Kevin Bronson on August 24th, 2009

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[Here we are, Sunset Junction hangover and all, starting another great week of shows:]

One of the most memorable sets last April at Coachella was Friendly Fires’ early-afternoon assault in 100-degree (give or take) heat in the Gobi Tent. In fact, I’ll venture to say it was almost superhuman – both on the part of the British four-piece and on the part of fans so packed in and overheated you were surprised not to walk away wearing part of your friend’s tattoo. Their electrifying dance-rock was a hit in L.A. from the first time they set foot in Spaceland, and they’re back tonight, playing a sold-out El Rey Theater before traipsing back across the Atlantic to play the Reading Festival. Opening fare: The dancey psych-rock of the Phenomenal Handclap Band (who are also playing Cinespace on Tuesday, with the Friendly Fires lads DJing). … NYC anti-folk duo Paleface visits the Hotel Cafe, touring behind a new release “This Show Is on the Road.” [Interesting Q&A here.] … It’s an excellent night to hit one of Silver Lake/Echo Park residencies too – Magic Mirror opens for residents Lower Heaven at the Silver Lake Lounge, and the Parson Red Heads and the Flying Tourbillon Orchestra support Local Natives at Spaceland. … Also: Venus Infers at the Detroit Bar; Six Organs of Admittance at the Echo; and Paige Stark at Echo Curio.

Photo by Martina Woerz