a u t o p i a

Army Navy: Live at Spaceland, 4/24/06.

Army Navy were excellent last night as they blasted the crowd with songs from their self-titled EP. The Spaceland residents hit the stage and played flawless driving pop with plenty of distorted guitars. The nasally vocals of Justin Kennedy call to mind a weird combination of Butterglory crashing into the noise-pop of Henry's Dress. With continuous solid performances, and having played shows several well-known touring acts (Arctic Monkeys, Wolfmother, Cut Copy...), Army Navy are well on their way to earning a record deal so they can get on with releasing all the other great tunes I didn't recognize. The band had their residency extended one more Monday night on May 1st at Spaceland.

The Little Ones: Live at El Cid, 4/18/06.

El Cid reminds me of Rosarito, Mexico as you walk down the old, uneven brick stairs through the foliage. It's almost completely surrounded by palm trees which gives it a nice tropical vibe. This turned out to be the perfect scene for The Little Ones whose debut EP release Sing Song has a sunny, relaxed, pop feel that shines through in every song.

It's hard to believe that tonight was their third performance ever. You would've thought they'd been playing together for years or just come off of a tour because the set was so tight and natural. Bands like The Little Ones, that actually appear to be having fun on stage, always become more likable and mesmerizing as the set moves forward. They played the entire EP with a few extra tunes. Highlights include the hits 'Lovers Who Uncover', 'Cha Cha Cha', and 'High on a Hill'. The Little Ones are one of the great original pop bands in L.A. right now. They channel the best moments of Built to Spill and The Shins while making it seem flawless, original, and more modern than most bands you'll encounter these days.

New York Dolls: Live at Spaceland. 4/3/06.

First impression: David Johansson is a walking, talking version of dried-up beef jerky. The band sounds exactly like you'd expect; loud, brash, and straightforward. One of their guitar players looked like Nikki Sixx, or any guy that stumbles out of the Rainbow on Sunset. There were no surprises or secret appearances by Morrissey. They milled through the hits, did two encores, and played some "new stuff" off of their upcoming album. I didn't know they had new material, do they need it? Apparently they are releasing a new album soon.

The crowd was small in the beginning and grew to a humidifying, capacity-size cliche of old rockers and poseur West Hollywood types (skanks & dirtballs) with poorly constructed mohawks and ripped jeans. I get it people, you're poor and miserable, but somehow you manage to afford an apartment on the west side. The New York Dolls were upbeat and positive though. I don't think half of the crowd appreciated their sense of cheer and honesty. It was a decent gig and David Johansson is a super nice guy off stage.

I originally tried not to go to this gig because I envisioned a huge, crowded mess of people in black leather jackets. Didn't even attempt to take photos, which was a good call due to the size of the crowd. But they were selling tickets at the door minutes before they hit the stage, I couldn't even get rid of my extra ticket. Anyone could have shown up before 8:45 to see the show. And the band that played after them were outstanding. They are called The Hard Lessons from Detroit. Ironically, they sound like The White Stripes with a fuller sound. The Hard Lesons were better and more intense than the New York Dolls. Too tired to stay for the residency band Army Navy. Maybe next week.

Irving, Great Northern, Lavender Diamond & Army Navy: Live at King King, 3/29/06.

It's a rare feat when a bill of four bands are all at the top of their game, Wednesday night was just that. Lavender Diamond kick out the slow jams with their vulnerable and mesmerizing songs. Singer Becky Stark and with incredible pipes remind me of Peter, Paul & Mary or the unparalleled delivery of Cass Elliot. Becky is a true talent which makes Lavender Diamond stick out like a sore thumb. They rock you in the softest way still leaving your wanting more.

Great Northern finally have a CD to purchase for only $3, six songs for only three dolars? This band comes off sounding like That Dog and Earlimart in a boxing ring. Only the vocal harmonies of Ariana, Rachel, and Solon are much more precise and at the forefront of every song. Great Northern had a very diverse set of slower ELO-inspired ballads ('The Middle') and faster, melodic rockers ('Into the Sun') all of which balance out their latest EP entitled Bats. Incredible.

Irving take the stage and blast into some hits from their latest album Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers. This band never sounded so good. 'Situation' and 'I Want To Love You In My Room' sounding amazing with their perfect mix of vocal harmonies coming from the entire band, jangly guitars, and Alex Church's thumping bass, Irving blew the crowd away and even managed to get an encore in. We've just finished the third quarter of the night, if only the Lakers were this consistent.

At this time of the night I should leave and savor what has already been a fantastic example of why L.A. has the best bands in the country. But I'm curious to see Army Navy, they are next month's Spaceland residents after all. Unfortunately for the band 90% of the crowd has left. What matters is that Army Navy turn out to be just as strong and intense as every performance that happened here in the past three hours. Vocally they remind me of Butterglory or the nasally vocal tone of Robert Schneider (Apples in Stereo). Musically they are quick, catchy, and noisy like the spectacular Franz Ferdinand, I'm dead serious. It's a weird combination of noise and pop that I couldn't pull away from. Army Navy are the real deal.

-all photos by Scott McDonald

Division Day & The Movies: Live at The Echo, 3/27/06.

If you bring up the topic of The Movies to any music aficionado in L.A. you'll get responses like,"They're amazing", "Best live band in the city", or "I want to have Timothy James' first child". So it seems odd that with all the recent band signings going on The Movies were completely left out. They have become the band you love to love. An astounding group of musicians whose stage presence, plus the entertainment value of T. James, is impossible to capture, you just have to be there. The Movies were, and always are, amazing to watch live. They put the rock in the slingshot then proceeded to open up the last residency night for Division Day.

If tonight's theme was originality then it seems fitting that it was Division Day's last residency gig. After repeated listens to The Mean Way In a while back it became clear that they were one of the few bands in L.A. that were impossible to categorize. They've always sounded like a slew of indie references without actually giving nods to anyone in particular, and that's what I love about them. The crew just released their first album called Beartrap Island, which you can order here. And what could be more sincere than to offer orange wedges and cupcakes to their fans, take that Deerhoof! It's an indication that they truly care about what they're doing as well as the crowd they aim to rock.

-All photos by Scott McDonald

Languis: Live at Spaceland, 3/26/06.

If there's any particular L.A. band that manages to channel the shoegaze dreaminess of the late-eighties into a more modern pop sound it's Languis. It becomes even more obvious in a live setting that the band have transformed themselves from a Seefeel-like ambient project into a full-fledged pop band utilizing the magnificent sounds and influence of early Ride and Echo & The Bunnymen. This is mainly due to the addition of two new members in that past year or so, John Girgus (Aberdeen) and Stephen Swesey (Tristeza). This new combination has breathed new life into the band and created more room for their musicianship, colorful guitar playing, and voices to take center stage. Tonight's record release celebration of Other Desert Cities (PEHR) captures Languis at their finest and most vulnerable stage. It was truly amazing and reaffirming to see and hear these new songs performed in a backdrop of deep reds and blues. The band heads off on tour this month throughout the US and finish their trek back home in L.A. at The Hotel Cafe, April 22nd.

-Photo by Scott McDonald

Band of Horses & Earlimart: Live at King King, 3/22/06.

Coming off one of greatest album releases all year is Band of Horses. There was, as expected, a big crowd with a mega-line outside for those without tickets. The good news is that everyone got in. So how were Band of Horses? Ok I guess. They sounded good, but not great. This was partially due to a sparse and separated sound coming from the main board. King King isn't known for it's great P.A. system or overall warmth like Spaceland or The Troubadour. The band also lacked the dreamy/saturated guitar sound that is so apparent and fullfilling on the album, they could've used another guitarist up there to beef up their mix. And without that warmth they came off as your typical indie rock band. "The Funeral" and "The First Song" sounded the best and most similar to the feeling created on Everything all the Time. I'd like to hear them in a better venue next time.

Earlimart stole the show tonight. They rocked hard with their new material sounding very tight and intense. Newish drummer Russell Pollard played as if he'd been a veteran of the band for years hitting the skins perfectly. The entire set was a friggin' highlight with every song sounding great. "We Drink on the Job" still sounds as timeless and fun as it did in 2002, awesome.

What's the new material like? Very strong. It reminded me more of the Beatles and a bit noisier than their last album Trebele and Tremble. The overall mix was richer and more balanced compared to Band of Horses. Maybe tonight's sound issues were just a matter of experience instead of mixing board problems? Anyway, I can't wait for the new Earlimart album.

-photos by Scott McDonald

Dappled Cities Fly: Live at Spaceland, 3/9/06.

The Aussies have been slowly invading our shores for the past couple of years. Their government has placed thousands of dollars into the marketing and publicity of many bands looking for worldwide media attention while promoting Australian music as a legitimate player in the music industry, I hear Canada does this also. Even though they can sometimes sound blatantly like their peers (Wolfmother, Morning After Girls, Cut Copy) many of these bands are super-good. Thanks to the advice of a friend I went to Spaceland to catch the most original Australian indie band I've ever encountered, well except for INXS. But that was years ago man!

Dappled Cities Fly sound varied and refreshing from one song to the next and are completely in their own world when it comes to playing live. The bands that came to mind at random points during their set were Broken Social Scene, The Jam and British Sea Power. What's best about Dappled Cities Fly is that their sound is so clean and pop but still retains that urgency that bands like Tapes 'N Tapes, The Little Ones, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah manage to channel into your heart. They're lovable, humble, and fun to watch.

At this point in music I'm happy to speculate that the days of re-hashed, new-wave, garage bands are over. So many of those bands sound like a particular "scene" or a big fat power-chord strumming along without a hook in sight. The most interesting and catchy bands I've been hooked on lately are more reminiscent of The Shins than anyone else.

Richard Swift: Live at Spaceland , 2/28/06.

Can't say that I ever witnessed people clapping so hard, singing along with the band, and demanding an encore at Spaceland ever before. This was a version of L.A. that I haven't seen in years, people were actually enjoying themselves. Unfortunately after Mr. Swift left the stage the place emptied out which left resident band Becky performing for empty glasses and random people walking to and from the restroom. Within a few minutes it looked as if there had been a fire drill. Richard Swift and the Sons of National Freedom are a talented bunch of dudes. They're a classic sounding band with rich vocals, vaudville style pianos, and some of the best bass playing I've ever seen, kind of an Elton John feel without the drama. The word on the street is that Richard Swift is moving to Seattle for reasons unknown, maybe he's tired of L.A. like most musicians? Whatever the reason I'm sure glad I got to see him in such a rare L.A. moment.

Film School, SOUNDteam, and Loma Lynda: Live at Cinespace, 1/24/06

Soooooo...do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? Let's start with the good news!

Wow. SOUNDteam are very good. I mean real good. I expected a tight band and all after spinning their WORK EP dozens of times a week. They reminded me of The Walkmen but with more space and layers. Their live performance is arresting and intense, not too different from experiencing a band like The Arcade Fire. I was blown away at how good they were. And their "new" songs, which I'm assuming will comprise most of their forthcoming album, are convincing and better than the EP. I can't wait to go again tonight.

Film School haven't lost their touch one bit since I've seen them. They were louder and tighter than ever. 2005 was a big touring year for them, and with only a few EPs under their belt, they already sounded like seasoned veterans. The touring obviously has paid off over the years and sticking-to-their-guns earned them a deal with Beggars Banquet. Their live show is solid! Buy the album, they have vinyl at their shows.

Out of the three bands that played tonight there was one dud, Loma Lynda. Still trying to figure out the "symbolic relationship" between their typical stock of alternative rock music and generic movie projections? Me too. But they sure had plenty of clips of the singer actually in the movie! So maybe that's the "relationship"? Loma Lynda were the openers and came off as more of a brand than a band. The singer had some singing issues and their was zero atmosphere or texture as their stage set/look/movie might have suggested. They also have this interesting slogan "destroy rock music". Why? You're making rock music!

Kudos to the band for being good musicians and well-rehearsed. The whole media-meets-live performance effect just isn't there. Background movies/images are supposed to be as mesmerizing as your sound, like it's a member of the band. I think if Loma Lynda had more of their own sound dialed in their set would be much more intriguing.