For an unsigned, independent artist, singer-guitarist Axel Steuerwald has always been able to coax a big, radio-ready sound out of his bands’ recordings, first with Mere Mortals and now with the new quartet United Ghosts. So it goes with the new single “Holes Into the Night,” a dreamy, driving slice of neo-shoegaze rock made in […]
‣ Bob Mould, whose three decades in rock includes seminal bands such as Hüsker Dü and Sugar and an estimable catalog of solo work, is feted in the program “See a Little Light: A Celebration of the Music and Legacy of Bob Mould” at Disney Hall. The program, hosted by veteran DJ Matt Pinfield, features […]
The final tabulations aren’t in, but Hanni El Khatib’s sizzling slab of bluesy garage-rock “Will the Guns Come Out” will end up somewhere high on Buzz Bands LA’s list of top local albums of 2011. He may also win an award for one of the most interesting road trips of the summer – he was […]
Groupies, this laugh is on you. Margaret Cho’s video for “Baby I’m With the Band” (from her comedy music album “Cho Dependent”) was made at this year’s Bonnaroo 2010, where she romped with rock luminaries too numerous to mention. (Check out the look on Brendan Benson’s face at 1:15.) It’s posted here not just because […]
Fun, fun Friday: ‣ Hey, Cold War Kids, it’s been a while. Last spotted turning in a brilliant sunset set at FYF Fest, the L.A. quartet plays a hometown date at the Troubadour behind their release from earlier this year, “Mine Is Yours.” Electric Flower, the new duo pairing Imaad Wasif and Secret Machines drummer […]
Future Islands‘ set at FYF Fest was one of the most memorable of the afternoon, and with good reason. With a profound romanticism that parallels their high energy, the Baltimore synth-pop band has one of the most highly regarded albums of the year. “On the Water” (out now via Thrill Jockey Records) is roller-coaster of […]
The soundscapes on Julia Holter’s debut album “Tragedy” are equal parts hallucination and incarceration. Oh, and mythology, too, since the Cal Arts-educated Los Angeles composer’s work is based on the Greek play by Euripedes. Holter’s collages are glued together by synth, harmonium, percussive field recordings and her plaintive voice, and at times you’d feel like […]
There is retro-pop that’s retro first and pop second, and there’s retro-pop that abides the song over aesthetic. On “Try Again,” the new single from Nicholas Ruth, the L.A. composer-songwriter doesn’t tumble into any production morass; he merely lets his Motown mojo take over, and to great effect. Ruth is the former guitarist/backing vocalist in […]
On the town tonight: ‣ Swedish new-new wavers the Sounds headline the Wiltern behind their new album “Something to Die For.” That’s their video for “Dance With the Devil,” above. Funeral Party and the Limousines support. ‣ Chicago quartet Company Of Thieves, their new album “Running From a Gamble” out earlier this year, visit the […]
L.A.’s Family of the Year never seemed comfortable with staying inside the lines that separated the genres of folk, pop and electronica. But within that rebellious songwriting, hooks have never been a problem for the band whether they came forward with raw, harmony-laden ballads such as “Summer Girl” or explored Euro-disco soundscapes with jams such […]
