Kevin Bronson on April 17th, 2013

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Who: JEFF the Brotherhood at the Outdoor Theatre
In 3 or Fewer Words: More disappointing rookies.
Forgettable Because: JEFF the Brotherhood was the third drum-and-guitar rock duo to play Coachella this weekend – following Japandroids and Deap Vally – and of the three, the Tennessee brother rockers showed the greatest limitations of the configuration. (Never mind that the swampy guitar-licks bubble already burst thanks to the Black Keys.) Most the set was a bore; too much guitar wanking, not enough audience engagement. JEFF the Brotherhood only sniffed at redemption when they expanded to a four-piece for the final four songs, finally bringing some of the fun of their nice little record into the live show. “We didn’t work out a set-list for this sh*t,” singer-guitarist Jake Orrall muttered, “so we have no clue what time it is.” No clue indeed. Why is it up-start buzzed-about indie rock bands always fall flat on the Coachella Outdoor Stage? (See: Yuck, 2012)
What I’d Tell My Friend Who Was At Thee Oh Sees: Maybe your band could teach mine a thing or two about stage presence?
– Ben “Mouse” McShane (Photo by Scott Dudelson)