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A night out in Silverlake, home of the LA indie scene, to check
out some up and coming bands in the area.
This club, which is tiny, has changed quite a bit since my
last visit, including a darker interior and more concert posters
on the wall. Most importantly, however, a new sound system,
which improved the sound ten fold, in my opinion. Of course
the word "SALVATION" is still predominantly displayed using
low-wattage light bulbs mounted on metal strips at the back
of the stage. The Silverlake Lounge is is about as laid back
as you're going to get in this scene and in this town. The crowd
was a good size and extremely respectful of the performers,
which lends itself to a pleasant environment.
Gwendolyn was performing as I arrived, and I must say I was
mildly impressed with the music. It seemed a bit pretentious
at the start but as time wore on the music grew on me. Some
unique instrumentation near the end of the set really stuck
out sonically, and i was later told what it was: glasses and
water (the Mr. Wizard remix?). The performance, while it did
not set my hair ablaze, was interesting and I will make a point
of checking them out at the next opportunity.
Silver Sun PickUps were on shortly and went through a set that
was abnormally mellow yet still managed to keep an upbeat attitude.
Imagine if The Afghan Whigs had signed to K Records initially
instead of SubPop and you wiull get a good of idea of what they
sounde like. Silver Sun Pickups have a very indie early Whigs
sound, but in a much poppier style. A couple songs even had
me bouncing (this being the highest rating for me) and indeed
the other songs kept with the mellow mood on the night and kind
of lumbered. This being my first time seeing them I was quite
impressed and look forward to seeing a whole set soon. Keep
a sharp eye out for a split 7" (with Pine Marten) on SeaLevel
records soon. Due to hand painted covers there will only be
500 copies printed.
Parlour began and ended their set with the house and stage
lights out and only the track-lighting mentioned earlier ("SALVATION")
created a nice ethereal mood. The music utilizes gradual build-ups
to create a peak that many people consider blissful. It can
be quite brilliant; but after a while it actually becomes more
ennui than anything. A couple of the numbers do present a brighter
mood, or shall I say, a poppier feel. All in all a good performance,
but if they wish to stay on their new label, Capitol, and not
become a write-off they must become more likable. I guess we'll
be waiting on the record and tour for a verdict.
A strange mix of styles at The Fold this night. By the end
of it all I was exhausted. Seeing and listening to such gradual
and beautiful music can really wear a person out with so many
highs. In all honesty, it seems like there wasn't enough lows
to really keep my attention. Dynamics is what I'm talking about
here people: the songs seem good but no variation within a set
makes me realize that something is lacking. Just shake me and
wake me up every now and then, please!
The new sound system was great. I was nice to really hear the
bands for once. All in all a nice cheap night out with some
good up and coming bands. Keep an ear out!
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