Kevin Bronson on August 6th, 2015

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Meet the new Bootleg … same as the old Bootleg?

Not quite. The Bootleg Theater resumed shows Wednesday night after a five-week hiatus during which the Beverly Boulevard venue hired an in-house talent buyer and began a series of other tweaks.

The most noticeable changes were the blood-red curtain behind the bar’s stage — behind it is some soundproofing intended to make the room sound less harsh — and new, brighter stage lighting.

Whether it was the soundproofing or the new JPL sound system, it did indeed sound less “warehouse-y” at Wednesday’s show, which was headlined by the South Bay/Long Beach outfit Merry Christmas. The band, formed by Jeff Enzor and Justin Conway, delivered a delicious set of jagged pop-punk.

That followed an impressive set by L.A. trio Criminal Hygiene, whose occasionally sardonic new material recalls vintage Replacements. Long Beach’s Colossal Wrecks were rock-solid with their loud-and-proud emo as well.

As for other things on the horizon, the Bootleg is planning some improvements to the larger back room as well. For now, the bar remains beer-and-wine-only, although owners are seeking a full liquor license.

Photos by Zane Roessell