Stephen Malkmus/Jicks live

STEPHEN MALKMUS AND THE JICKS

TY SEGALL

Fonda Music Box

19 October, 2011

Energized from last years Pavement reunion, Stephen Malkmus is back to his own devices with The Jicks.  Nearing the end of a US tour to support new LP Mirror Traffic, the band has covered the loss of powerhouse Janet Weiss by adding a new drummer and scaling back on the jams.

The set was concise and fluid, weaving all around the Jicks albums, and then some, working in an ace cover of The Wipers.  Malkmus was his usual elliptical self, stage patter wise, managing to work in a dedication to the late GG Allin midset.

The encore was a generous helping of Blind Faith, dropping into "Eight Miles High", and finishing with Chicago's "Make Me Smile".  Their last LA appearance was an instore at Amoeba Records on Sunset, and the short set there was the perfect setup for the multi-course meal that was this evening's show.

Opener Ty Segall represented the Bay Area with pure garage rock heaven.  His band was high energy and razor sharp, following his every move, with Emily standing out on drums.  The set focused on the recent release Goodbye Bread, and "The Floor" was the highlight of the night.  A band I'd had on my list to see anyway, it was a treat to get them as an opener, and I'll certainly follow up with them on their own.

Come 2012, Segall is looking to release not one, but two new albums, one of which will be recorded with this touring unit.

Live: Veronica Falls/Bleached

VERONICA FALLS/BLEACHED/NEVEREVER

BOOTLEG THEATER, ECHO PARK

25 FEBRUARY, 2012

Veronica Falls made a triumphant return to Los Angeles on Oscar Weekend, settling in at Echo Park's Bootleg Theater.  The theater was packed, even given the upgrade from the bar to the theater, and the crowd was in thrall from the first notes.

They delivered the songs from their self titled first album, (on Slumberland here, Wichita in the UK), with a heady assurance. The beautiful harmonies laced with fuzz offered an interesting juxtaposition to the dark lyrics, and the whole thing was reinforced by the swaying floor, literally moving underfoot. Their new songs glowed, and it is with great anticipation that I look forward to their next chapter.

Bleached, LA based purveyor of noisy goodness, held down the middle slot, coming home as conquering heroes to an audience packed with their friends.  They did a tight raucous set, brimming with energy, touching on all their singles so far, with choice covers (Ramones) thrown in for good measure.  Formed from the ashes of Mika Miko, they have established their own sound, and expect to see their debut LP this year.