Six musicians from six L.A. bands, six songs, one hell of a mind trip. That’s how the math works out for Bright Beast, whose intrepid experimentation on their debut EP recalls myriad sonic adventurers of old. The cast of characters includes Christian Biel (the Transmissions), Nicholas Ceglio (George Glass), Chris Hernandez (the Happy Hollows), Christopher […]
“Lord Knows, the new single from Dum Dum Girls, is a languid, hazy affair that furthers the template set by So Cal quartet’s great 2011 album “Only in Dreams” – deeply personal songwriting delivered in the increasingly honed quaver of singer Kristin Gundred (aka Dee Dee). The song is the cornerstone of the band’s “End […]
We’d barely gotten ourselves prepped for the Grandaddy reunion show (Aug. 13 at the Fonda, with their Central Valley brethren Earlimart) than the news hit that Jason Lytle has a new album on the way. “Dept. of Disappearance” arrives Oct. 16 via Anti-, and the title track is signature Lytle – swirling electronics, whimsical lyrics […]
We show July the door in a very big way: ‣ The Ruby Friedman Orchestra, the Lonely Wild and the New Limb kick off the new KCSN/Buzz Bands LA live music series at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood. Doors at 8. ‣ Tenacious D wind up a long tour behind their new album “Rize […]
Jacob Cooper has earned his merit badge in rhythms by playing in plenty of punk bands. He’s lent his drumming skills to the Mae Shi, Signals, Bark Bark Bark and most recently Wavves. Now he steps out on his own under the moniker Heaven, but despite the name, Cooper’s solo sounds isn’t influenced by anything […]
Youngblood Hawke sank its hooks in L.A. audiences early last summer with the single “Rootless,” one of those anthems-for-these-uncertain-times that boasted an irresistible chorus. Coming from minds of Sam Martin and Simon Katz – both former members of Iglu & Hartly – Youngblood Hawke’s first EP bore even more pop goodness, and unlike their previous […]
Here a few more new songs from three forthcoming albums… The Mountain Goats, “Cry For Judas” – John Darnielle and the gang return with a new album, “Transcendental Youth,” which is due Oct. 2 via Merge Records. The lead single off the record is the first song of theirs to feature a swinging horn section, […]
A very happy Monday to you: ‣ Big night of pop and rock at the Hollywood Bowl, with Kelly Clarkson (pictured) headlining and the Fray and Carolina Liar kicking things off. ‣ Neon Trees rock the Wiltern behind their latest effort “Picture Show.” Penguin Prison and JJAMZ open. ‣ Andy Clockwise and Of Verona team […]
Incoming: Hard Summer 2012, the New L.A. Folk Fest, Kelly Clarkson, Neon Trees, Andy Clockwise, the Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Tenacious D, Jason Falkner, the Mynabirds, Best Coast, Tears for Fears, TV on the Radio, Grouplove, Real Estate, the Belle Brigade, Beachwood Sparks, the Bangles, Tempest and more. Above: Chrysta Bell, the singer who collaborated with […]
