No Age: Pier Pressure!

NO AGE

TIJUANA PANTHERS

SANTA MONICA PIER

25 JULY, 2013

As part of Echo LA's Twilight Concert Series, No Age came back up to the surface for a rousing sunset show along with Tijuana Panthers. Crowd surfing ensued from the get-go, and when was the last time you saw an opening band get crowd surfers? At times the night seemed exceedingly close to getting out of hand, but everyone minded their manners just enough for the festivities to proceed, and the fire marshals kept everyone on the straight and narrow.
It's been almost three years now since No Age played their most high profile gig to date, an opening slot for Pavement and Sonic Youth at the Hollywood Bowl, and it could be called a career capper. August will see the release of An Object, their followup to Everything In Between, (both on SUB POP), and from their first notes of the night, it became apparent the No Age was back in business.  Focusing mainly on the tried and true in their catalogue, they did find time to slip in a few of the new, including "Lock Box" and "I Won't Be Your Generator". Pared back to the core duo of Randy Randall and Dean Spunt, they're older and wiser, (evidenced by some good-humored observations about series co-sponsor Myspace), but no less ferocious.

As noted, Tijuana Panthers set the tone early on, and got the crowd moving with their surf garage sound. Been meaning to catch them for awhile, and oh so glad i did. It certainly won't be the last time. "Red Headed Girl" from Max Baker was a standout. The Long Beach outfit's most recent release is Semi-Sweet on Innovative Leisure Records.

Savages Vs.

Savages

Johnny Hostile

El Rey Theater, LA

23 July, 2013

Savages opened up a two-night run at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles with a devastating performance. The London-based quartet, (vocalist Jehnny Beth, guitarist Gemma Thompson, and the rhythm section of Fay Milton and Ayse Hassan), appeared here in April, and has generated much excitement with their debut LP, Silence Yourself (Pop Noire/Matador).
In keeping with the band philosophy of total immersion in the set, there was no photography of video shot to capture the moment from me, but Debi Del Grande more than does justice to the evening for the LA Record.
Pop Noire co-founder Johnny Hostile opened with a hypnotic rhythm heavy set that hit some of the same sweet spots as early Kills. His stint was livened up with guest appearances from Gemma Thompson for guitar support, and later in the set, none other than Jehnny Beth herself.
As for the main event, Savages hit the stage fully in control, and didn't look back. They're honing a fine sense of dynamics, but the emphasis is pretty straightforward: they have come to rock. Gemma Thompson's feedback showcase on "Waiting For A Sign", and "No Face" and "She Will" were propulsive highlights, and first single "Flying To Berlin" was a welcome inclusion. All told, an exciting night to savor.