When starting off learning an instrument or playing in a band, the first thing everyone does is start playing other bands music. It’s a great and fun way to learn your instrument, and it makes you feel like the rock star you are emulating. As bands develop, they will go onto writing their own music and finding their own sound. However, most bands will still perform a cover or two over their career. Finding someone else’s song that they love, but they want to transform it and make it their own. One band that took the idea of transforming some one else’s song and making their own is Our Last Night, who have self-designated themselves as the “World’s Best Cover Band.” Our Last Night is specifically known for taking pop songs, hip hop tunes, even Disney classics, and turning them into post-hardcore beats that metalheads can mosh to. After three years of not playing a live show, Our Last Night came to The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA on their Welcome Back Tour. Bringing with them Fame on Fire and Rain City Drive.
First up for the night was Rain City Drive. I was fortunate enough to see them last year and was very excited to see them again. Vocalist Matt McAndrew comes across as one of the most charming frontmen in the post-hardcore genre, and he has the pipes of an angel. Lead guitarist Weston Richmond and rhythm guitarist Felipe Sanchez work together perfectly to create melodies and drive in their guitar lines, that you can’t help but air guitar to. Bassist Colin Vieira and drummer Zachary Baker hold down the low end and maintain a solid beat that fans can head bang to. Even though it was raining and quite chilly this night, Matt got the venue all steamy as he tied off the top of his jump suit and bared some skin for the ladies. Rain City Drive played some of their best hits which included “Prayers,” “Talk to a Friend,” “Dreams,” “Heavier,” “Blood Runs Cold,” “Waiting on You,” “Dying For,” and ending their set with “Cutting it Close.” Rain City Drive continues to put on solid shows, and I hope to see them on their own headlining tour soon enough.
Up next was another band that developed a following doing a lot of covers, that is Fame on Fire. Even though they are known for a lot of their covers, Fame on Fire has started to make a name for themselves and their own music with their last album, Welcome to the Chaos. Opening the night with “Rotting Away,” vocalist Bryan Kuznitz stepped out into a dimly lit stage and just let the energy of the crowd simmer. This was a bit softer way to start the set than I had expected, but as the song built and guitarist Blake Saul started pulling out some of the crunchiest riffs, the lights came up and the crowd started going wild. Bassist Paul Spirou grooves along with drummer Alex Roman powerful double bass beats perfectly. Spirou and Roman’s beats let the crowd bounce to the rhythm of every song. Bryan Kurnits has a powerful voice that he uses to move between melodic clean singing, to more aggressive screaming, and busting out vicious roars when needed through songs like “Her Eyes,” “Welcome to the Chaos,” “Robbery,” “Emo Shit,” “Ketamine,” “Lost in Doubt,” “Cut Throat,” “Headspace,” “Signs,” and “Plastic Heart.” Fame on Fire prove they are more than just a cover band, as every original song that night had people singing band to the band and rocking out.
As the crowd awaited their headliner to hit the stage, a lighting rig was setup in the Observatory that made this 1,200 capacity venue feel like we were at a stadium show. Our Last Night hit the stage with the Masked Wolf song “Astronaut in the Ocean,” and their lighting rig lit up the stage. You could tell that co-lead vocalist Trevor Wentworth was eager to be on that stage that night, as his energy could not be contained. Multiple times jumping onto the back of the security barricade and singing right into the faces of the screaming fans, who ate up every second of it. Handling the other half of co-lead vocals and guitar was Matt Wentworth, who refused to be stuck behind the mic stand and would rock out across the entire stage. Drummer Tim Molloy was a bit lost visually in the back due to the massive lighting rig, but his playing was could not be ignored. Molloy finds the perfect balance of taking pop beats and making them metalcore. The night was filled with a good mix of both original Our Last Night songs and covers that included “Same Old War,” “BURIED ALIVE,” “Road to the Throne,” “abcdefu” originally by GAYLE, “Broken Lives,” “Flowers” originally by Miley Cyrus, “NO HELP,” “Common Ground,” “you broke my first” originally by Tate McRae, “Graveyard,” and ending their set with “Sunrise.” Our Last Night played a 17 song set that never let the energy die down or waiver.
The Welcome Back Tour was a unique one as Trevor explained. As when the pandemic hit, Our Last Night wasn’t sure what the future of their band was going to be, or even if there would be a tour in the future. Luckily for the fans, Our Last Night did decide to come back, and the fans showed up in waves selling out the Observatory. Reassuring that Our Last Night has a dedicated fan base that is ready to rock out with the band any time. Fame on Fire and Rain City Drive continue to build their fanbases and prove they can get a crowd jumping and going crazy. I can’t wait to be back at the Observatory, or seeing Our Last Night, Fame on Fire, or Rain City Drive next time they are in town.
The night started off with the doors opening at 9 with a DJ spinning old skool hip hop tracks. This was some of the best DJing I’ve heard in a long time, great songs, great mixing and great cutting and scratching. He was followed by two other DJs, equally as good. DOPE! They were all amazing and the crowd was so into it, rapping along to each song and dancing….so much dancing. I especially enjoyed the third DJ because he was from the Caribbean and played some old and new reggae/dancehall joints. I was one of the few in the crowd that knew everything he was spinning, but I didn’t care! Like the previous night with KRS-One, this crowd of 45-60 year olds started getting tired by the time midnight rolled around. The dancing slowed, the crowd getting a little antsy, wondering when Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick would hit the stage. As the clock hit 12:30 am we were all ready, so ready for them. Three DJs came out and started to get ready, yes they had three DJs up on stage with them. Around 12:40 Doug E Fresh (aka Human Beat Box, The Worlds Greatest Entertainer) comes running out on stage and the crowd went crazy! “Let’s have some fun tonight” he yelled. He started with “Keep Risin’ To The Top,” what a great way to start the night. Crowd dancing along with Doug. He then went into “I-Ight (Alright)" going back and forth with the crowd;
AiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYO! I-IGHT?!
AiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYO! I-IGHT?!
AiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYO! I-IGHT?!
AiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYO! I-IGHT?!
The crowd was feeding into what Doug E was giving us and everyone was loving it. His dancing was so sweet and picking up as he went into each song. As he went into “Let Me Clear My Throat” the crowd started jumping with Doug E Fresh and singing right along. "Everybody jump, jump, jump, jump, Jump, jump, jump, Everybody jump, jump, jump, jump, Jump, jump, jump!"
Now if y'all want to party like we do
If y'all want to party like us, lemme hear ya say
Ah ah ah ah ah (crowd)
If y'all want to party like we do
If y'all want to party like us lemme hear ya say
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah (crowd)
Now when I say uh, you say ah
Uh (crowd) Uh (crowd)
And now when I say hey, you say ha
Hey (crowd) hey (crowd)
Now when I say uh, you say ah
Uh (crowd) Uh (crowd)
Now when I say hey you say ha
Hey (crowd)
Now when I say freeze you just freeze one time
When I say freeze y'all stop on a dime
When I say freeze you just freeze one time
When I say freeze y'all stop on a dime
Freeze
The DJs flowed into “Teach Me How To Dougie” and Doug says, “This record “Teach Me How To Dougie,” if you have not known this yet, and you’ve been living someplace else in the world, I got to tell you….I AM DOUGIE, I made this dance up a long time ago, so what your kids are doing….I made that up a long time ago, so right now, for your looking pleasure, I gonna give you….you, the blueprint of the Dougie!” And he showed us all how to Dougie! He then took us back in time to “Da Butt” and “Candy.” He had everyone get out their phones (I think everyone already had them out) to turn their lights on for his next hit, “Shine A Light On Em.” And then the song I think the entire crowd came to hear came on…Slick Rick (The Ruler, MC Ricky D, Rick the Ruler) walked on stage with Doug E Fresh and we knew it was going to be amazing. I saw Slick Rick last summer without Doug and while it was so nice hearing the Show, it was missing the two together. They work so good together, the flow is perfect and the night just got so much better. “Hey Slick, where’s the party at? Is the party over here? Is the party over here? Is the party over here? Say Hoooo…….somebody, anybody, SCREAM!” Up until this point we didn’t get much of Doug E Fresh’s beat boxing, but he completely killed it during “The Show.” The crowd was so hyped listening to them together. They brought out Lil Vicious to perform the 1994 hit “Freaks,” and he sounded so good, Doug E Fresh beat boxing the entire song, this was one that got the crowd dancing. Then Slick Rick stepped back up for another song we were all waiting to hear….”La Di Da Di” no music just Doug E Fresh with the beat box and Slick with his flow. I can’t explain how sweet it was to hear the two of them doing their thang on stage. The crowd rapping right along with Slick Rick. He then went into “Hey Young World” as the crowd was all bobbin’ their heads. Slick then took it up a notch with “Mona Lisa”
Well, it was one of those days, not much to do
I was chillin' downtown, with my old school crew
I went into a store, to buy a slice of pizza
And bumped into a girl, her name was Mona, what?
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, so men made you (what?)
And what did we all want to hear from The Ruler? He flows into “Children’s Story,” the crowd rapping right along with Ricky D….
There lived a lil' boy (Rick) who was misled (crowd)
By anotha lil' boy (Rick) and this is what he said (crowd)
"Me and Ty, we gonna (Rick) make sum cash (crowd)
Robbin' old folks (Rick) and makin' the dash" (crowd)
He finished up the song with a nice little dance which made the crowd go nuts! Slick was done for the night as he strolled off the stage, but not before stopping at the end of the stage to sign an autograph for someone in the crowd. The night was finished off with a truly amazing beat box by Doug E Fresh. It must have gone on for a minute and a half and I have never heard anything like it. He held his hand up while beat boxing and counted to five with his fingers and then counted down, and back up, and back down for the entire time he was beat boxing. I have been to a lot of concerts through the years and that might be the most amazing thing I have ever heard live. We’ve all heard his beat box on his songs, we’ve heard video clips of him, but to hear it in person was simple crazy. And he was dancing like he was still 20 years old all night long. I cannot understand how he gets all those sounds, beats and noises to not only come out of him, but work so well. My wife and I, four days later, are still talking about it. We understand why Slick Rick is The Ruler and Doug E Fresh was dubbed The Worlds Greatest Entertainer by Chuck D while touring together.
-One Love, Todd
When you think of a typical EDM show, I bet you immediately think of a dark room, thunderous bass, smoke and lights, and a godly silhouette of a DJ perched on an elevated platform. Behind the boards, it’s expected that this DJ will mix tracks, turn knobs, mess with the levels, and clap their hands in the air as you lose yourself to the music. While that is the typical formula that has worked for hundreds of DJ’s, Steve Aoki’s live performances have kicked that up a notch. One of the reasons why Steve Aoki has gone onto become one of the biggest names in international dance music is he understood what it meant to put on a show and not just play a set. In addition to delivering great music all night long, Aoki has been known for over-the-top production, guest appearances, and on-stage antics like crowd surfing in inflatable rafts and (in)famously throwing full-sized sheet cakes into faces in audience. Steve Aoki’s HiroQuest Genesis Tour made a stop at the Shrine Auditorium on 3/10/2023 and I knew I had stop by to witness the mayhem. Let’s hop into it.
First up was Juuku. The bass-house DJ opened with a captivating set that swung from pulsating dark dubstep to slow emotional tunes. He absolutely killed it and proved why he is one of Dim Mak’s rising stars. Up next was Regard. I was not familiar with Regard’s music until this show, but I am now a certified fan. In 2019, Regard blew up when his song “Ride It” went viral on TikTok. Unlike other musicians who have blown up and fizzled away as one-hit-wonders, Regard stuck around because “Ride It” simply unlocked the rest of his catalog to the masses. From beginning to end, Regard pumped out high energy tracks that kept the crowd moving all set long. Second to last was Morten. The Danish DJ served the crowd with a heavy dose of “future rave” bangers, a term coined by both Morten and his close friend David Guetta. Bridging the genres of techno and house, Morten was the perfect layup for the final act of the night, Steve Aoki.
After a short intermission, the crowd erupted as Aoki appeared behind the boards. Diving right into his set, the music was accompanied by full blown animated visuals, smoke, confetti bombs, streamers, lights, and pyrotechnics. The Dim Mak founder simultaneously hit the crowd with a flurry of surprise guests. The crowd was treated to appearances by Dixie Damelio, Hayley Kiyoko, Kiiara, Moxie Raia, No Love For The Middle Child, Bok Nero, Grandson, and Snow Tha Product. Each of them were warmly greeted by the fans as they performed the vocals to their respective Aoki-produced songs. Near the end of the night, Aoki’s entourage came out with the sheet cakes. Bullseye after bullseye, Aoki nailed several fans in the face with a Dim Mak branded cake. The crowd (literally) ate it up as Aoki winded down his set with a few more jams and finally called it a night.
All in all, Steve Aoki absolutely surpassed all expectations in a carefully curated show. He dropped all his viral hits, brought out a star-studded lineup of beloved guests, took full advantage of grand level production, and interacted with the fans on a level that most DJs cannot. Go see this act next time he’s playing near you. You will not regret it. After seeing him kill it at the Shrine Auditorium, it became really clear to me: Steve Aoki is not just a DJ. He’s the life of the party.
Discovering and sharing new music can be one of the most joyous experiences in the world. Finding new bands and artists on your own can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. But one that can feel even more unique and powerful is when a friend introduces a new band or song to you. Maybe they played the song to you when you were hanging out, they made a mix tape for you to take home, they sent you some songs to listen to. It can be one of the best feelings that someone heard a band or song, and thought they had to share this with you specifically. Our own Hunnypot Live Executive Editor Matthew Belter saw this band called Hot Milk at Sad Summer Fest last year and thought I should check them out. And I am so glad he did, as they quickly climbed up on my daily listening music. When Hot Milk announced a short three-day SoCal tour, I was so happy to see the Constellation Room in Santa Ana was one of their stops. Having the bands Magic Whatever and Tiny Stills opening for them, it was time to see why Matthew Belter thought I needed to see Hot Milk live.
Opening the night was a Los Angeles native band called Tiny Stills, who were doing a stripped-down acoustic set with just lead singer Kailynn West on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and having AJ Peacox on lead guitar and backing vocals. This duo brought a bit more of a softer edge to open the show as it was an acoustic set. Tiny Stills was still a joy to watch and experience with melodies and grooves that got the crowd vibing throughout the whole set. Kailynn was was so cheerful and charismatic on stage, her smile was infectious as she sang out to the crowd. AJ still managed to make those lead guitar lines sound powerful on an acoustic guitar. Tiny Stills played songs like “Schadenfreude,” “Craigslist Bed,” “Small Talk,” “Am I Dead Yet,” “Resting in Pieces,” “The Sad Year Katy Perry Saved My Life,” “Let’s Fall in Love,” and ending their set with “Everything’s Going Great.” Tiny Stills acoustic set made new fans that night, and I would be excited to see what a full electric band performance would be like.
Up next was a group known as Magic Whatever. With a name like this, I was very intrigued to see what kind of music they were gonna bring. Magic Whatever brought a type of funk rock to the Constellation room. Fronted by Trever Stewart who had the aesthetic and charisma on stage to rival Yungblud. Running from side to side, playing to the entire audience, and nearly stumbled across the stage throughout the whole show. Trever had the audience in the palm of his hand, getting them to jump and move to his music. Backed by a guitarist Josie Randle and drummer Derek Vautrinot filling in the instrumental side of Magic Whatever. Josie brought the funk rock guitar riffs that just made you bop your head, while the Derek kept a beat that not a single person could help groove to. Magic Whatever played songs like “I H8 Everything,” “Save This City,” “Chewing on My Tongue,” “Fuck the Silence,” “Feel Something,” and “Sentimental.” To end their set Trever asked the audience to since this next song with him. That song was “Speak of the Devil” and even though most of the audience were probably unfamiliar, the whole crowd could be heard singing the chorus with Magic Whatever.
Finally, it was time for the band that everyone had been waiting for, Hot Milk was about to take the stage. Fronted by Han Mee & Jim Shaw who trade off on vocal and guitar duty from song to song. We were blasted in the face with their brand of emo power-pop with their first song “Bad Influence.” Right off the bat Han Mee was already right at the foot of the stage singing and dancing in the faces of everyone in the front row. Jim Shaw held down the lead lines and was rocking out behind the mic but would also make sure to put in face time with the crowd. Han Mee was a force to be reckoned with on and off the stage, as she would constantly be shover her face and mic into the crowd to sing with the screaming fans. As well as jumping into the crowd to jump and mosh with everyone. Bassist Tom Paton was rocking out in the back switching up his style from finger picking to using a guitar pick, but always blasting some of the best bass grooves. Filling in on drums this night was local fan favorite session drummer Aaron Stechauner, who managed to learn the songs and set in only a couple days. And played the beats like he’s been doing it with the band forever. Hot Milk kept the energy high and the fans screaming along with songs like “ Wide Awake,” “Teenage Runaway,” “I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M DEAD,” “I Fell in Love With Someone I Shouldn’t Have,” “Glass Spiders,” “Horror Show,” “Candy Coated Lies$,” and “Awful Ever After.” We even got a treat of hearing Hot Milks new song “Bloodstream” played live for the first time! Ending their set with “Split Personality” Han Mee crowd surfed around the venue, getting up and close and personal with everyone.
This was a very special and unique show, as original drummer Harry Deller was unable to make the shows due to some unfortunate medical issues. Hot Milk had to sadly cancel their Los Angeles & San Diego shows to rehearse with fill in Aaron Stechauner. So, the people of Santa Ana were very fortunate to still get a Hot Milk show. We even had fans fly in from Philadelphia, New York, and Europe just to make it to this show, and Hot Milk showed their appreciation to the fans that showed up for this show. The night was filled with acoustic melodies from Tiny Stills, fun rock bangers from Magic Whatever, and Hot Milk brought the house down with their emo power-pop stylings. I patiently await the next time Hot Milk strolls into town.
Cuco is a Mexican-American songwriter and artist that has blown up in the indie scene. It is safe to say that Cuco has been a major influence for the exploding subgenre of Bedroom Pop. His mix of latin music, synthy electronic, and passionate blend of spanish and english lyrics all come together to make up the tone of Cuco.
Omar Banos, aka Cuco, has been making music since 2017 and quickly created an unparalleled sound. His music is for those looking to reminisce while chilling out. Cuco’s music is a pleasant trip and live, packed with an even greater punch. In-person Cuco sounded just as satisfying, if not more. Paired with his live instrumentals, Cuco and friends were able to bring the mellow vibes to each audience member. It became immediately clear how devout Cuco’s fans are. Once entering the stage Banos received a multitude of flowers, toys, and posters. Throughout the night fans continued to send material gifts his way. Cuco showed nothing but love and appreciation for his fans, and even stopped midway through the show to check in on a fan. Not only was love shown for his fans, but his team as well. At the end of the night, Banos brought up his touring photographer and had the entirety of the venue wish him a happy birthday, which was a charmingly wholesome way to conclude the night.
Cuco knows his audience and has done a wonderful job catering to his crowd. At the merch booth in the back of the venue, rolling papers and grinders were sold. The show was lit with tints of blue and purple which brought a psychedelic vibe which matched the discography delightfully. He played some of fan-favorites including “Lover is a Day”, “Lo Que Siento” and “Keeping Tabs”.
The show was a major hit and has been a highlight of my concert photography career. Years of being a fan of his has made watching his journey a gratifying rise to stardom. Hop on the Cuco train to watch this up and coming indie star become one of the greats of his genre.
Another unforgettable night, listen to the full podcast using the audio links above the playlist and laugh, sing, dance along.
We are getting closer to Hunnypot’s 500th show with #482! Guild of Music Supervisor’s Angela Sheik is our co-host and will bless us with a special performance. Also playing live are Migrant Motel hitting us with Bi-Lingual and Bi-Cultural awesomeness, Lexi Cline, one of pop’s most distinct new young voices and Primitive Heart, a synth-pop project by multi-genre producer & visual artist Dani Mari. 3/13/23
#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Dubbed "a fierce musical force of nature" by BMI Indie Spotlight, Angela Sheik's work as an indie pop artist has led to features and interviews on international platforms including NPR, PRI, and Voice of the Nation. Her work is recognized by national and regional awards including a nomination for the 2022 Hollywood Music and Media Awards (HMMA's) and the 2nd Annual BOSS International Loop Championship. She has been twice voted Artist of the Year by Philadelphia's regional "WSTW Homey Awards" and was awarded Philadelphia Songwriter Contest winner before moving to the west coast.
Captivating listeners throughout the US and Europe with her live performances, Angela has opened for national acts including Meshell N'Degeocello, Joseph Arthur, Julia Holter, and Midge Ure. Music blogs have praised her work including Pancakes & Whiskey, Vents Magazine, and a nomination for "Album Of The Year" by Indie Music Digest.
On screen, Angela's work can be heard in films, ads, documentaries, and TV shows including Toyota and ADIDAS ad campaigns, feature films on Amazon and Netflix, and streaming series such as "Face's Music Party" (Nickelodeon), "All American" (CW), and Showtime's "Shameless" to name a few.
Currently based in Los Angeles, Angela regularly travels to the east coast. She is now focused on her third full length studio project, sibling, an 8-song study of personality traits and platonic relationships.
Migrant Motel combines modern Alternative Pop sounds with contemporary production techniques into a blend that is unique yet familiar. They have been making music and developing their sound since 2017 and the band has built their fan base in Mexico and throughout Latin America. They are now aiming their sites on the growing Bi-Lingual and Bi-Cultural youth movement in the United State to acknowledge the evolving culture.
Peruvian-American David Stewart Jr. and Mexican native Chava Ilizaliturri formed Migrant Motel in Boston while they were studying together at college. Becoming fast friends with shared musical tastes, the band was very active on the East Coast of the US, playing hundreds of shows in the New England and New York areas.
Seeking more opportunities and a bigger stage, the pair relocated to Los Angeles in 2020. The band has played multiple shows on the Los Angeles circuit, performing in legendary venues such as the Whiskey A Go Go, the Viper Room, the Roxy and the Troubadour. Chava has since moved back to Mexico City – while the band has continued to create music together remotely. In 2019 the duo began to function as a band with two scenes: the Mexican and the American. 2020 saw the band play its first shows in different parts of the Mexican Republic as well throughout California. 2021 saw the band play the main stage of the Lollapalooza festival, a major achievement for an Indie act. The pair have positioned themselves in both scenes through steady fan growth.
Quirky, magnetic, and honest to a fault, Lexi Cline puts a shamelessly vulnerable spin on pop music, her songs aren’t just open-book, they are lyrical diary entries. Layering deceptively snappy melodies with candid moments, Cline’s confession-inclined artistry manifests itself so seamlessly, it’s hard to tell whether she’s pulling from her diary or from yours. Admittedly staring anxiety in the eyes on a daily basis, Cline proclaims she wants to make music that inspires people to be exactly who they are. "Embracing yourself is the most powerful thing in the world, and if I can help somebody get there, I know I’m doing something right.”
Having already dropped a string of tracks that paved the way to her June 2020 EP ‘Better Late Than Never’ and two single releases (2022), Lexi Cline will take her next steps towards becoming one of pop’s most distinct, young voices with her upcoming release ‘Wake Up Call!’ Since the release of Lexi Cline’s first single ‘Better Late Than Never’ Cline has amassed over 26,000 streams on Spotify, released 3 music videos, 2 lyric videos, & reels totaling over 30,000 views on YouTube. On socials Cline has totaled over 111,000 likes on TikTok and over 2.2 million views, as well as over 3 million views on Instagram reels and 6 million views on FB reels.
Primitive Heart is a synth-pop project by multi-genre producer & visual artist Dani Mari. The sophomore album “Colours” was co-produced by Rosana Cabán (Psychic Twin, Cosas Cosas) and features remixes by Jorja Chalmers (Italians Do It Better) & Chasms (Felte). Audiences across the world have gravitated towards Dani Mari’s beautifully haunting voice and simplistic elegant lyrics. Dani Mari’s ethereal vocals "seemingly casting a spell" and transport listeners to an era of nostalgia which exists within the depths of her soul.
For fans of Sylvan Esso, Mazzy Star and Beach House.
Featured on DKFM, NPR, Post-Punk.com and Cold War Nightlife.
The indie-pop group Arlie played at the Teragram Ballroom this past weekend. They rocked the house and brought the Arlie name to the city of angels. Arlie is known for upbeat, groovy, fashionable instrumentals which are bound to make your body move and groove.
Arlie has been a band I have been following for years, being able to watch them perform some of my favorite songs was awe-inspiring. The band opened with a classic of theirs, “Tossing and Turning”. Which brought a lively spirit to the Teragram Ballroom, and paired with lead singer Nathan’s angel wings and heavenly makeup, gave the audience a glimpse of what the night might entail.
One thing I can say about this show is that Arlie brought the stamina to an all time high. The night was filled with moments ranging from tender to rugged. Audience participation, instrument changes and anecdotes about the band gave the night a personal touch from Arlie. The group has a killer sound, and the group of 5, including Nathaniel Banks as the lead singer, Michael Salabrino on guitar, Luke Saison on bass, Aaron Umberger on drums, and Ella Mine on keys, have a clear teamwork amongst them to create their music. At one point lead singer Banks opened up and shared how the other members of Arlie help ease his perfectionism and show how the song “can be perfect in ways I [Banks] could never see”.
This group is exceptional at a very important aspect of live performances - flair. Boy, do they nail the flair. The tour was presented as the Arlie’s Angels Tour, which was expanded upon by setting the stage as the sky, having elaborate angel costumes, and paired with their already elated tone, brought the audience into a heaven of Arlie’s creation. Take a glimpse for yourself and listen to Arlie’s new single “takeaway”.
The Observatory held a show on Saturday for a range of genres. The show opened with a group called Flying Machine, an extremely alternative group with a sound akin to classic rock. Next on the agenda was Yot Club, indie chillout bedroom pop familiars. The night concluded with headliners Skegss, Australian garage rock kings.
The group Flying Machine opened the night and riled the crowd unlike any other. Their high energy was a spark that would ignite the flame of the night. Flying Machine, also from Australia, had a very unique sound akin to something out of the “scream-o” genre. Their effect on the crowd was noticeable and by the time Yot Club was to enter the stage the crowd was hooked.
Yot Club was the peak of my night. They brought a more mellow tone to The Observatory, and had some of the grooviest tracks. The foremost part of Yot club was getting to hear the bass-line live. My highlights from their setlist were “Japan” and “YKWIM?”, which both feature Yot Club’s ability to draw the audience into the bass and rhythm of a song. Yot Club is the perfect chillout music which stood out from the other bands to perform throughout the night, their signature echoing heavy noise was brought to life through the Observatory as fans shouted requests for their favorites.
Capping off the night was Skegss, the surf rock group from Australia who packed a heavy punch. The group has a dynamic range of music. Almost a mix between the intensity of Flying Machine with the catchyness of Yot Club. It was clear that the audience had been anticipating Skegss for the entirety of the night, and by the time they took stage, the crowd was already surfing and riding atop one another to the front of the venue. The security guards on either side of me had their work cut out for them that night.
The night entailed a variety of fans, genres, and moods. All in all The Observatory was stimulated with Australian and American tunes, rock and indie alike, giving fans a night to remember.
Cottonwood Firing Squad aka Bill Rodriguez, is primarily known to the indie scene as the producer of the hit song “Postmodern Fade”, which encapsulates the character of his entire discography: music for and about struggles, depression, and the introspective. His new album, I Think There’s Something Wrong With Joshy, feels just as raw and reflective. The EP has a total of 5 new songs to Cottonwood’s arsenal. Which honestly are some of my favorite produced pieces by this artist.
The EP opens with a song entitled “New Drugs” which has low energy (yet dark) lyrics accompanied by an upbeat melody which feel almost dream-like and euphoric. The two juxtaposed one another so well, giving a dark and hopeless yet thoughtful and reflective tone to open the album. Next in the queue is “DEATHWISH”, which opens with the unforgettable line “Give me the gun and I’ll show you how it tastes on my tongue.” Which gives the listener just the gut-wrenching punch necessary to prepare for Rodriguez’ songwriting. Next up is “Apocalypse Girl”. This song is truly something special. It consists of a total of 4 entire lines, “I promise everything will be okay, Everything will be okay.” repeated twice throughout the song sitting between a remarkable instrumental composed heavily of guitar.
Following is the titular “I Think There’s Something Wrong With Joshy”. As one might guess from the title, this song is quite heavy. It hurts in the best way possible. They say to make good art, make it personal, and boy does this master that concept. There are no other words I have for this song other than beautiful. The song follows an unnamed narrator who finds Joshy, who is crying and asks “Didn’t everything get better when you found God?”. The song then divulges into explaining and expanding upon Joshy’s depression. By the end of the song, we find Joshy wishing for an angel to come and visit and show him as Joshy puts it “a vision of the man that I thought I'd be when I pictured growing up, He'll offer me patience, I'll drink from his paper cup, And all of his spaceships have promised to pick me up”. A profound conclusion to a heartfelt song. The EP completes with “from here”. Which embodies the rest of the release flawlessly. An upbeat instrumental advised by Rodriguez’ earnest, profound, and poetic writing.
This EP is a rare 10/10 in my mind. Cottonwood Firing Squad is fatally underrated. I recommend giving this EP a play if you are ready to go on an emotional rollercoaster bound to tackle the listeners core.
On a cool Friday evening, metalcore fans from all around gathered at the Southside Ballroom in Dallas to witness August Burns Red's 20-Year Anniversary Tour, with The Devil Wears Prada as direct support and Bleed From Within as the opening act. As soon as I arrived, I knew it was going to be an unforgettable night. The energy in the air was refreshing, and everyone was buzzing with excitement.
Bleed From Within, a metal band from Scotland, kicked off the night with a powerful set. The crowd was still trickling in, but that didn't stop the band from giving it their all. They played a few tracks from their latest album, Shrine, including "I Am Damnation" and "Levitate." The band's energy was infectious, and they managed to get the crowd warmed up and ready for the main acts.
Next up was The Devil Wears Prada, a band that needs no introduction. As soon as they stepped on stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. They opened with "Watchtower," which got everyone singing along. The band's set was a mix of old classics and new hits, including "Danger: Wildman" and "Broken." Vocalist Mike Hranica's screams were piercing, and the band's musicianship was on full display. The mosh pit was in full swing, and fans were crowd-surfing left and right.
Finally, it was time for the main event. August Burns Red took the stage to thunderous applause. They wasted no time and launched into "Fault Line," a classic track from their 2013 album, Rescue & Restore. The band's energy was wild, and the crowd was eating it up. They played a mix of old and new material, including "Meddler," "Empire," and "Carpe Diem." Guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler were in top form, shredding through complex riffs and solos with ease. Drummer Matt Greiner was a force to be reckoned with, and bassist Dustin Davidson held down the low end with precision.
One of the highlights of the night was when the band played "Backburner," one of their most beloved songs. The crowd erupted in a sing-along, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unity and camaraderie with my fellow metalheads. The band closed out their set with "White Washed," a track from their album, Constellations. The crowd was chanting the lyrics, and the energy was electric.
After a brief break, Matt Greiner came on stage for a jaw-dropping drum solo. The band then returned to the stage for an encore. They played “Marianas Trench” and "Composure," one of their most popular songs, and the crowd went wild. Vocalist Jake Luhrs thanked the fans for their support over the years, and the band took a final bow. August Burns Red, The Devil Wears Prada, and Bleed From Within put on an incredible show and I’m glad I got to capture such a monumental night.