NEW ORDER

July 11. 2014

Bill Graham Civic Center, SAN FRANCISCO

New Order was basically a two hour dance party and I am more than okay with that. I've never danced so freely and intensely where I'm sure that the people next to and surrounding me were thoroughly pissed off. Whatever. It's fucking New Order!!!!!!!!!!!

This is an experience that I will be able to tell my unborn children and grandchildren... And let me tell you... that is a ridiculously good feeling. 

The light show was incredible, that even with just my phone, I was able to capture really nice photos. Each member executed their parts so well and it sounds lame to say, but it gives me hope that I can still be cool when I'm older (am I cool now?). 

I'm normally not a huge fan of bands filling the majority of their set with new songs, but they so effortlessly weaved them into their show. Even though I didn't know the words to the new tunes, they were danceable and really enjoyable. Now, let's get to the good stuff: so many good songs were played but then 'Blue Monday' came on with the bone-chilling bass line and i died. Then 'Your Silent Face' also blessed my eardrums. And I died. 

They were so fantastic that there was not one but TWO encores in which at one point they played 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and an artsy visual of the late Ian Curtis was projected. It says a lot about them as a band that they showed respect to a lost member and homage to how they originated and where they came from. 

I usually leave a show really excited about what I had just witnessed, but this one was different. The only way I can explain it is with the word euphoria. It was like, I could be broke from all the traveling to shows I had done so far (which I was) and would have to return to a shitty job (which I did) but I really didn't care because for the past hour and a half I was having the time of my life, witnessed legends perform before my very eyes, and was incredibly happy. THAT is a testament of why I do this, people. 

DIIV

April 20, 2014

The Catalyst, Santa Cruz

I found about DIIV through first discovering Beach Fossils, who is one of my favorite bands. I haven't had the chance to see them yet, but seeing DIIV perform was equally as exciting to me. I don't know if it's because I'm so used to seeing these California 'surf rock' bands, but there's something about them that's really mesmerizing. Definitely a 'New York cool' vibe. And I mean that in the best way possible. The show itself was dark and moody, and Cole seemed to effortlessly float around in his baggy clothing. The highlight for me, was the ten minute long Druun (Pt.II) which quite frankly, I didn't want to end. Also, Sky Ferreira surprised us all and came out to sing a song with them! 

Then this happened: (exclamation marks in full effect!!!!!)

"Can we take one where we're both playing with our hair?"
"Okay. You lok one way, I'll look the other way."

NICK WATERHOUSE

March 14. 2014

SLO Brew

It's nice to get out of my punk / grunge show scene every once in a while and refresh with some different tunes. Cleanse the palette, if you will..

Nick Waterhouse was the perfect distraction. Not only is he nice to look at, but the boy (and the rest of the band) can put on a flawless sold out show. From the guitar, saxophone, keyboards and stunning backup vocals, everything was perfect. It's amazing to see an artist pull together such a wide fanbase: from older generations to younger kids. All I know is that there wasn't a single soul that wasn't entertained. 

The set list included Indian Love Call, Say I Wanna Know, Holly, and many others. At least that's what the videos I have saved on my phone allow me to recall. I blame the slight memory loss on the alcohol ;)

AT XROADS

January 24. 2014

Besides the fact that I can't stand this town a great majority of the time, the only real good thing about it is that we have a really awesome group of people who form and put together what they call DIY SLO, which is basically an effort with a Do-It-Youself mentality that produces local shows with both known and newer bands. So rad. This time around, they brought to us locals King Walrus & The Magicians, and then Froth, Tomorrows Tulips, and the stars of the night, Cosmonauts. 

Cosmonauts' set was amazing as usual, carrying the attitude that I wish I had. Raw, gritty, unapologetic with electrifying rock and roll. Tomorrows Tulips were completely chill and vibe-y, mainly focusing on songs off their new album, Experimental Jelly. Froth was the only band that I would be seeing for the first time, and they did not disappoint. You can tell a lot about a band if seeing them live makes you want to go home and search for every song they've made and replay it over and over again. 

The lineup was complimented with my favorite setting. A house show that was intimate, hot, sweaty, loud, and bursting with raw energy and a whole lot of reverb. Seriously, that's just a recipe for happiness.

COSMONAUTS

TOMORROWS TULIPS

FROTH

(Taken with a disposable camera)

THE GROWLERS x3

SANTA CRUZ - The Catalyst
Dec 12. 2013

SAN LUIS OBISPO - SLO Brew
Dec 13. 2013

SANTA BARBARA - Soho
Dec 14. 2013

Three nights in a row of seeing The Growlers perform live. Call me crazy. I call me awesome.

I understand this makes me seem like the groupiest of groupies (it's a running joke with my family) but honestly, it's just a strong love for music. The Growlers have such a strong presence live that is always a fun time to be around. Out of the old favorites they played like Empty Bones and Acid Rain, I would say the stars of the show were Hashima and Wandering Eyes (the longer Wilcox Session version that can be seen in one of their videos). SO GOOD. 

It had been almost a year since I had seen them last and they seem so much more well versed in the art of entertainment and by that I mean you can tell they know what they're doing. Those boys know how to work a crowd. And that was evident by all the dancing that was happening in the pit. You just can't help but wiggle and flail your arms everywhere when the twangs and croons fill your eardrums and your entire body. I dare you to try to stand still.

ARCTIC MONKEYS @FOX THEATRE, OAKLAND

September 26. 2013
FINALLY. I have been a long time listener and fan of Arctic Monkeys for over seven years and let me just say that it is about damn time that I was finally able see them live at the Fox Theatre in Oakland. It's been a while since I've been completely mystified over seeing a band perform live and I think that having never seen them before definitely helped with that. They played new songs off their most recent album AM like 'Knee Socks' and 'Arabella' but I also appreciated the fact that they didn't forget about their stellar oldies like 'I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor' and 'Pretty Visitors'. Honestly though, I was so impressed with how tight their performance was. They definitely live up to the hype that surrounds them, they know what they're doing, and they're incredible musicians who are well versed in the art of crowd entertainment. 

The fact that they had me screaming like the girl that I am and basically yelling out the words to each song (you can't call what I was doing, singing) says two things: 1. yes I am a fangirl... but 2. they are just that damn good.

BLACK LIPS

A couple of days ago I saw the Black Lips play in a small and intimate venue in Santa Barbara. They definitely lived up to the hype that surrounds them having some of the best energy, charisma, and talent. I'm proud to say I was a part of their debauchery and witnessed Cole vomit. At one point he even left the stage, went into the crowd, and made his way out the door to the outside patio while still playing his guitar! Can you say Rock 'n Roll?!!!

I was lucky enough to be able to meet, take pictures, and have a poster signed by all of them and I must say that they are such incredibly nice and genuine people; thanking me for coming out to see them, asking my name, and saying only good things about the opening act - Night Beats (which are RAD!). It's always nice to see a band who's been doing this for so long be so down-to-earth and willing to meet their fans. 

From the beginning of the show while I was in the crowd getting pushed around, singing the lyrics at the top of my lungs, and dancing wildly to the music, I had a feeling that this show would get added to the top of my "most incredible shows" list.

...I was right.