the show was over, fans slowly exited the venue to the perfect soundtrack of Interpol's "Next Exit."


T H E    C E R E M O N I E S

D E A R   B O Y





I N V S N











Broken dreams rarely mend 
but they turn you into somebody else

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

When the TV turns to static


Finally got around to posting pictures from the Glasvegas show.  I guess I'm always busy, but this time, I was sick with a nasty cold and I couldn't do anything.  It was all about rest and recovery.  You know the feeling, when you're all miserable lying in bed, and dreaming about how it felt to be healthy.  Good news, I'm a lot better now!  Still taking it easy but I was able to start lightly working out again.  Oh, now I remember, it was right around this show that I started to get sick.  Hope you guys are all taking good care out there.  

This was my third time seeing Glasvegas.  Twice before at Troubadour.  I love seeing them.  Although, I have to be completely honest and say I really cannot understand what they are saying in between songs (their Scottish accent/slang).  It's okay, though, I just stare at James.  He looks like Joe Strummer, no?  Glasvegas is very crush-worthy.  The band is currently on tour for their new album "Later... When the TV Turns to Static".  Their set was good, they performed a good mix of old and new.  The opening band was The Ceremonies, which I must admit I was pretty impressed.  I'm not easily impressed anymore, I've seen so many bands, but The Ceremonies gave me that feeling of excitement you get when you see a band you've never heard of before but you instantly start wondering if they'll be playing another local show any time soon.

March 4, 2014 - The Echo / Photos: Youngest Indie

The Ceremonies


 Glasvegas