505 Reasons to Believe the Hype

By pcsanchez7505

“It’s good to be back in the U S of A,” noted the Foals in an Instagram photo after their first show back in the states.

The Foals played at the Wiltern on Nov. 29 in LA and was the 29th act to participate in Red Bull Sound Select’s 30 Days in LA. It was also the band’s first night of their own tour which will take them across the country.

The band slithered on stage an hour later than scheduled — “Thank you for staying out late with us on this Sunday night” — with their opening song “Snake Oil,” and pumped up the crowd with a raw and unearthly power.

They went through a string of tunes, moving the crowd like true rock stars, sending electric waves through the entire venue.

Fans swayed, danced and moshed all simultaneously while the Foals put on a spectacular show.

Foals released their new album earlier this year, “What Went Down,” a hearth thumping, beat pounding collection of tunes full of energy — the band definitely portrayed a high Monday night, no doubt off of making and releasing new music.

Toward the latter half of the show, singer Yannis Philippakis jumped off stage and roamed around the venue, going from the mezzanine to the middle of the venue.

In a grand expedition back to the stage, Philippakis jumped into the crowd to surf his way through eager hands that led him to his band.

Foals ended the night with a three-song encore finishing with “Two Steps Twice,” an older tune.

Their energy on a whole buzzed throughout the Wiltern and was reciprocated by the sold out crowd who sang along enthusiastically for almost every song.

This performance Sunday night was part of a 30-day series of concerts sponsored by Red Bull Sound Select that brought 60 “must see” artists to LA in venues all around the city.

Foals will continue their tour across the US through mid-December and head out of the states again.

Source:: Foals rock first US tour date

By pcsanchez7505

When Canadian born Dallas Green decided to go solo many years ago, he had one main concern — he wanted the music to speak for itself.

So, he chose to take up the stage name City and Colour — a clever choice that still maintains the essence of who he is.

On Nov. 16, Green played to a sold out crowd at the San Diego House of Blues. His piercing vocals and beautiful lyrics echoed through the venue and touched the souls of all who attended.

The night began with opening band Hurray for the Riff Raff, who put on a short, but sweet performance.

Green came on stage shortly after with his guitar, a whiskey and a beer in hand. He sat two of the three down and welcomed the crowd that had been waiting in anticipation.

Green sank straight into the opening track, “Woman” off his latest discography, “If I Should Go Before You.”

After a mix of new and old songs, Green paused and addressed the crowd to speak about the recent events in Paris.

“Here’s to all the ones spreading love,” said Green before he played “Northern Wind.”

Throughout the night, Green spoke fondly to the crowd and made those more on the sentimental side tear up.

He himself got a little emotional as he thanked his faithful fans.

“When I was writing in my parents’ basement in St. Catherine, Ontario, I didn’t think that anybody would listen to it. I definitely didn’t think that I would be all the way here. This one is for anybody that’s been with me since the beginning,” said Green before playing “Save Your Scissors.”

Green ended the night with one of his more popular songs, “The Girl.”

His whole performance was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. One of Green’s strong suits is his ability to weave in beautiful songs of love and heartache.

While he serenaded the crowd with songs such as “Northern Wind” and “As Much As I Ever Could,” he broke our hearts with “The Grand Optimist” and “Sleeping Sickness.”

He ended the night on a moment of hope and gave fans a fantastic performance.

To check out more of City and Colour’s tour and new music, visit their website here.

Source:: Dallas Green adds a little colour to San Diego

By pcsanchez7505

Now, I usually write a lot about concerts happening in Los Angeles or Los Angelino bands and music, and with good reason. LA is a huge, if not the hugest, music hub for Southern California. That isn’t to say there isn’t talent to be found in other places.

Alaythia Music Store in Hemet, California, located on Harvard Street, is trying to make a name for itself by connecting local musicians, fans and other like-minded people.

With their monthly Super Saturday Music Shows, they’ve caught the attention of many Inland Empire locals bringing music-centric people together.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, Alaythia Music will host its Super Saturday Music Show with five local artists from Hemet, Riverside and other areas in the I.E and Southern California.

Christian Plilippi, Alaythia’s store manager said it’s a great way for the musicians in the area to get together and have a place to perform and connect with other bands. His own band, Hello Penelope, will be performing on Dec. 5 along with Happy in Hemet, Hemet California; Folkasaurus, Riverside, California; White Java, Hemet, California; and Blake DiGangi, Los Angeles, California.

Both Happy in Hemet and Hey Penelope describe themselves as meth-pop with fast wheeling guitar riffs, danceable melodies and high energy lyrics, while Folkasaurus and Blake DiGangi offer an acoustic/folk vibe. White Java will be debuting their music.

All the bands performing are newer bands who are local to Southern California and especially the I.E..

Super Saturday Shows create a house party/concert vibe and admission is just $5 per person. Each show offers food, music and a good time close to home with tight-knit musicians and fans.

The show kicks off at 8 p.m. in Alaythia’s current store location on 121 N. Harvard St., Hemet, California. For more information, visit Alaythia’s website or their Facebook page for Saturday’s show.

Source:: Alaythia Music Store rocks out with monthly music show

By pcsanchez7505

On Friday, Nov. 20, Fever the Ghost, the whimsical and fanatical psyche-rock band from Los Angeles, California, will play a free show at the Echoplex along with three other LA bands.

In a short amount of time, Fever the Ghost has made quite an impression in the Southern California/LA music scene with their theatrical performances and striking music.

Fever the Ghost’s performances are weird, trippy and off the walls eccentric – in a brilliant way of course. Singer Casper walks out in a veiled hood while his band mates saunter on stage behind him.

Their dramatic performances have all the elements of a good psychedelic rock show, and their unique sound brings the essence of psych rock into the modern age. Quipped with quivering guitar riffs, bass lines and drums, the band adds in electronic noise to add ambiance and texture.

Last year the band released its first EP, “Crab in Honey” and most recently released their debut album “Zirconium Meconium” in Sept., 2015.

Altogether, the band’s music is an ambitious feat that melts into your soul with a metallic consistency – that is to say it slinks in slowly with a bubbly consistency to ooze all around and envelope you. Both their EP and album showcases the band’s youth and vibrancy that is paired with an older style.

Those willing to take a melodic trip – take time to set aside a good hour or so – should check out “Peace Crimes,” “A Friend in Lonely Jesus” and “Hinterland” off of “Zirconium Merconium.”

In a press release, the band themselves describe their album as a “collection of songs musically interpreting the third dimensional integration process from the perspective of vital force energy incarnating into the physical world.”

This ambiguous, yet in depth quote gives insight into the creative and wildly fantastical minds of these young music makers.

Fever the Ghost will be accompanied by Fartbarf, HOTT MT, Charlie Bird at the Echoplex. This event is free with RSVP at the Echoplex’s website, and is 21 and over only. Doors open at 8 p.m.. For RSVP info, visit the Echoplex’s website here.

To check out music by Fever the Ghost, visit their website here.

Source:: Fever the Ghost set to play a free show at the Echoplex

By pcsanchez7505

Riothorse Royale, an indie rock duo currently residing in LA, will be playing at The Echo in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

This feisty band, consisting of Madi Diaz and Emily Greene, may only have a handful of released songs under their name – Diaz herself released a pop infused album last fall – but they are on the radar of many music enthusiasts, and deservedly so.

Diaz and Greene met years ago on the east coast, but didn’t get together until just recently when they reconnected in Los Angeles, and I’m so glad the universe decided to bring these two together again.

The duo takes fans down the “rabbit hole” with their music, which is an ethereal mix of striking vocals, dreamy melodies and not so grounded lyrics – having two singers who can belt it out as well as they do is definitely a plus.

The way these two ladies play with their melodies and exchange vocals throughout their songs is breathtaking and could give even the most stoic fan chills. Lyrically the two delve into the depths of love, forgiveness and a questioning sense of belonging.

Their EP “The Guest House” is a crafty contraption that grips ahold of its listeners from start to finish and while short – 17 minutes is not long enough for such a delightful trip – it achieves what every good EP should do – it makes you want more.

The two have played a handful of shows since last year at venues such as The Roxy, The Bardot and most recently The Satellite. The infrequency of their shows should be an incentive enough to not miss them this November.

Doors open at The Echo at 8 p.m., with Riothorse Royale playing later on in the night, and at just $10 a ticket, this tenacious duo is worth checking out, even on a Tuesday night.

To hear more from Riothorse Royale, you can visit their website, or check out their soundcloud.

For tickets to their show at the Echo, click here.

Source:: Riothorse Royale set to play LA’s Echo

By pcsanchez7505

Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour took us around the world, sent us spiraling through time and space and showed us a spectacle of events all within the convenient confines of The Forum in Los Angeles.

The diva, the original Queen herself, made a dynamic appearance Tuesday night thrilling Southern California fans. Her entry on stage was nothing short of dramatic — dropping from the ceiling and looking sexy all caged up.

True to her theatrical heart, Madonna came strutting out in a stunning Eastern influenced outfit and jumped right into an intricate choreography with her back up dancers, but not before showing her fans a lusty video clip inspired by her Rebel Heart album.

As if we needed any reminder as to who she was, Madonna’s second song made it ever so clear, and right from the beginning, she showed us she meant business, after all, she is Madonna bitches.

Her energy held strong throughout the entire night as she performed well over two hours, changing costumes countless times and engaging with fans in a natural and naughty way.

Now, for the past 30 plus years, we’ve all heard the buzz about a Madonna show. Granted, her hype can be a bit overbearing, but it’s entirely justified. True to the perfectionist in her, Madonna’s choreography, cues and even spontaneous moments were all perfectly executed, making for a captivating concert — her ego isn’t the only thing that’s kept her around all these years.

The fans themselves were a spectacle to behold as their concert attire ranged from classic 80s Madonna chic to present day Rebel Heart fashion.

At the end of the night, Madonna tipped her hat, and ass, to another vivacious pop figure, Katy Perry. Perry was brought on stage by the performer, and she playfully went along with Madonna, walking the runway and dirty dancing with her “mother” pop idol. Both ladies ended the night with a sly smile and ambiguous innuendo.

Madonna saved a celebration for her last song before bidding a fond farewell to her “bitches.” Her set for the night included renditions of her classic hits — who’d ever think this girl would hear “Like a Virgin” live — and modern hits off “Rebel Heart.”

Throughout the night, she gave words of wisdom to her fans, instilling in their rebel hearts that uniqueness, community and understanding are the fundamental ideals to live by.

“When suddenly you don’t feel alone in the world, and yet you don’t judge others for being different,” she said.

If we all had to look forward to the spunk, moxy and no-fucks-given attitude that Madonna seems to be radiating these days, then I’m not so scared about getting older.

Source:: Madonna unleashes her rebel heart in the city of angels

By pcsanchez7505

Moving Units, the slinky and vivacious punk-dance band from Los Angeles, are working on a new LP, “Damage with Care” and are gearing up to embark on a fall tour that will take them across the states with two stops in Southern California in mid-December.

Members Blake Miller, Mike Delgado, Danny DeLeon and new addition Azad Cheikosman invite fans to come out, dance with them and enjoy a night of fast paced music, whirling movement and a blur of excitement.

“Neurotic Exotic,” the last album the band released was back in 2013. This year, they’ve been back in the studio to work on “Damage with Care” – the band finished mixing on their last song in early Sept., but the release date for the LP has yet to be determined.

Moving Units recently made an appearance at Beach Goth, a punk-dance music festival put on by the beach-punk band The Growlers. Their shows created a crazy hodgepodge of people who came out to do two things: dance and listen to raw, heart-pounding music.

Now, I got the chance to see Moving Units earlier this year at a smaller show. It was my first time going to such an occasion – the concerts I cruise are usually Indie, alternative and sometimes even electro – and never have I jumped into a pit of chaotic fans all buzzing for an unhinged band (all this I say with the sincerest endearment).

This isn’t to say I don’t listen to or like punk. On the contrary, I like it quite a bit. Moving Units are a great example, and their mix of raw punk and danceable beats make their music all the more enjoyable to listen to.

The “Dance Party USA” tour will be no exception to their phenomenal live performances. The first date is scheduled for Nov. 4 in Denver, Colorado and Moving Units will make their way across the states and then back again to end with three shows in California – San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles on Dec. 10, 11 and 19 respectively.

Anyone in Southern California should definitely check out one of their shows before the year comes to an end — I highly recommend catching them for their LA gig which will be at The Roxy. You can purchase tickets here.

Source:: Moving Units gear up for Dance Party USA Tour

By pcsanchez7505

Albert Hammond Jr., fashion designer, former Strokes guitarist and all around musical badass, played an amazing set on Oct. 14 at the newly established Teragram Ballroom.

Hammond, who released his third studio album, “Momentary Masters,” this past July, played to a full house of fans who were as rowdy and energetic as ever.

During the night, legs, arms and various other body parts flailed around in the pit as the show went from 0 to 80 in a matter of a few guitar riffs.

Even moments before Hammond took the stage, fans were swaying and humming with anticipation. The lights went dim and the Strokes extraordinaire himself walked in candidly to jump into his opening song.

“I feel like I should come down to your level,” said Hammond as he walked on stage, lowered his mic to kneel down and sing at eye level to the crowd.

Hammond played nearly 20 songs including a three-song set list. Songs from all three of Hammond’s albums were weaved into the night in a seamless stream of metallic waves and energy.

Although the fans themselves got a little too crazy at times, Hammond was happy to play to his audience and kept his cool throughout the night, even staying after to talk to the few faithful who lingered to meet the veteran musician.

“Losing Touch,” “Razor’s Edge” and “Blue” Skies” were among the powerhouse set list. As a solo artist, Hammond leaves the rowdy energy to his fans, while still maintaining his own raw power on stage.

Hammond’s third studio album was released through Vagrant Records and is a great collection of songs that radiate a positive energy.

Source:: Albert Hammond Jr. tears down the newly built up Teragram Ballroom

By pcsanchez7505

The Lonely Wild, an Indie Folk band from Los Angeles, California, will make a stop at The Satellite on Monday, Oct. 26 to play an intimate show. The band has been touring the states following the release of their new album, “Chasing White Light.”

Over the years, the group has toured and played with a variety of musicians including the likes of Damien Rice, The Lone Bellow, Lord Huron, Laura Marling, Phosphorescent, Dwight Yoakam and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

In addition to that, they’ve played a handful of prominent festivals across the United States — the band notes their sound and new album have been influenced by all these eclectic experiences.

A questioning, yet collective album of melodies and striking lyrics, “Chasing White Light” finds itself in the realms of a beautifully pensive piece of work that would feel right at home in a mix tape of other folk bands such as Hey Marseilles, The Tallest Man on Earth and The Head and the Heart.

While this new album very much has the taste of folk music, it’s no pure brew. It mixes in moments of calming sips with hints of excitement paralleled to your first espresso shot after a long night out – these moments are supercharged and come together delightfully like the best dirty chai mix.

The Lonely Wild, as their name would insinuate, have beautiful streams of contradictions in this album – they chase a white light, not so much a reference to cocaine, but rather a long and distant journey coming to terms with death. It’s an album about the inevitable end, yet, reflects on moments in life to come to a sentimental acceptance – we live, we love, we die.

There’s nothing disheartening by the end of this album though, and the white light, or black fade, has been addressed and dealt with in a metaphysical and spiritual way.

Most notably, the band is able to sum up their album in one stirring line found in the sixth track, “Funeral.” – “And I am thankful just to know you, like I know you, and not to know what’s gonna happen.”

The whole album itself is a tasteful sip of nostalgia, beauty and power. We’re given moments and glimmers of life and death that we’re all the better for having been a part of.

The Lonely Wild will share this experience two weeks from this Monday in a free, 21 and over show at The Satellite as part of the Balcony TV residency. Other artists for the night include Pom Poms, Alyeska and Burning Jet Black.

You can buy “Chasing White Light” via the band’s website or through iTunes. For more information about this and their upcoming show, visit The Lonely Wild’s website here.

Source:: The Lonely Wild bring new music to The Satellite

By pcsanchez7505

It’s a bit of an understatement to say Jon Foreman’s stop at the Pomona Glass House last Wednesday was just a performance. In truth, his whole set was very unplanned. That spontaneity unfolded in the most beautiful of ways though, and made for a very honest, sometimes awkward, but completely engaging night.

Before Foreman even took the stage, paper and pens were passed around to have fans write songs they’d like to hear that night. Those notes found their way on stage at Foreman’s feet and became the guidelines for the night.

Foreman started off with three songs from his four-part EP series “The Wonderlands.” He quickly revealed what type of night it would be though when he charmingly forgot the lyrics to his song “Caroline.”

“Usually I wait till the end of the night to show that I don’t know the lyrics of my own songs,” noted Foreman.

The rest of the night was filled with Switchfoot/Foreman songs and a humdrum of cover songs chosen by fans that fell anywhere from contemporary hip hop chart toppers to classic surfer rock and roll tunes — honestly though, hearing Foreman perform an impromptu cover of the Beach Boys is always right.

The night began and ended in a communal prayer hymn that was aided not just by the opening act — a wide-eyed and honest guitarist with swaying church lyrics — but by the audience itself.

During the latter half of the show, Foreman stalled briefly to explain how just an hour prior to performing, he met a young woman who traveled all the way from India to see his show and hopefully perform a song with him on stage. He then invited the young girl, Pragya Tripath, on stage to sing a duet of “June and Johnny,” which made everyone’s night.

Throughout the night Foreman weaved in inspirational pep talks and delightful tangents that made it clear to his fans that life sometimes leads us to very unexpected moments and truths, and that should be celebrated.

His show proved to be a beautiful conglomeration in which he and his fans created a unique moment of chaos in the best way possible.

“The reason why I love awkward is because life, at its most honest, when we are the most completely real is super awkward,” noted Foreman. “I think we put up a lot of good faces, but behind those faces is fear and disappointment and pain…and awkward. So I’m raising my imaginary glass to chaos and awkward.”

Foreman recently revealed that on Oct. 23, he will be performing 25 shows in 24 hours in various places around San Diego. The concept behind these performances he said, is to reflect the chaos and urgency around him as well as the message of “The Wonderlands.”

“I’m always trying to fit 25 things into 24 hours,” said Foreman. “This musical journey felt like the perfect way to express ‘the wonderlands.”

All proceeds will go toward Switchfoots Bro-Am Foundation. For more information about these performances, visit his website here.

Source:: Jon Foreman Embraces the Chaos in Downtown Pomona