Boston's Palehound made the trip out west for an appearance at the Noise Pop Festival, then tacked on an LA date before flying out to commence their first European touring adventure. Running through the bulk of their full-length debut, Dry Food, it was a balance of the sardonic and intimate. Palehound is Ellen Kempner, and, aided by a tight rhythm section, keeps the songs in the forefront. And what songs they are: "Molly", "Healthier Folk", and "Cinnamon" set the tone, showing off her chops, and even found room for "Pet Carrot" from her Bent Nail EP. She made her strongest impact when dialing it back and cutting to the bone with "Easy" and the title track. A rousing "Cushioned Cages" threatened the venue's structural integrity, and the only low point was the self-absorbed person up front who wouldn't shut up during a hushed "See Konk". Kempner's coming to grips with between-song patter found it's high mark on the geography of drug chains and the outrageous cost of tampons, which is far more insightful than "Hellllo Cleveland..."
Kicking off the night was Ramonda Hammer, whose set kicked into overdrive about halfway through, and finished strongly. In the middle slot was Miya Folick, the big eye opener of the night, who held court with an abrasive and dark set that had echoes of Scout Niblett and Anna Calvi in both the songs and the intense presentation.
A sweaty September night on Rampart Blvd. in LA greeted Columbus, OH's All Dogs, as they set up shop at the Gal Palace, with an assist from Swiss Family Robinson, for a special night, touring behind the release of Kicking Every Day. Joining the festivities for the evening were LA locals RL Kelly, who put together a band on the fly for the occasion, including Ali Koehler and Nicole Snyder from Upset, and Kelly then returned the gift by filling the bass spot for Upset, as they held down the middle slot in the bill. While All Dogs had been playing "Skin" live for a year, it was cathartic to hear the rest of the new songs live, and to see them in a house setting was just unbeatable.
Flyer by Faye Orlove
ALL DOGS
All Dogs return to the West Coast in late March/early April
