‘Also I Like to Rock’ comes to Hammer in July

Kevin Bronson on
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Soul revivalists and recent Dangerbird Records signees Fitz & the Tantrums [pictured], new indie-pop supergroup Admiral Radley and emerging L.A. rock bands Saint Motel and Voxhaul Broadcast highlight the lineup for this year’s Also I Like to Rock series at the Hammer Museum in July.

The series, presented by the Hammer and KCRW-FM and curated by Buzz Bands LA (yes, that’s me), offers free, all-ages shows in the museum’s courtyard on the first four Thursday nights in July. Doors open at 7, with KCRW selectors DJing around two live sets per night.

Here’s the full lineup, from the press release (disclosure: which I assisted in writing):

July 1

Saint Motel – The wildly cinematic indie-pop quartet has stamped itself as one of the most cathartic performers on the Los Angeles scene, marrying its danceable rock with imaginative visuals and bending convention wherever possible.

Kitten – Frontwoman Chloe Chaidez is only 15 years old, but her quartet’s music – tuneful, edgy, heady pop-rock – already has fans everywhere purring, even without a formal release. The foursome’s shows have revealed a star on the rise.

KCRW DJ: Dan Wilcox

adradbandJuly 8

Admiral Radley – What happens when members of two acclaimed indie bands get together? Magic, judging from the deft touches on the forthcoming album “I Heart California.” The brand-new quartet is the brainchild of Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch of Grandaddy and Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray of Earlimart.

The Happy Hollows – Don’t be deceived by Sarah Negahdari’s pixie-ish charm – the Los Angeles trio’s frontwoman packs a wallop with every yelp and guitar lick. Their debut album “Spells” brims with tightly wound but playful indie-rock and exhilarating choruses.

KCRW DJ: Anne Litt

July 15

Fitz & the Tantrums – Motown’s golden age springs to life with vital, new energy in the music of the sharp-dressed sextet. They’re proof positive that fun, funky blue-eyed soul will never go out of style.  Watch for an announcement in June revealing the second band to rock this eclectic evening.

KCRW DJ: Garth Trinidad

July 22

Voxhaul Broadcast – These KCRW favorites craft hook-filled anthems of love and longing and have established themselves as a “Next Big Thing” wherever they’ve taken the stage.

Chasing Kings – The Los Angeles quartet’s breathtaking indie-pop is the stuff of twining guitar riffs, rollicking keys and soaring melodies, all packaged in surprising ways. No surprise that its debut EP “The Current State of Our Future” has won fans instantly.

KCRW DJ: Chuck P

It’s the sixth season for Also I Like to Rock, which in past years has featured the likes Silversun Pickups, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, the Little Ones, the Duke Spirit, Tokyo Police Club, the Deadly Syndrome, Band of Skulls, Shiny Toy Guns and Rocco Deluca.

Fitz photo by Laurie Scavo