Friday, 24 October 2008 03:56 Written by Giulian Jones

The Kooks return to take over Hollywood once again as they play the newly re-opened Hollywood Palladium on the 28th, much to the delight of teenage girls and their unknowing boyfriends all across the south-land. Billed as an independent/reggae band, The Kooks infuse power pop cords with danceable beats that you can't help but tap your toes to, or play your massive air guitar in the privacy of behind closed doors. Fresh off the heels of a worldwide tour that takes them to all places sold out, the scruffy haired boys return to what will surely be hysteria not seen since, well, the last time they were in town. I am reminded of the mighty Cheap Trick or even raucous times four, The Strokes, as i watch these lads from the UK play to the throngs of screaming girls and unimpressed boyfriends holding their drinks in the corner wishing they'd learned to play guitar. You have to be impressed with the length of the touring these boys do, as well as their energy level, and it will be on full spectacle as they touch down for one night only in Hollywood. Get your tickets now or your girlfriends will hate you later.

Saturday, 19 July 2008 15:23 Written by Giulian Jones

"The youth is wasted on the young", I once read George Bernard Shaw say, and many times over I am disappointed with how the whole world seems to revolve around teenage sensations and the next big thing. The good news is that there is still hope, and this year's version of something to hold your breath and pray is a quartet known as The Morning Benders. Just in from a lengthy tour with international pop group The Kooks, The Morning Benders were billed as the opening act for British power pop kings Supergrass on a night at the world famous Avalon Theater located directly across the street from the iconic former Capital records building now serving as a high rise condo for the uber rich. In talking with the lads you get the honest impression that these guys are in love with music and their reference to classic artist listed as influences ranges from Neil Young to Radiohead. "We listen to a variety of great artist and hopefully you can here them in our own songs", says lead singer/songwriter Chris Chu standing with his band mates in an ally just off of Hollywood Boulevard.
It's always interesting to me, how folks meet and make the transition to playing music together. Musicians are an interesting breed of people; they live their lives by the guitar. The good news about the Morning Benders is they write and play their own music. This is a dying art form in the 21st century where most bands are cast on television shows or produced by record labels to sell t-shirts. "We all kind of met through a small social network up in Northern California and had a common interest in music. It really happened organically, which is always the best way." Says, Chris.

The best part of their live show, for me, was listening to the very melodic vocals of Chris Chu juxposed to the manic guitar work of Joe Ferrell. Joe's guitar was weeping like a scorned lover at the same time Chris was singing joyfully and it was the perfect one-two punch that most bands don't have and certainly not at this stage in the game and will prove to be their lasting impression. What's so wrong with a good pop song, nothing, and The Morning Benders are in search of the next big one. I must say that I am tired of watching tired old veterans playing tired old songs to a tired old crowd. The Morning Benders write good pop songs like Cheap Trick did before them and Squeeze did before them and a little band called The Beatles did before any body thought it was cool and we all know what happened to them. The Music business can be a tough gig for any body, but as long as The Morning benders are in it, I think things will work out just fine. Pop music, yes, but not kid's stuff. The music business can be a tough one, filled with people that have no clue what they are doing and people like Lou Perlman who is being ordered to pay more than 300 million dollars in restitution for his part of a major music scam that involved pop music and I am reminded that this is a business not meant for everybody. The Morning Benders, however, remind me how much fun it can be. Chris says," We drive all day to some of our gigs, spends loads of time in our van and the joy of our lives is when we pull up and plug in. We love to play live and live for it. We also know that we are very lucky to be playing music for a living." It's also that kind of humility that separates these guys from Northern California from the overnight sensations that come and go like the wind. Their album is out on plus 1 music entitled "Talking Through Tin Cans". The Morning Benders are back in town for a one night only engagement at the El Rey Theater on August 7 in support of the Airborne Toxic Event. Get your tickets now as this show will sell out and the next time around they won?t be supporting anybody but themselves.

Saturday, 19 July 2008 12:00 Written by Giulian Jones

The band simply known as Supergrass returned to Los Angeles this past Saturday night after a much delayed absence, but don't tell the sold out crowd they've been gone. The capacity crowd that jammed the former stomping grounds of the Palace was jumping at all cylinders as the monkey faced boys walked out on stage. "Its good to be back", says lead singer and main monkey Gaz Coombes of the nearly full Coombes family reunion that tours with Supergrass these days. After some personal issues delayed the band, then the subsequent accident with bass player Mick Quinn it seemed the band had lost its steam. That is until they came back to the waiting arms of their hard core fans with a new album much in tune with their classic power pop roots entitled "Diamond Hoo Ha". The band is currently supporting The Foo Fighters on their North American tour, but you'd have to tell their fans that bit of information as the lads from over the pond have a large and loyal fan base that has waited with baited breath would rather see the monkey face rockers than the long haired quartet any night of the week. The band also had a last minute surprise when The Foo's cheif vocalist, Dave Grohl, had a last minute throat problem that forbid him to sing at the VH-1 Rock Honors tribute to The Who and Supergrass's own Gaz joyfully filled in only to be later escorted by Los Angeles finest to The Avalon gig. Catch these boys on the road playing select dates in the states and abroad.

Thursday, 29 November 2007 05:07 Written by Giulian Jones

Let me start out by saying that anybody who isn't familiar with the band Silverchair, is missing out on what may possibly be the best band alive today. They sell millions of albums, pack concert halls across the globe, and girls really, really, really dig them. I think most people would agree that these are key to being in a successful band. What you may also not know is that these boys started playing great music while still in high school, something every teenage boy dreamed of doing in front of a mirror until they either grew up or got caught. The worldly boys of Silverchair got caught, then they went on to sell 6 million albums and we've been trying to catch them ever since.
I finally caught up with Silverchair at a pit stop in Los Angeles called the mighty Wiltern Theater. The venue was packed with more 35 year old men in vintage t-shirts and their multiple pierced girlfriends than i could ever imagine possible. It's always amazing to me too, who still finds it necessary to wear sunglasses indoors at a concert in what i can only imagine is a veiled attempt at looking either cool or obnoxious or both. The overly zealous crowd that packed the theater was standing on the edge of the railings in anticipation of what would hopefully be a grand night of hero worshiping. The lights were turned down as the crowd was turned up and the next sound after the defining roar of the often jaded LA audience was that of police sirens and a heart beat. The band made its entrance as the crowd became a wall of sound, embracing the young boys from down under. Full time lead singer and part time heart throb, Daniel Johns, made his way to the center of the stage and was handed his guitar like a knight being handed his sword before a mighty battle. The battle would be won years ago, as fans from all parts that are California came out to see the infrequent touring band that gained success while deciding what to wear to prom. Drummer, Ben Gillies, began channeling rock icon John Bonham as soon as he took to the stage and he never let up until the crowd of well wishers were ravaged like an unfortunate rag doll. Chris Joannou looked more like the lead guitarist, instead of the ax wielding bass player that he is. One thing that you notice early on too, is that the three piece has been built up with the addition of two keyboardist in what i can only imagine was meant to duplicate the lush layers and orchestral sound that Silverchair plays in the studio and are forced to play live to compliment the voice of Daniel Johns. I was also thinking that the hand of God was at work when Daniel dropped his guitar and reached towards the sky. The crowd must have thought so too, as they became suddenly silent and then racious again two seconds later. It was moments like this that made the long wait for Australia's best selling act a release. Much like a breath of fresh air too, the tracks from Silverchair's new album "Young Modern" were met with the biggest roar all night. This is the album that rock legend Tommy Shaw called this generation's "Sgt. Pepper" and he meant it as much as the line of fans around the cash bar did all night. One would also be surprised as to the genuine gratitude that the band had to the crowd that chose not to got to the Van Halen concert a few miles down the road.

The band came out for a final song and the lights went dark, except for the spot light on the fallen angel frame of Daniel Johns. It was fitting that the light should shine upon him. As loud and violent as the songs he plays, he is also frail and sometimes broken and that's just how we like our heroes these days.

Sunday, 29 July 2007 17:31 Written by Pauline

Sat in a cafe in West Hollywood biting and chewing on homemade fried chicken drummer Matthew Hermstad and songwriter and pianist, Kevin Hardy are the boyfriends that lie behind SlowMoErotic. Together for 3 years and releasing their debut album "HOLLA!caust" these irreverent, intelligent musicians that really don't intend to offend you, but if they do, they certainly don't care, allowed me to poke at the working of minds that create such songs as "Urge to Purge" and "Fuck Y'all" So how long have you been working together? Matthew: Umm, 2 1/2 years, 3 How long were you together before you began writing? Kevin: When I got to The Musician's Institute in Hollywood in 2003. I do all the writing, when we began the band we already had songs to work with. What aspects of artists that you both admire have you included in your work? K: We both love Tori Amos, we do have different tastes but some of them do cross paths. Matt likes Zappa, The Melvins... M: I like stuff intentionally weird, Kevin likes stuff intentionally pop and well written. You met at Muscian's Institute-what aspects of the training you had there has helped the most? M: For me, it was really super hands on and it was really paying attention and the practice and you know, being aware of different techniques that may not be those of your favorite drummers. K: I did song writing, vocal and keyboards...the first song I ever wrote and performed was at M.I and it was the feedback that was totally worth it. You could write a song in the evening and perform it the next day, every day there was a place to get constructive feedback. What parts were you most proud of in your debut EP? K: We were most proud we got it done... M: Haha, were we even a band then? K: No we had a couple of songs and we were dating, and I just asked Matt to come and play drums. It wasn't like "let's be a band" it just sort of just happened. M: We were happy we got it out there and we could show something off. {mosimage} How well was it received? K: I think it was well received, the majority of sales you get are from live shows and it was kind of deceptive. We are so dynamic on stage but the EP was 5 well polished songs. M: The drums weren't the same as they were live, the sound was different. You have very irreverent, honest, lyrics, that could easily offend people-do you think with your last EP people really understood your intentions? M: You have to really go out of your way to not see the songs as tongue in cheek. When your listening to a band with two boyfriends singing pop music and you understand the concept of the band, you are usually more prone to accept the lyrics. We are two gay guys that aren't your typical gay guys and we poke fun at our own sub culture I guess, I mean our band's called SlowMoErotic for God's sake... Is there an element of shock value you like to induce? K: Oh I always think about it, I mean it goes back to M.I, if you are one of 30 kids up there and they are all singing about broken hearts what are the odds that it's going to stand out? I didn't have that much confidence, so to stand out it had to be in the subject matter. How do you think your fan base is-it is mainly the gay community-is that your intention? K: Most people that have bought the record are gay... M: I don't think it's going to stay like that K: If it was I'd kill myself because in another interview a guy asked is there such a thing as 'gay music' and I love that question and I say no. Just because we are gay that doesn't define us... M: I think if me or Kevin changed to a girl and we were a straight couple in a band we'd still have the same sense of humor and write the same music. I think our fan base is bigger than that. Anyone that wants to like the music we are so grateful for but we don't limit ourselves. What is your writing process? K: Lyrics first. 100% of the time. I forget a lot of lyrics...I'll think "that's cool" and it's gone... How long have you been working on songs for your debut album? M: Some of them are from the EP, "Love is..." and " Me instead" are really old K: A couple of them are really old...some I wrote back at M.I. I really liked some of those songs, I wanted them on there. M: Some are really new, like, "Draw the line" we've only played at a couple of shows K: Like "Holla!caust" I totally wrote that song just so I could call the album that -seriously? K-Oh yeah totally, I didn't want to just throw it out there. What did you want to improve on from the EP? M: The core instruments are more up front, there is more depth to what is being played in the drums. What new artists have you been listening to during the production of the album? K: We listen to a lot of Dresden Dolls. We told our producer that we liked the album and to use it as a template, but the more I listened to it, the more it bothered me there was nothing else on there. Drums, piano, vocals... M: We wanted to stretch that out more, despite strong song writing it isn't going to hold people's interest for 12 songs if it's just that format. The influence of female solo artists like Tori Amos with sometimes off the wall sad quivering vocals can be seen a lot in songs like 'Enough I got off"-do you really look to that type of vocal styling's? K: I think the whole thing is that I just don't listen to male singers. At all. My cd collection is all female, because I listen to that that's what I imitate. What is so attractive about the mostly female singers that you like? K: Umm they are less annoying...?? I give them a lot more credit, I'm much more willing to listen to them whine. It's ok to go there with them. I'm just more prone to buy it than with guys, I'm like "urrghh, shut up..." What artists at the moment do you think are really creating a new wave-i.e like Lily Allen and the female solo English artists? M: Spank-rock-hahaha -What's spank rock?? I think it's from Detroit, it's like dance, rap, if you like up beat fun stuff, hard core rap, I think it's really good. The EP had a lot to do with love and sex why was that such a big theme? M: Because it's funny. K: Because it get's us attention....No, I mean, it's risque and honest, and it may on the surface appear like that but there's elements of unrequited love and if you took away the sexual lyrics you realize it's not all about that. Is it going to be the same with the album? What themes are running through the album? K: Because there is a lot more songs the subject matter differs and even love and sex get's old, you know? We have songs about feeling unattractive, discrimination, there is a lot more room to have stuff about other things. What do you want to achieve with the album? M: Monetarily?? Ha..umm... K: When it's done I just want to be able to listen to it and be happy with it. M: We want it to stand out, we are doing it on our own budget, and want people to hear it and enjoy it. What was the hardest aspect of recording this time around? K: (Mumbles...)Money M: Time and money... Do you have an aim with your music? So many artists are constantly trying to tell their audiences something-are you? M: Umm...not a comforting message or positive one....ha, umm.. K: No, I mean I'm not that political, I don't like people preaching to me or preaching myself, I just want it to be funny, it's not supposed to be so serious, it's commentary. What genre of music would you put your album in? K: I'd say indie/pop M: Yeah, I'd say the same... Do you feel the strain of maintaining a working relationship as well as being boyfriends? K: No, I mean it's hard if we've been in the studio all day and it's been tough. M: But, no it hasn't caused stress, you know, and if there has been stress it shows the depth of our relationship and that it's strong enough to do something like this. What are you going to do to publicise the new album-new MySpace? Website? M: Our website is remaining the same, it is a really good site, we don't have the budget to change it every couple of months like Marilyn Manson's-have you seen that site?? It's insane... Many artists have become so successful from MySpace-has it helped you? M: Is that even true? Isn't it only that Tila Tequila chick? -No there's loads of people who have got loads of recognition-Lily Allen?? M: Yeah, I mean adding friends and telling people about buying it on CdBaby and stuff I guess.... As someone interrupts by intruding into the kitchen I bring out a wooden box that Kevin quickly spies and asks if it has any pot in it...It actually holds a number of short questions that are picked at random and it allows the interviewee to try and be funny and keep them awake....in this case it actually works quite well... Describe your album in 3 words M: Piano, drums, pop K: That was boring... You should listen to our music because...... K: Who else would you listen to? {mosimage} Love is.... M: Ummm, God I don't know...ummm, me and Kevin.. The perfect song has to have..... M: Drums and yelling. The key to happiness is....... K: Money Name the band with way too much undeserved hype M: She Wants Revenge Song you'd like played at your funeral K: Something that would make people just really awkward and they'll think it's a horrible mistake like "Stars are Blind" by Paris Hilton First album you bought K: The theater-like sound track to Dick Tracy by Madonna-classic.... SlowMoErotic can currently be found gigging their hearts out in Los Angeles, check out their MySpace and website for details (www.myspace.com/slowmoerotic, www.slowmoerotic.com). Their debut album "HOLLA!caust" is available on iTunes and CdBaby, interview by Pauline Bithell

Friday, 20 July 2007 23:53 Written by Pauline

Wednesday was a good day.  It was filled with mad car chases, shoot outs and a lot of drug deals....ok only the car chase was true. My driving test coming to this country consisted of driving straight for 15 mins, reversing in a straight line and changing lanes, now it is any wonder. I cannot park, and the majority of people in LA who have had this taxing test have no concept of how to drive...?? My frustration reached a new level as the traffic was particularly cruel yesterday and I had two fabulous artists to see.  8.30 at The Viper Room was Tim Myers and at the El Cid The Prix played Kiss or Kill at 11. 

Tim Myers is a guy I literally stumbled upon while out to review another singer and people listen up-this boy really is something else-watching him on stage is such an amazing experience as not only can he sing, play guitar and play keyboards to such a high standard, he is such a wicked performer-I took a friend who really was so impressed-spread the word-ok, I'm going to stop gushing now.

I hadn't seen The Prix in so long due to continual clashes with other stuff I've been doing, but it was so awesome seeing them again, I'd forgotten how good they actually are.  With their new EP 'St.Domino' released on Wednesday they were playing a lot of songs off it and as they trickled on stage seperately I remembered why I love them so much.

Cashew Von Harding (lead vocals, guitar) and his Beatle esque moves reminded me how these men know the perfect performance.  Von Harding's chatter with Blake Jordan (piano, organ, lead vocals) isn't that false bullshit a lot of bands rehearse and fall flat, the whole band works so well together and the sweaty hugs I got afterwards were obviously kind of gross but showed that their hard work does pay off...go purchase the new EP of the best band in LA. I heart The Prix.

I hate The Viper room more and more I go there, we should all boycott the overpriced drinks and enterance fees....I mean I know it's not going to happen especially when The Prix are playing there on September 3rd, but I like talking shit about the place who's manager was really mean to me once, I'm very mature like that.

Anyway an interview at The Shrine in Pacific Palisades tomorrow with Mr Myers means I need to go and actually do some work...

P

The Prix

http://www.myspace.com/theprix  http://www.the-prix.com/ 

Tim Myers

http://www.myspace.com/timmyersmusic  http://www.timmyersmusic.com/

The Shrine

http://www.lakeshrine.org/

 

Saturday, 09 June 2007 03:40 Written by Giulian Jones

The world of rock music has been run by 26 year old Prada wearing corporate bozos for too many years now. When was the last time you sat down and talked to the lead singer of the hottest band in the country and who knew who Metallica was? The problem that today's youth face is they've been saturated with wanna-be's so long they wouldn't recognize a musician even if they were one, folks. When television's biggest stars are the children of other television stars, something is wrong. You can judge a society by who they choose to celebrate. Stop the Presses, folks. Paris Hilton was just released from jail early and Kobe Bryant had diarrhea over the weekend. So, my interview with local rock royalty Billy Morrison of The Cult fame and LA super band Camp Freddy was a welcome breath of fresh cigarette and scotch-on-the-rocks laced air. Billy shared with me how true connections among musicians develop into lasting bonds long after the last encore has been played for the night and how he appreciates every moment of it: What brought about this most recent incarnation was something purely organic and natural. We have been mates [British for friends] for going on 20 years and really enjoyed playing with each other [British for playing music together] it was just a natural transition that we would be a in a band together. The fact that we got one of the world's greatest drummers in Matt Sorum [The Cult, Guns and Roses, Velvet Revolver] to sit in with on the album is magic. We also didn't spend three months in the studio tweaking this thing to death, which can be disastrous for so many bands. Rock music has always been and always will be about sex. The trick is finding a way to be subtle enough to get your parents to buy it, yet hip enough for the kids to get it. Rock music is sung from the waist down, not the neck up. We also just went over to Matt's house and things just started happening so quickly that's what happens when people know and appreciate each other. Look, this is a dream job for me. I get to make rock music, tour the world, and get paid for it. I am one of the luckiest guys I know. It's this kind of genuine artist enthusiasm and rock and roll energy that makes my job fun; the music that I grew up listening to a fond memory that keeps growing. Will someone please drop a bomb on the nearest Avril/Lohan/Spears pre-puber mall rat in the CBGB t-shirt and call Circus Diablo and thank them, please? Their debut album is set to be released July 3rd. They also join the cast of OzzFest on July 12th.

Saturday, 09 June 2007 03:37 Written by Sariah

Interview with Adrian Buono, lead singer and guitarist of Los Pinguos Temple Bar, May 18th, 2007 2 years ago, we brought the spice of South America to LA Nightlife with the locally known Argentine group, Los Pinguos (which, for your curiosity is a modified version of pinguinos, meaning penguins). Today, this 6+ group is still taking over the Westside. Though, you won?t find them on the promenade anymore. They've graduated and taken up residency at Temple Bar in Santa Monica, another first review for LANightlife.com. I had the opportunity to sit down with Adrian Buono to see how, if at all, their style, their music, their overall outlook on their business of music has changed. And the timing couldn't have been more perfect with an overhaul of their website and a new album in the works tentatively titled California (because Adrian has Pinguos on his license plate and felt it right to acknowledge somewhere his now 7 year stint in the sunny state). Los Pinguos belted out a few songs off the new album that seems to bring together the image, the talent, and the message these guys set out to convey when they first appeared on the LA scene. Here's what Coco had to say about their revamp, and the ever-burning question of 'Where did your dreads go'?? He now sports a curly-q do. Perfectly inconspicuous. Q: What's the biggest difference you've noticed about this album compared to the other ones? A: It's more collaborative. Fefe wrote a song, Juan wrote a song, I wrote a song. In all about 15 songs. Q: Out of all the new songs you played tonight, which one is your favorite? A: Major para los dos. Q: Why? A: It's very energetic. Q: Is that how the new album is as a whole? A: It's everything. Q: When can we expect the new album to be out? A: Well, we are just finishing recording the drums now, then the guitars, then put everything together, then editing, 2 months...maybe. Q: So, where ARE the dreads? A: [smiling] I have a skull?I cut them and put them on the skull. review by Sariah Richardson

Saturday, 09 June 2007 03:16 Written by Pauline

Patrons crowded the Viper Room Tuesday like the scene from an all out, bare-bones Vegas-style boxing event. Sweaty and attentive, clinging to their ever-melting iced drinks, the crowd's mood was heavy with anticipation for the evening's promisingly impressive lineup:

Jon McLaughlin, Tim Myers, and Kim Kline.

Indiana native Jon McLaughlin began the night with his impressive ability to pull himself out of the overplayed and mediocre genre of attractive mid 20's males hunched over a piano singing love songs that bore and seemingly regurgitate old John Mayer hits. McLaughlin is indeed attractive and in his mid 20's, but he has an edge to his song writing and his dynamic slamming of the ivories are raw and intriguing. McLaughlin seemed unaware of the quality of his voice? a pitch perfect, deep, heavy, and powerful range added to the charisma he didn't over play. As McLaughlin sat by his keyboard and wiped the sweat from his face, he showed his humaneness and laughed at the only man who put up his hand when he asked, "Are their any couples in here tonight?" (an obviously cheesy tongue-in-cheek line). One couldn't help but notice his elegance on stage. McLaughlin played his keyboard with such ferocious intensity that his mellow melodies took on a much darker side than any Mayer wanna-be could imitate. This wasn't overdone pop that the crowd was avidly watching and shouting encouragement to during keyboard breaks. It contained maturity and honesty. The song 'Indiana' was about McLaughlin missing his home state and the people there. It was sweet, not enough to give you a tooth ache, but subtly so in a sentimental way.

Simply Jon and his keyboard.

Even Jon Voight sitting in the corner (he was checking McLaughlin out for a movie role), couldn't distract you from McLaughlin's seemingly sad tone and perfect playing.

Somehow, even though I've never been, by the end of his song I was missing Indiana too...

And my British ears haven't been attuned to such blubbery. At the risk of receiving accusations of being biased, I have to say that the English Stone Roses/Oasis/Libertines inspired Indie rock is something the Brits have got down to goddamn near perfection! Any other country that has a band with a lead singer who copies the accent and grows their hair to shaggy proportions...ummm, not so much.

But then, Tim Myers came along.

Round 2

Myers got on stage wearing his brass buttoned red admiral jacket, skinny black jeans, and his long hair poking out under his beat up hat. You could tell he was at least a fashion fan of Mr. Doherty. Surprisingly the similarities didn't stop there. No, there was no drug addled supermodel waiting in the wings for him, but he did sound remarkable....well...original anyway.

'Shot to the head' saw Myers comfortably grab his guitar and ease into this eclectic mix of seventies funk, Beatles harmonies and psychedelic lyrics. It's odd to see a band have such obvious influences, but not feel like they're in some way ripping off the classics. The backup vocalist, a girl in a black dress and cowboy boots, wasn't just a pretty face added to the mix, as many usually are. She and Myers harmonizing worked so well that the thought of her being a band member's girlfriend just looking to get on stage was the furthest thing from my mind.

Myers got onto his keyboard and performed a Mama's Boy, a song thickly layered with edgy vocals that could be perceived as being on the verge of too pop for his rough image. But, the clever addition of some vocals aided by a loud speaker veered him away from a mainstream classification, (despite its appearance on 'Grey's Anatomy' this past season).

Myers Jagger-esque prancing and his very Carl Barat wardrobe choices were in no way offensive or over done, opening himself up to the apparent quality of his inspiring and original song writing. He commanded the respect of the audience, which he duly deserved. Myers was neither smarmy nor arrogant on stage, grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat, and quietly emphasizing his Californian accent to prove he wasn't copying, but borrowing. Tim Myers was exciting, even stripping on stage (actually, his popper buttoned shirt kept coming undone-but that was fine by me). He has the L A smile and the great teeth, but luckily for us he also possesses the English bite.

The Main Event

Kim Kline is a performer that bursts with enthusiasm, talent and power. Watching Kline you can hear Linkin Park, Chilli Peppers and even Coldplay inspired melodies, a strange mix, but somehow is works very well indeed.

The tiny singer ("I'm 5'4 on a good day") owned the stage undeniable with power and hard work. Kline is a performer that will come off stage with the sweat you want to see from a singer. Writing all the songs herself, being recently nominated 'Best Female Vocalist' in the 2007 LA Music Awards, and her debut single 'Inside' going nationwide next week, their is a certain buzz about this singer.

Kline is an artist that must be seen live, she really demonstrates the epitome of rock pop, she has crashing guitar, heartbeat racing drums but being beautiful with long blonde straightened hair she could easily be mistaken for something she isn't. With enough energy to fill the room and half of Sunset Blvd. Kline slams her 4 inch heeled boots to every beat and as she grabs the guitarist's shirt and sings against key at times, it works beautifully to create sounds that you feel like you could listen to as you smash the windows of an ex's car.

Kim Kline is versatile, which makes her do well what she does best. An acoustic set calls, her voice being the type you try to sing a long to, but never quite manage to duplicate. It's dramatic, emotional, and not overly trained.

Kline really is an A+ pop rocker with a spontaneous, intense, yet professional performance. Kline doesn't need to hold a guitar and try and play repetitive chords, like so many singers in Kline's genre do. She is far too good a singer and someone with plenty of hypnotic stage presence to have to pretend.

As Kim Kline tugged at her tattooed covered bassist's baseball cap during 'Gotta Let It Go', you realize she can hold her own against the competitive solo female pop rock acts. Keep your eyes open for this girl from Texas because her terribly sweet demeanor has a little bit of hot poison tucked underneath to ensure she is sticking around.

Well done to the Viper Room for getting such good bands on one night...now can you please work on the overpriced entrance fees and drinks??

Written by Pauline

The Knitting Factory was an explosion of eyeliner-wearing boys and chain smoking girls who wanted to rock on Saturday as Club Vodka descended upon them. The 18+ event that began at 6.45 p.m and ran on till nearly 2 a.m. has been running for 5 years and there were 24 bands stomping on the 3 stages. The sweaty air, and sight of passed out girls in the Front bar just added to the hard core, well organized evening of rock at it's best. On at 9.30 on the main stage was Blackline, an LA based band who's bass made the walls shudder and their loyal group of fans scream louder.

The strong vocals from Steve Slate were a refreshing change and their addictive bridge build ups allowed the bands obvious confidence to be justified. Nathanael Lew's crashing guitar and quintessential snarl was perfect for the gaggle of teenage girls watching him and brought raw power and charisma to the performance. James Ramsey appeared as a guest to work his keytar on stage, and that he did, with a precise playing making the band rock that little bit harder in original way.
The alterknit lounge was an oasis if you wanted to rest your ears from too much bass. This stage being the smallest, got claustrophobic at times but did allow you to be close enough to smell the acoustic guitar strings. L.A Holeshot could be found guilty of channelling their love for the 80's a little too much. The room was packed with supporters raising their beers and seemed a lot older than the other rooms audiences. The band worked well together and pulled their long hair and bandana's look off well, but a cover of "Born to be Wild" was a huge anti-climax and not something that should have happened....

As the dreaded haired boys wearing studded belts stumbled along with their $6 beers American Aftermath played in the front bar. Their promise to "rock the shit out of the audience", was pretty much fulfilled, the drummer, Chris Moore, didn't miss a beat and pulled off the metal tinged rock with ease. The surprisingly young looking bassist, Rudy Gonzales, played like he had been on stage for years, their ensemble was nicely put together but the vocals weren't clear enough and let the side down slightly.

The main attraction of the evening were Vains of Jenna and Big Ball Stars. Vains of Jenna, from Sweden, know what they are doing and do it right. Their stage presence showed people that these half naked sweaty tattooed men where here to make you listen. The huge amount of supporters that where scrambling to grab the bands discarded picks and swayed like the lead singer, Lizzy DeVine's, dog tags, breathed in every lyric. The total arrogance and the bands ability to show off was encouraging rather than annoying. The go-go dancers swung on their poles as people stuffed dollar bills into their clothes and hyped up the audience another degree. The energy contained inside the main stage was hard to ignore and nobody wanted to, Vains of Jenna played like show offs and had good reason to, leaving the audience pleading for more.

Big Ball Stars came on late but the anticipation of the audience didn't falter, with members from Motley Crue, Guns and Roses and Vince Neil band these experienced rockers knew what it was all about. John Corabi came into the crowd to let the audience feel his power and Brent Woods, lead guitarist, blew his adoring fans kisses as he grabbed onto his guitar for dear life. While the leopard print wearing go-go dancers gyrated their hips, the audience felt the same beat, with teeth shattering bass Big Ball Stars proved they knew what entertaining a crowd was all about and did it to the maximum.

review by Pauline Bithell

Friday, 27 April 2007 04:12 Written by Pauline

286 made the most dramatic entrance on stage of the evening, this LA based Black Label Society-inspired group were raw and real. 286 is a band that wont leave you disappointed if hard core old skool rock and roll is what you want. Their disdain for the bands that claim to rock but really fall too much into the pop-rock category is obvious in their work. Adam Joad, the lead singer, all dreads and vivid tattoos, grips the microphone and is a born performer. Joad's guttural, demonic vocals leads the band into the depths of hard core rock with a scream. The band's hedonistic chemistry bubbles gently leading the audience up to the crescendo which boosts the audience to raise their hands higher and shout louder. Drummer Pete Pace looked like he was in danger of ripping the skins wide open, but as long as he didn't miss a beat it probably wouldn't have mattered. The flames that emblazoned his drum kit seemed to rise higher as his body rocked the set.
With a big 286 banner behind the band there was no way of missing who they were but with dark hypnotic lyrics and a pounding, well placed group rhythm there was no way to forget who 286 are and what they are succeeding in doing, shredding rock down to it's dirtiest core.

Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:11 Written by Erika

Los Angeles, This is Your Sound

Forget about the transplants, the whiners and the wish-they-were-elsewhere's. The funky basslines and organic melodies of MUDluscious come direct from a talented duo born and raised right in our very own backyard, reminding the music scene that there is still at least an ounce of authenticity left within these hollow walls.

MUD (Carl Stoeber) is the primary song writer, lead guitar and vocalist while Matter (Matt Seigel) employs his mixing and producing talents to bring each track to life on the decks and in the studio. The band is brought full circle with members on drums, bass, keyboards, guitar and added vocals and percussion.

While MUD and Matter are the life-breathing soul of this project, MUDluscious is largely propelled by collaborations and creative consensus, particularly evident in their live performances. Their show on Friday, March 9, at the Temple Bar was joined by a number of talented guest MCs and musicians including Tunji (Inverse) and A-Dub (Conquistadors), not to mention an opening live cover of the late Notorious B.I.G.'s first single, Juicy. {mosimage}

The 45-minute set took the crowd through hip hop and funk, rock rhythms and reggae beats, broken basslines and even a jungle remix of one of their new tracks, Banana Trees. And if you listened and watched close enough you could almost feel MUD's ska roots emanate from the stage, recreating just another layer of Los Angeles through sound. Matter closed out the night with a DJ set alongside DJ Hapa, gracing the club with the same eclectic sound that is signature of their live shows and topped off with masterful turntablism skill.

Bridging the Gap

MUDluscious is pioneering sound synthesis down to the roots of this city's most influential genres, as demonstrated in their recently released full-length debut album, 'Songs From The Candylandfill' available on iTunes. Their organic compositions successfully unite elements that many L.A. artists are only beginning to understand on a musical level, leaving enough room on each cut for interpretation during the live shows.

Matter, along with Mr. Choc and Hapa, also maintains a biweekly DJ residence called The Bridge at the Temple Bar and Little Temple in Silverlake. Keep your ears tuned in to this band to expand your musical repertoire and watch out as MUDluscious continues to bridge gaps between independent nooks of L.A.'s musical map.

If you missed MUDluscious at the Temple Bar, make sure to catch them at the Viper Room on April 21, 2007.

Use It or Lose It: www.myspace.com/MUDluscious

Thursday, 22 February 2007 14:16 Written by Giulian Jones

1. Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders The man that even Dave Grohl refers to as the baddest drummer alive; Taylor Hawkins comes running out of the gate with no strings attached with his self titled debut effort. Taylor does multiple duties as singer, songwriter, producer, and all around bad ass. The album is full of classic/alt/honky tonk/rock that varies from song to song while maintaining a well produced feel that only a seasoned veteran like himself and fellow drummer/producer Drew Hester would put forth.

2. The Weather Underground Members; Shoichi, Diego, Ryan, and Harley make up the quartet that is about to take over Los Angeles' underground single handily. They are what U2 intended on being 20 years ago before supermodels and big sunglasses came in to the mix. The fact that these kids don't look old enough to drink in the venues that would be lucky enough to have them play says a mouthful about them. They are full of political, power pop chords and a 5 foot tall lead guitarist that cries to get in front of you nightly. Watch out.

3. Simon Dawes Simon Dawes is the name of the band, not the singer folks. Let's get that straight. - Taylor Goldsmith, Blake Mills, Wylie Slam, Stuart Johnson make up the band that opened for gospel harpets Eisley and blew the young ladies off the stage, no offense Jesus, and haven't looked back. Taylor Goldsmith's manic energy and versatility on instruments makes them a force and someone to watch in '07. Check out their blistering version of the Talking heads classic song "Burning down the House" to get the real deal.

4. The Dismembermints eidolon (jonnie lee ryan) & north star (mitchell t. riley) are the dynamic duo behind all things Dismembermints. They are funky and political and you will think about everything you think you already know about radical hip hop when you hear them. These white boys from all parts that are downtown Los Angeles live everything they sing about and you'd better bring a dictionary or Mos Def to translate when you see them live.

5. Waxapples Direct from Orange County's already illustrious home of fine music comes the family of Coakleys starring Brian Coakly on nightly smoking guitar, backing vocals and aerobic workout and fawn eyed beauty and lead singer/wife Jaime Coakly. The band that would be the last real rock band out of LA plays every place that would have a great rock band. The sound is solid and the musicians are tight and you will be tested to sit still as they rock your fuckin' socks off.

Friday, 23 June 2006 00:00 Written by Sariah

Street bands are seen all over the world. From the jazz sounds of New Orleans to the deepest blues in New York City, the pavement is where some of the most soulful music can be found. But in a place like Los Angeles where everyone is trying to make it big, do street performers solely want their musical journey to take them to platinum selling albums or does their goal run much deeper than that? Here, we follow the travels of Los Pinguos who began their journey seven years ago in Buenos Aires and now reside in the streets and clubs of Los Angeles. They share with us what playing music means to them and how mainstream musical success might affect their ongoing efforts of sending their message to fans around the globe.

Walking down the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica on a sunny weekend afternoon, people are seen lining the streets, moving in and out of stores and restaurants. Occasionally, the ocean breeze hits you and you breathe in the cool, salty air for a day of relaxation from the busy work week behind you. Off in the distance comes the sound of accoustic spanish guitars, a Cuban tres, the beat of the peruvian cajon, and infecitious spanish lyrics that even those who don't speak the language find themselves singing along to. A group of people have gathered together outside the Express store, but are not there to buy the latest clothing fashions. Their eyes and ears are tuned into the five street performers giving all their energy into the music they create. "We are Los Pinguos. We are from Argentina and if you like our music, you can buy some of our cd’s." Trust me, after two songs, you just might do that!

Beginning seven years ago in Buenos Aires, where metal stringed guitars dominate the music scene, this group of well-trained musicians envisioned spreading a much softer message through traditional spanish guitars. Lead vocalist and guitarist Adrian "Coco" Buono likes to think of their music as a "message in a bottle". He says it is the goal of Los Pinguos to "travel around the world. We try to spread our music all over the world." But playing in the streets and local malls is only one way of acquiring such a mass audience. Los Pinguos has taken their music into clubs all over LA, including the very popular Temple Bar in Santa Monica.

With the warmth of its red lights and walls, tea light candles lit on every table, and scent of aromatherapy throughout, Temple Bar has become a second home to Los Pinguos; playing a gig once a month on its large stage. The larger space allows the band to bring in other musicians as well, including keyboard players, a drummer, and brass players. Ecstactic fans are also given more room to dance on the large hardwood floor below. Beginning at 11pm, people begin taking their places in front of the stage so as to get the best view of the group and ensure a comfortable area to dance. The versatility of Los Pinguos to be able to play outside and inside venues aids them in achieving their idea of success, which according to Fefe Lee, guitarist and vocalist, can be measured not just by how much money they make on cd or ticket sales, but also by the "clapping of the hands" of each and every person that attends one of their shows. With so much success Los Pinguos has had as a street/club act for the past 4 1/2 years in Los Angeles, it seems inevitable that they will be signed by a big label just itching to get a piece of their hard work and passion for music. But, when I asked them if getting a record deal would affect their music or fan base, Coco said it would depend on the label, "Labels try to make the music different. They try to change the message." Signing to a larger label wouldn’t allow the same creative freedom Los Pinguos enjoys now. Juan Miguel adds, "we are not the business style, like, ok, we are going to go this direction." Sounds like these guys are pretty "down-to-earth" which can be very rare in an industry that values commercialism over individuality. Through interviews, documentaries, and most importantly their music, the message of Los Pinguos is simple. "Live, laugh, love" (Lead vocal and guitar, Adrian "Coco" Buono). I’ll try to follow that advice.

Tuesday, 06 June 2006 20:47 Written by Giulian Jones

Maximum rock lands in Long Beach in the form of Foozer This year's concert tour is full of heavy hitters like Paul McCartney, U2, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and the all too many festivals which fill the void of hayfields and draft beer to overflow. The one show that many folk might miss that is actually worth the price of a major draw is the dual headliner tour of The Foo Fighters and Weezer. The fact that they also have alt-rockers Hot Hot Heat opening the show only makes them even smarter for it. The added fact that most tickets range from 29.00 to 39.00 dollars is the darling of the deal. I think the last concert that I paid 29.00 dollars for was Loverboy back in 1986, and I wasn't lovin every minute of it either. The Foo Fighters have really come a long way since even their last album, One By One, which was a commercial and critical success of grand scales. The Foo Fighters made a bold move in releasing their latest, In Your Honor, by making it a double album. The fact that one is rock and the other acoustic makes this an even more dangerous drive. Weezer's latest release, Make Believe, is an example of power riffs, catchy lyrics, and plenty of ear candy the whole family can enjoy. The concert is really a dream line-up and the dual headliner status sounds better on paper once you see the Foo's bring on the rock as they did in Long Beach on this star studded night. Hot Hot Heat has the unfortunate job as openers on this tour and it's a shame because they really have some great songs that nobody gets a chance to listen to. The job of opening for a major act is really to just keep the crowd rowdy enough to rush the stage, but calm enough to scream their freakin lungs out for the big boys. The lights go out after Hot Hot Heat and the crowd anticipates Weezer's approach like children on the night before Christmas and they are not disappointed as they open the show with "My Name Is Jonas" and the crowd sways back and forth like and ocean of screaming, drunken kids madly in love with singer, Rivers Cuomo, and the band sways back. The band plays hit after hit, and you forget all the songs they've released until you have 10,000 kids singing them in your ear like a massive karaoke party. The current hit "We Are All On Drugs" plays out well enough, but it's when all the members of Weezer get behind the drums and play at the same time that the crowd really wakes up. The band does no encores, but rather chooses to play an acoustic version of Island In The Sun to bring down the energy enough only to kick your arse with Hash Pipes heavy bass and moody guitar playing followed by Buddy Holly and the crowd is jumping for more. This is exactly where they leave them to finish the show and rush backstage to begin the night's consumption of free booze and vitamin water.

The lights come up and the construction for the Foo Fighter's set looks more like something out of a Star Wars backdrop than a concert set. The lights drop again and as you look around the arena, you see nothing but pure joy on the faces of these kids who are anticipating the best show all year and they are not disappointed. Dave Grohl screams "Can you hear me", but tonight it's more of a call than a question. The sound that comes from this 4 piece is really more of a wall and is unexpected in its power, but that is nothing compared to the thunder behind the drums known as Taylor Hawkins. I tried to play air drums on this opening number at home once and my arms had to be reset by a professional, and that's the kind of musicians you get when The Foo Fighters hit the stage in Long Beach, California. Home of the Spruce Goose and the Queen Mary.

These boys really have grown in their song writing and showmanship, and I would liken this tour/album to the leap that the great Irish rock band U2 made from The Joshua Tree to Zooropa. The stage is full of amazing pyrotechnics, which really turn what could be a great rock show into an event. The Foo's play power rock like nobody else's business and the show is full of hard core hits that fans and friends alike will enjoy. From the moment the band takes the stage they seem like they are on a mission to save rock, or at least themselves from the conventional tours of years and bands past. Dave is also very playful with the crowd as he runs back and forth across the stage screaming for the crowd's approval. By the time the show winds down you feel as drained as the band. This show is pure adrenalin and I have to wipe the sweat from my forehead as I make my way backstage to the after party. Dave says that, This album is really a tribute to the fans, all of them. When people look back and ask which Foo Fighter's album they should get, it should be this one.

Review by Giulian Jones