The eponymous record from KNIGHTSTOWN is steel-clad and sensitive

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Human memory is selective, favoring joyous moments in the margins of our lives. Why else would we buy the picture of our goofy faces on a roller coaster or bother with nature photography? We crave the butterflies that fill our bellies on momentous occasions, and KNIGHTSTOWN, also known as Michael Aston, has found a way to … Continue reading The eponymous record from KNIGHTSTOWN is steel-clad and sensitive

Megadead presents melancholy on Benjamin Shaw’s terms

Photo by Aisha Latosski Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  You can cry if it’s your party, but what about when you’re just the guest? Benjamin Shaw encourages you to embrace reclusivity. He’s a musician with many facets, and on his new album, Megadead, he puts his left-field gloom to work. As part of the DIY, bedroom producer scene, Shaw’s biggest statements come … Continue reading Megadead presents melancholy on Benjamin Shaw’s terms

Laughing Along with Caroline Rose at her Sold-Out LA Show

Photo credit: CJ Harvey Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Caroline Rose is a comedian. If you’ve heard her new record, LONER, you know she takes pleasure in poking fun at other people and society in general. She is a goofy satirist with surprisingly deep sentiment, and her live performance only contributed to her appeal. Her sold out show at the Moroccan Lounge supported by Cardioid … Continue reading Laughing Along with Caroline Rose at her Sold-Out LA Show

King Tuff and Cut Worms End Their Spring Tour with a Bang at the Teragram Ballroom

sngshows: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by David Fisch.  “Are you filled with joy?” asks Kyle Thomas, also known as King Tuff. Crowds were restless at the Teragram Ballroom last Thursday night, buzzing for the polished rock acts of the night. SASAMI, formerly of Cherry Glazerr, opened up the night, with retro outfit Cut Worms filling in the middle slot. By the … Continue reading King Tuff and Cut Worms End Their Spring Tour with a Bang at the Teragram Ballroom

King Tuff and Cut Worms End Their Spring Tour with a Bang at the Teragram Ballroom

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by David Fisch.  “Are you filled with joy?” asks Kyle Thomas, also known as King Tuff. Crowds were restless at the Teragram Ballroom last Thursday night, buzzing for the polished rock acts of the night. SASAMI, formerly of Cherry Glazerr, opened up the night, with retro outfit Cut Worms filling in the middle slot. By the time … Continue reading King Tuff and Cut Worms End Their Spring Tour with a Bang at the Teragram Ballroom

Lodge Room Hosts the Ethereal Sounds of Jenny Hval and Briana Marela

sngshows: Photo Credit: Jenny Berger Myhre Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  When anticipating a Jenny Hval concert, it’s hard to know what to expect. Listening to her records will certainly give you a leg up, but it is impossible to predict what kind of performance she has planned. At Resident, she performed with just her longtime collaborator Håvard Volden; at the Broad, she had three … Continue reading Lodge Room Hosts the Ethereal Sounds of Jenny Hval and Briana Marela

Lodge Room Hosts the Ethereal Sounds of Jenny Hval and Briana Marela

Photo Credit: Jenny Berger Myhre Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  When anticipating a Jenny Hval concert, it’s hard to know what to expect. Listening to her records will certainly give you a leg up, but it is impossible to predict what kind of performance she has planned. At Resident, she performed with just her longtime collaborator Håvard Volden; at the Broad, she had three other … Continue reading Lodge Room Hosts the Ethereal Sounds of Jenny Hval and Briana Marela

Kelsey Lu proves she’s on the verge of stardom at the Moroccan, supported by FUPU

Photo credit: Vincent Haycock Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  For a Tuesday night, the Moroccan Lounge was buzzing particularly loudly. Kelsey Lu is a significant draw for audiences, with her growing reputation as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. She began as a cellist, studying classical composition as early as age six. Her mind continues to dip into that well of knowledge, giving her a unique style … Continue reading Kelsey Lu proves she’s on the verge of stardom at the Moroccan, supported by FUPU

Optimistic new record from Mamas Gun shines from beginning to end

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  “We have experienced Golden Days in the past and will experience them in the future,” recites Andy Platts of the London funk quintet, Mamas Gun. If that was not his mantra prior to the recording of their new album, It may well be now; this is of course where its title comes from. Platts’ relentless optimism … Continue reading Optimistic new record from Mamas Gun shines from beginning to end

Life-sized imagery brings DONCAT’s new Preservation of the Spirit LP to life

Originally appeared on the 405. A mustachioed Duncan Nielsen is the mind behind DONCAT, having begun the project about six years ago. His last full-length effort was called Easy Cowboy, which demonstrated a more pastoral take on his evocative style of indie rock. Preservation may be more succinct than its predecessor but the emotion it channels is arguably more potent, once again able to subtly … Continue reading Life-sized imagery brings DONCAT’s new Preservation of the Spirit LP to life