Janky Smooth Central Command

Sex Cells Returns to Los Angeles: A Night of Subversive Glamour and Sonic Mayhem

Janky Smooth Central Command April 24, 2025

After an extended hiatus, Sex Cells is making its highly anticipated return to The Dragonfly in the heart of Los Angeles on May 3rd, 2025. Known for its decadent fusion of underground music, avant-garde fashion, and unapologetically provocative aesthetics, this cult-favorite club night is more than just a party—it’s a cultural statement. Founded by creative provocateur Danny Fuentes, the res-Erection of Sex Cells promises a surreal collision of art, music, and provocation that only LA could birth. At the core of the Sex Cells ethos is Danny Fuentes himself, a driving force behind some of LA’s most boundary-pushing art and nightlife. He is the visionary behind Lethal Amounts, an iconic art gallery and brand known for celebrating counterculture, queerness, punk, fetish, and the underground. Located in downtown Los Angeles, Lethal Amounts has exhibited works by transgressive legends like Genesis P-Orridge, Lydia Lunch, and Rick Castro, creating a platform for voices and visuals too raw for the mainstream. related: Pink Flamingos and Peaches- 2nd Annual John Waters Easter at The Madonna Inn Sex Cells emerged as a natural extension of Fuentes’ world—bringing the spirit of the gallery to the dance floor. Originally launched in 2016, the party quickly gained notoriety for

Beth Gibbons at The Orphuem: Outgrowing Your Own Creation

Rob Shepyer April 23, 2025

Beth Gibbons at The Orpheum Theatre was more than just a showcase of new music, it was a showcase of a new Beth Gibbons for all Los Angeles to enjoy. When you think Beth Gibbons and Portishead, you think of a specific sound. An elevated, urbanized jazz that pairs well with a Bond movie, maybe, or you think of the trip hop moniker developed by her band and other English groups like Massive Attack. Beth Gibbons’ solo work, and especially her 2024 album Lives Outgrown doesn’t so much as develop on the song she help originate and cultivate though, it outgrows it with a new evolution in her artistry that includes influences from folk, psychedelic, medieval, and world music sensibilities. Driving to the Orpheum theatre on a drowsy Thursday evening, her new album gave my trip a surreal feel, making each beat of time pass by with more meaningful reflection, and each tree outstretching over the freeway walls more tranquilizing with the nature-vibes captures on songs like “Floating on a Moment” or my favorite on the album, “Whispering Love”. Skimming through the tracklist now and looking back on the show, I see both as a statement on identity, lost and

Rose Tattoo at The Whisky, Rose-Tattoo-live-in-LA

Garage Rockers vs Skinheads vs Hardcore Kids: Rose Tattoo at the Whisky

Rob Shepyer April 16, 2025

The Whisky ’25: Rose Tattoo’s First US Show Since ’83 When Rose Tattoo announced their first American show since 1983, not only could I not believe it, but I made sure to procure tickets almost immediately. This show would then get cancelled, only for the prospect of Rose Tattoo playing Los Angeles to dissolve and become a big question mark. Would the legendary Australian band ever play in America again? This is a pure rock and roll band that didn’t just go on to inspire Guns and Roses but numerous scenes throughout Los Angeles, from skinheads to hardcore kids to garage rockers. It would otherwise be impossible to see these three scenes merge into one audience. Even for a megaband like The Misfits, these groups don’t come together to mingle in such close quarters. So, when Rose Tattoo announced two new shows in LA years later and then finally hit the stage at Whisky-a-Go-Go on March 6th and 7th, all those scenes were present and pounding their fists for what must’ve been an awfully cold day in hell. The set ran the gamut of a slew of Rose Tattoos classics such as “Nice Boys” and “Rock and Roll Outlaw,” with

T.Y. Ojai: Ty Segall at Ojai Valley Women’s Club

Rob Shepyer March 4, 2025

With MTV’s Unplugged catalogue hitting Paramount+ recently, I’ve been on a bit of an acoustic kick. When a popular artist goes acoustic, it’s a sign of a deeper appreciation and commitment to their fans and music than standard touring, writing, and recording cycle an artist goes through. Choosing to go on an acoustic tour, like the one Ty Segall and King Tuff are currently collaborating on throughout California, presents a challenge to a musician that really tests their artistry. It strips them of all the bells and whistles fans expect from their songs and live show, forcing the artist to compensate with pure charisma and sonic bravado. Both King Tuff and Ty Segall exhibited powerful charisma as acoustic artists, taking advantage of the silence between and around their songs to amplify the meaning of every lyric and note. The result of which is that audiences that were lucky enough to catch these shows may not have had their socks rocked off like they would in a Ty Segall and The Muggers show, or a Witch (King Tuff’s metal band) show, but we did experience the full fleshed out power and message of Ty’s songs like no other fans ever have.

Pentagram- Doom Ages Like Fine Wine At Ventura Music Hall

Rob Shepyer February 21, 2025

Something about old age injects more gravitas into a doom metal musician’s art. Perhaps its being closer to the great beyond, that dark place from which inspiration comes from that we all join at the end of our days. Perhaps something about graying hair and wrinkled skin makes the purveyor of doom metal all the more convincing to an audience. Doom metal, is of course a genre about bleakness and sorrow. A long life devoted to that style of music must have experienced everything the world has to offer, so to come away with singing “doom to world” instead of “Joy to world” gives fans the assurance that this artist is the real deal, and they’re not just playing a character in a gimmick. Then of course, there’s pace. Doom metal is slow metal. Slowness and sloth are what some equate with growing old. Dragging your feet, letting time pass you by because it makes no difference. All these ideas are second nature to doom metal’s mournful verses and tones. Bobby Liebling and the boys in Pentagram have been around since the inception of doom metal. Playing this genre of music before it had a name. To them, it was

Top Ten SHOWS of 2024 Rated by Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 31, 2024

Shows have always been Janky Smooth’s bread and butter. Our contributors are willing travel far and wide for the right show, willing to abandon their families and face every obstacle to get there in time to see a compelling opener with any legit hype. This list will feature shows all across Los Angeles, California, and the whole of the United States. It will feature festival sets and intimate evenings with. It’ll list out shows with mosh pits and intimiate seating. Every musical experience under the sun, our contributors have seen it and are using their expert curation skills to give you the best of the best of 2o24. Publisher, Danny Baraz Ministry at Cruel World Ceremony and Infest at The Hollywood Palladium The Original Misfits at No Values Power Trip at The Fonda HEALTH, Panther Modern, Pixel Grip at The Music Box Tyler, the Creator at Camp Flog Gnaw Boy Harsher at The Glass House Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle at Hollywood bowl The Black Angels at The Lodge Room Front 242 at The Mayan Editor, Rob Shepyer Trash Talk at Echoplex Ceremony at Hollywood Palladium Swans at Lodge Room Ministry at Cruel World Tool at Crypto.com Arena Queens of

Janky Smooth Top 10 ALBUMS of 2024 Rated by Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 31, 2024

2024 came and went with some of the most dramatic and tense moments in the country’s political and cultural history. As any true music head knows, great shifts are predicted in a culture’s music first, so if there’s anything the music of 2024 can tell us about the state of art and the future, we should be very excited for all things to come.Just as entire status quos of thought went challenged and overturned in 2024, many bands changed the dynamics of entire genres will releases that blew our contributors away. Here are the top ten albums of 2024, ranging from every category, from the underground to the mainstream. You will see the Janky signature in these lists with our selections that show appreciation for a huge range of music so unique that you’ll need to listen to these albums yourself to truly understand why 2024 was so monumental for music. Publisher, Danny Baraz Nox Novacula – Feed the Fire Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven Hong Kong Fuck You – 1978-1981 Kendrick Lamar – GNX Tyler The Creator – Chromakopia The Cure – Songs of a Lost

Devastation on the Nation w/ I AM Morbid at Belasco

Rob Shepyer December 29, 2024

When someone tells me there’s a death metal show tonight, I usually ask them what kind of death metal. If they tell me Morbid Angel is playing, I’ll definitely think about going. If they tell me Morbid Angel was just replaced by I Am Morbid, David Vincent’s version of the band, I’ve already bought my ticket before they’ve completed their sentence. related content: Morbid Angel at The Regent: A Lesson in Death What differentiates the sort of Death metal that makes a show worth going to for me is often times the vocal. Newly attuned listeners of the genre may consider it splitting sonic hairs to parse between different styles of guttural vocals but if I can understand the lyrics a death metal band is screeching out, then I consider the band superior in some respects. Nothing against the demonic belching of numerous Deathcore and Death Metal bands like Suffocation, that shared the stage with I Am Morbid at this show, but because I was able to understand David Vincent’s gregorian chants from hell, I was able to feel the gravity of his music. It simply sounded and felt more evil, powerful, and scary because the words had meaning. Devastation

Tyler’s Camp Flog Gnaw Year 10 Intersects w/ Chromakopia Number 1

Aria Silva-Espinosa December 17, 2024

A long hike up the hills of Elysian Park is a small price to pay for the view from the top. Three massive stages situated in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium and boasting a wildly impressive hip-hop centric lineup, Camp Flog Gnaw celebrated its 10 year anniversary this past weekend and sold out well in advance, and the lineup wasn’t even announced until a month before the festival. related content: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: Camp Flog Gnaw 2019 From legendary acts to tributes, DJ sets and soulful serenades, Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival is a uniquely curated exhibition of mainstream and underground artists, youth culture and untethered creative expression. The fan engagement and level of commitment to the art is evident in the way the incoming fans have chosen to dress. It’s early November and we’re up on a hilltop so everyone is a bit bundled up knowing that once the sun goes down it’ll be about as cold as Los Angeles is willing to tolerate. Workwear, faux fur and puffer jackets are out which would make a New Yorker giggle to see how dramatic we are about the shift into cooler weather. Among the masses it’s

Earth’s Crust: CY Fest 2024 at the Belasco

Rob Shepyer November 6, 2024

What does a typical LA punk want out of a festival? Given that Los Angeles is the most prominent live music hub in the USA, and the world, the average LA punk attends enough shows to make any given concert, no matter how badass, still leaving something to be desired. From my personal experience, that thing LA punks are left desiring from their scene is to have their minds, tastes, and boundaries expanded. I want to see something different, new. I want a band to show me something I didn’t think was possible. The best way to do this is by assembling bills with bands of various styles from various parts of the globe, and no festival has gathered more international acts in Los Angeles than CY Fest 2024. It was the World Cup of punk, with heavy representation from Sweden, Spain, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and so many more countries. Topping off the festivities, the USA’s contribution to the lineup came in the form of a rare Dropdead co-headlining performance before the reunion of Portland’s female-fronted crusties, Detestation. related content: Set The Animals Free: Wolfbrigade and Dropdead at 1720 With a few bands of the upcoming CY Fest 2025 already

Boys Noize, IHEARTCOMIX founder Franki Chan, and The Dare with Yo Gabba Gabba shot by The Cobrasnake

Partying Like It’s 2004: IHEARTCOMIX 20th Anniversary

Danny Ryan October 29, 2024

IHEARTCOMIX have established themselves as one of the most forward-thinking and distinct promoters in recent LA history over the past two decades; dipping their toes into events celebrating nearly every form of art not limited to raves, parties, movie premieres, album release events, and interactive art exhibitions. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, IHEARTCOMIX threw an absolutely wild party with a complete hodgepodge of a lineup; Featuring The Dare, Boys Noize, Fcukers, Nation of Language, Chela, and even Yo Gabba Gabba blessing the night with their presence. Comedy legend Reggie Watts hosted the entire event, completely taking ownership of the evening’s vibes and making sure everybody in attendance had the most memorable night possible. Although the early 00’s where they started may be long over, IHEARTCOMIX went above and beyond in providing a futuristic lineup that still evoked a nostalgic feeling that celebrated their history in the most crafted way possible. As soon as I approached The Bellweather, it was instantly apparent that this was not the average club event with the eccentric and colorful outfits that everybody was decked out in. While it was a more formally dressed crowd, IHEARTCOMIX’s brand is entirely based on being as expressive and colorful as

Music for Trees: PJ Harvey at the Greek Theatre

Rob Shepyer October 25, 2024

PJ Harvey’s return to North America saw her playing songs off 2023’s I Inside The Old Year Dying, her most recent album, which for those expecting the heavy, knock around sound of Steve Albini-produced Rid of Me, were in for a softer, more ambient and touching treat. The album cover of this 2023 effort visual communicates the sound, a slender twig made whole by its shadow, the image is minimalist and fragile, similar to the music but the music has a fuller element, as if you’re riding a wave from start to finish of every song. Hearing this in the heart of Griffith Park, surrounded by giant trees on either side which create a force field so that the music is for only those in the theatre’s arms, gave the evening a sort of contact high we’d feel with every song. related: Dangerously Artsy- Geneva Jacuzzi at The Lodge Room You felt in these songs a primal connection to nature, which PJ Harvey embodied this night with her long white dress. For those that were itching to hear her more punk rock material, like myself, we had to wait a little bit but it was well worth it to hear

HEALTH at the Grammy Museum- photo by Taylor Wong

HEALTH at The Grammy Museum- Making It In The New Music Industry

Danny Baraz October 18, 2024

So here I am for the first time at the Grammy Museum in Downtown Los Angeles to see HEALTH perform a half set in a small 200 person theater with seats, and to live premier their latest song collaboration- “Ashamed” featuring Lauren Mayberry of CHVRCHES. Prior to the performance was a less awkward than I imagined Q and A with Nic Harcourt and the band that focused heavily on the creation of the 2023 full length release of Rat Wars. Singer/Songwriter and HEALTH guitarist, Jake Dusik was much more chatty than I expected for someone with such a catalog of sad bastard, isolationist song credits. Dusik spoke in great detail about that despair, which peaked during the pandemic lock down. The birth of his child during this bleak time and the death of society conceived their most critically acclaimed HEALTH album, to date. HEALTH co-founder and ambassador John Famiglietti, always bringing levity to the band described a completely different lock down experience that didn’t always shelter in place and was echoed by HEALTH drummer BJ Miller. HEALTH were asked their thoughts on who was the quintessential Los Angeles band and the answer given was The Doors. I found that to

Dangerously Artsy: Geneva Jacuzzi at the Lodge Room

Rob Shepyer September 13, 2024

Geneva Jacuzzi‘s “Art is Dangerous” isn’t just the banger single from her most recent Dais Records full length album, Triple Fire, “Art is Dangerous” is both an affirmation of the intention to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable (a sentiment lost among more and more corporatized and bubble-wrapped, cookie cutter artists) and it’s also a reference to a timeless debate that transcends culture. Is art dangerous? Were Tipper Gore and the PMRC right all along? Can you ingest as much devil worship, pornographic, sinful material as possible without having your soul tarnished one iota? Can you play endless hours of GTA, shooting up civilians without feeding a subliminal bloodlust, can you listen to Radiohead without feeling lonely or binge-stream Slayer without losing faith? Far too many people in the current state of the world are beginning to veer toward answering “yes”. That art, is in fact, dangerous. Even though Geneva Jacuzzi is affirming that danger, I have to wonder if she sees it dangerous in the same way as a certain sector of extreme believers who’s rhetoric makes you think they desire a modern bonfire of the vanities. I say this because Geneva Jacuzzi’s performance for her album release

Featured Song: Phantom Hound’s “From Boom Town To Ghost Town”

Rob Shepyer July 16, 2024

If you like your music equal parts moody and crushing, Phantom Hound’s latest release, “From Boom Town To Ghost Town” is just the jam you’ve been looking for. Hailing from Oakland, California, Phantom Hound is a power trio that plunges new depths of heavy psych and stoner rock to conjure a sound too hallowed to be restricted by the genre conventions of “doom”. Signature to this band’s sound and aesthetics are their grunge influence and love of all things vintage, be it western saloons, scarred leather, or good ol’ fashioned American gothic. “From Boom Town To Ghost Town” is a slow, methodical journey through American history, where black and white film can’t help but feel macabre. These grainy, faded memories marry the song’s themes well, about venturing back to places in your own past and discovering all that remains is a ghost town of what once was. The song juggles between a melancholy reverie of American shamanism to a stoner clinic with a brutal, sludge-fest of riffs, transcendent solos, and a powerful vocal performance that you would follow anywhere. Whether you prefer to pair their playing with a joint or bottle of whiskey, these riffs go down thick and Jake

Stone Age Swagger: Queens of the Stone Age at SB Bowl

Rob Shepyer June 7, 2024

This review is being written by a metalhead and punk. This review is not being written by a psych or stoner rocker. I was not a part of the Kyuss revelation. My history with Queens of the Stone Age mostly amounts to seeing “No One Knows”, “Go With The Flow” and “Little Sister” on MTV. There is one moment though, that Queens of the Stone Age changed my life. In 2007, along with three other college companions, I went on a drug fueled pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the shortly lived but deeply missed two-day rager known as Vegoose. The lineup for which featured Rage Against The Machine, The Stooges performing Funhouse, Daft Punk, and Queens of the Stone Age among a multitude of other great bands. related content: QOTSA and The Kills blow up the Forum on Halloween Night The four of us were on a mission that weekend to consume cocaine for the first time. A drug that seemed like an anachronism to us, a thing of the 80’s as extinct as the quaalude. However, at the most miraculous, uncanny moment that the festival could have produced, the drug magically came to us. During the Queens of the

Ministry at Cruel World shot by Taylor Wong

Cruel World 2024: A Legacy Forms in Year 3 at The Rose Bowl

Danny Baraz May 27, 2024

It’s very rare for a music festival to have a storied legacy to live up to after just 2 years. But after a total lunar eclipse that turned the moon blood red before completely disappearing during Bauhuas for Cruel World 2022 and inclement weather and lightning that thwarted Siouxsie Sioux from performing on Saturday in 2023 and adding a 2nd day on Sunday, it felt like raising the bar could be quite dangerous. For a moment, it looked like the massive storms on our star might cause the Aurora Borealis to materialize for a SECOND night in Southern California for Cruel World 2024. Was there some type of deal with the devil to manifest this excitement, pleasure and existential angst? Maybe a collab with the folks at CERN to find the physics of the post punk genre through the mysteries of particle colliders? Alas, we could not view the Northern Lights here in the southland but the stars fell from the sky and landed on the 3 stages, Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for yet another celestial Cruel World experience. related: Cruel World 2023- Redemption and Romance at The Rose Bowl Fandom has always been weird, wonderful and

Off The 405: Summer Concert Series at The Getty

Janky Smooth Central Command May 24, 2024

One of Los Angeles’ most beautiful places to see a concert is The Getty museum’s mountain top vista sitting Off The 405 freeway between the Valley and the West Side. Soak in the summer rays and bursts of colorful sunset while surrounding yourself with art from around the world and across the ages. The Getty is a setting that inspires artists to perform at their peak, join us and get inspired. Between June 1st and August 24th 2024, The Getty has blessed Los Angeles with concerts by incomparable artists like Julia Holter and Helado Negro. Each night serves as a reflection of LA culture, offering a diverse range of sounds and artists that LA has come to expect from The Getty’s Off The 405 Series. You can see the schedule of all shows this summer below: Hailu Mergia DJ set by Mark Maxwell Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024 Time: DJ set at 6 p.m.; Performance at 7:30 p.m. Location: Museum Courtyard Admission: Free, tickets required. Get Tickets here. Slauson Malone Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 Time: DJ set at 6 p.m.; Performance at 7:30 p.m. Location: Museum Courtyard Admission: Free, tickets required. Tickets available May 23, 2024 Helado Negro Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024 Time: DJ set at 6 p.m.;

Summon and Purge: Swans at the Lodge Room

Rob Shepyer May 22, 2024

Tasked to describe Swans to a friend and convince him to join me at this sold out Lodge Room show, I wasn’t able to pinpoint any genre to pigeonhole the band into an understandable phenomenon. With a little research, Swans is usually categorized as a noise rock band, but even that is reductive given the band doesn’t necessarily need to be loud or noisy to be themselves. What makes Swans sound like themselves is their urge to connect to the spirit world. This can be done with excessive volume or hair-raising whispers, or it can be done through mantra-like repetition which they often utilize, or as I witnessed firsthand at the Lodge Room, a band can connect with the spirit world simply by creating so much sustained musical chaos that every witness becomes completely spellbound by awe. To open the show, Swans steel guitar player, Kristof Hahn opened with moody ambient crooner tunes, the sort you might expect to accompany a David Lynch film or the slower side of an Orville Peck reverie. His voice was both sweet and seasoned, carrying the sort of pain that only comes with a life full of experiences both beautiful and tragic. Once Kristof

The Book of Revelation Records: Judge, 7 Seconds, Side by Side and Youth of Today at 1720

Rob Shepyer May 17, 2024

Revelation Records is perhaps hardcore’s most iconic record label. With heavyweights like Gorilla Biscuits, 7 Seconds and Youth of Today in their lineup, the label has cemented their place as a necessary pillar of an entire genre. Even today, Revelation Records is still just as relevant, giving hardcore artists like Torso and Primal Rite the “rub” that extends their reach all around the world, a world that would be much softer without Revelation Records. related content: Two Times The Biscuit Power: Gorilla Biscuits at The Roxy This special weekend, where four of the label’s most influential bands would share the same stage on two co-headlining nights, was an event that could only take place in Los Angeles, at 1720, and booked by SOS Productions. 7 Seconds and Judge on Night 1, Youth of Today and the final Side by Side reunion show on Night 2. This was a bill too good to be true even in New York, for all the legendary matinee shows they witnessed, they never got see a collaboration this epic. There was almost a religious aspect to the shows, as if hardcore kids all over California had to make pilgrimage to beat witness to this holy

Gary Numan at The Fonda Theater shot by Saryn Christina

Gary Numan and Frontline Assembly at The Fonda: An Evening of Synths and Industrial Bliss

Saryn Christina May 8, 2024

On April 7, 2024, The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles welcomed the eager fans of Gary Numan and Frontline Assembly with a line stretching around the block. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the doors swung open, revealing a packed theater ready to witness both artists take the stage. Frontline Assembly kicked off the evening with a thunderous set that fused industrial beats with haunting melodies. Starting right on time, they strode from the darkness and exploded with sound. Playing classics like “Mindphaser” and crashing into newer tracks that showcased their evolution, Frontline Assembly delivered a performance that was as intense as it was mesmerizing. The entire band performed with an energy that set the stage for an incredible night. The crowd, bathed in pulsating lights and engulfed in a wall of sound, was entranced from start to finish. Related: Nitzer Ebb And Flow – A Night Of Dance And Darkness At The Music Box Soon after Frontline Assembly exited, Gary Numan took the stage and from the opening notes he captured the audience with his enduring sound. He delivered a career-spanning set that perfectly balanced his early, more pop-oriented sounds with the darker, industrial leanings of his later work.

Tonic Truth and Collective Consciousness: Kim Gordon at Ventura Music Hall

Rob Shepyer April 6, 2024

In her latest reinvention, Kim Gordon deepened her trip hop digs and redefined her signature noise rock stylings into a pure avalanche of disruption to pull our eyes out of our phones, whether to pay attention or escape into a headbang, so we may listen to what she has to say. This was my 2nd time seeing Kim Gordon live, my sole-previous experience was witnessing her headline Mosswood Meltdown 2022. Since then, she’s released The Collective the most defining album of her solo career and the Ventura Music Hall was the perfect place to perform. The venue is a uniquely chill hanger, resting in a uniquely chill slice of California. A true gem of the 805, it’s one of the best places to see a band for its great sound quality, acoustics, bar, kitchen and staff. Blessed by a painting of The Last Supper featuring the cast of The Big Lebowski in the darkened right corner of the room, every show is innately intimate at Ventura Music Hall. related content: Glorious Leader, Kim John Kill: Mosswood Meltdown 2022 The first track on the Collective, “BYE BYE”, was both Kimlet’s opener and closer for this tour. The song is a farewell

Cretin Hop at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong

If Anyone Needed A New Year, It’s Me: The Black Lips at The Lodge Room

Taylor Wong April 5, 2024

New Year’s Eve; this is usually when you reflect on the year you’ve had and think about the year that’s about to come. Well my year was shit to say the least. Nothing beats losing a job, your dog getting cancer, and two break ups that bookend 2023. The year to come is uncertain for the first time in my life, and that’s pretty insane to me. With having no job for the first time in 9 years, I finally had an open New Year’s Eve to do something fun. The only thing that stood out to me this year was Cretin Hop’s New Year’s Eve Party with the Black Lips. The Black Lips are one of those bands that I’ve seen over and over and have never been disappointed. So no contest, the Lodge Room was the place to be New Year’s Eve. This was a weird New Year’s, and I think everyone can agree. When traveling around town, it just didn’t feel like there was anything really being celebrated. I started with overpriced drinks in North Hollywood at a ghost town of a bar. I soon realized I was running behind and made my way over to The

Pro(n)g Rock: Voivod at The Fonda

Rob Shepyer March 28, 2024

It’s a rarity that the Voivod UFO comes hovering over Los Angeles and to miss witnessing an event like this is simply a rookie metal move. Last time, the band came to El Rey opening for Revocation for an oddly mixed bill. Now, the band paired with Prong, who they took on the road decades prior to make this tour a metaphorical full circle around a distant sun. This tour saw saw them playing new music off Morgoth Tales and reaching up their sleeves to play classics and obscurities. related content: Heavy Metal UFO: Voivod and Revocation At El Rey Voivod is a child of thrash metal’s golden age but they were nothing like any of their contemporaries. They made songs that sounded like radioactive war ballads, long and sweeping musical tales featuring ranges of emotions, all-over-the-place instrumentation, and structure that would blow the minds of many musicians that only understood thrash as a blend of punk and metal. This was a co-headlining tour though, and many people came for Prong, partly as a way to connect to their Danzig worship, given that Tommy Viktor is the leader of Prong and long time guitarist for Glenn, and partly because Los

Ceremony at The Palladium by Albert Licano

Ceremony Gets Their Flowers at the Hollywood Palladium

Rob Shepyer March 4, 2024

As 2024 launches into orbit, I see our Los Angeles music scene and its veterans coming full circle as the year’s trajectory begins to take shape. Ceremony’s epic Palladium show celebrating the anniversary of 2010’s Rhonert Park EP was the biggest headlining show of their career, performing in front of 3,700 people. It was a moment created completely by the organic devotion of their fans and not by a music industry needing new rock stars. It was the moment Ceremony received their flowers. related content: If Ever A Band Was My Home: Ceremony’s HOME SICK Festival at the Phoenix Theater For as long as Ceremony has been my favorite band, I’ve considered them an underground darling. Their shows were more energetic than seeing a major rock band. You’d go to a show and think “everyone who loves live music ought to see this at least once”, yet people just assumed hardcore couldn’t break the ceiling above any underground music act. Sound and Fury, though, could imagine otherwise. The festival had been the engine behind Ceremony’s Southern California icon-status, giving our hardcore scene unforgettable sets with the band like their 2016 Regent set, their 2018 headlining Belasco set, their Your Life in

3Teeth at The Teragram Ballroom shot by Abraham Preciado

3Teeth at The Teragram: Industrial Dystopia

Danny Ryan February 8, 2024

Love for gothic industrial and nu-metal aesthetics seemed nonexistent for a while, being almost universally seen as cringe and outdated as indie rock and trap music dominated the airwaves in the late 00’s and early 2010’s. With political tensions rising after the 2016 election however, angry and darker music came back in a massive way that can be seen with festivals like Sick New World selling out quickly and the industrial scene feeling as relevant as ever again. 3Teeth is a band that took full advantage of this shift in attitude, bringing the angsty edge of 90’s greats like Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson to a new audience that’s just as wild at live concerts. In celebration of their newest album EndEx, 3Teeth transformed the Teragram Ballroom into a cyberpunk wasteland and hosted a late night of industrial sounds from every era; with ear-piercing distortion, infectiously dancey synthesizer melodies, and leather as far as the eye can see. With Skold, Straight Razor, and 8mm as surprise openers for the evening, there was a treat for all fans of industrial music no matter what their preference may be. Straight Razor’s performance began with an eerie but blissful ambient intro, almost

The Black Angels at Levitation by Grace Dunn

Levitation 2023: The Catharsis of Heavy Music

Janky Smooth Central Command January 11, 2024

Halloween weekend. Thickness in the air. Darkness in the world. I’m committed to a music festival far from home and it’s supposed to rain. Austin, Texas: despite having been there only 5 months prior for Austin Psych Fest, one of the most special community-based music experiences of my life, I felt anxiety leading up to Levitation 2023. So when I left LAX and landed at AUS Airport on Thursday afternoon before the music began, I begged the weight of the world to lighten, with hopes for a familiar outcome of levity, connection, and reclaimed freedom. I believe all of us lost festival goers are in search of an escape from our daily lives. We’re looking for something to feel, something to connect to, and to be amongst similarly yearning souls that are open to the ebb and flow of this world. An ebb and flow that gets the best of us sometimes, for better or for worse… But this weekend, we tried to make it for the better, in the live music capital of the world, together. Words: Michelle Schuman Photos: Grace Dunn related: Austin Shines On: Levitation 2022 Community, that’s what Levitation has to offer. Psychedelia, in all its

JANKY SMOOTH Top 10 Shows of 2023 Rated By Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 31, 2023

Live musical entertainment is the lifeblood of Janky Smooth, that’s why we’re so blessed to be in the best concert city in all the world, bar-none. Los Angeles hosted so many of the year’s greatest bangers, it’s quite impossible to recall them all, however our contributors have compiled their top ten most incredible memories of 2023. For years to come, they will be able to say they were there in regard to so many moments that will live on much longer than the year. Whether it was Siouxsie performing in Los Angeles for the first time in decades at Cruel World, Skinny Puppy’s final shows, the return of Ladytron or Cynic or Saetia, or brand new festivals we won’t ever forget like Sick New World or Darker Waves. Take a moment to breeze through these lists and remember those shows if you were there. Publisher, Danny Baraz Siouxsie Sioux at Cruel World Iggy Pop at the Regent Obituary at the Fonda Run the Jewels playing RTJ2 at the Hollywood Palladium Angel Du$t at Echoplex Skinny Puppy at Belasco Depeche Mode at Crypto.com Arena Ladytron at Belasco Sparks at Hollywood Bowl The Adicts at Belasco Editor sometimes, Rob Shepyer System of

JANKY SMOOTH Top 10 Albums of 2023 Rated By Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 31, 2023

2023 wasn’t just the year we saw many of our Janky favorites mature into their true selves, 2023 was the year these favorite bands put out the career defining material that will be pointed to years from today as the moment the band began creating the music they became iconic for. Some of these bands include groups we’ve followed for years, bands like Zulu, Spiritual Cramp, Scowl, and Angel Du$t. Yes, the hardcore scene provided the soundtrack for some of 2023’s most inspired and diverse jams, yet this was not the only underground providing the year’s best records. In the worlds of goth, synth, darkwave and beyond, artists like Model/Actriz, Madeline Goldstein, Nation of Language and Panther Modern made us dance, swoon and make-out harder than previous years. In metal, we see the same dynamism as Tomb Mold created one of the year’s most powerful and transcendent musical rollercoasters. Genre veterans Cannibal Corpse and Cavalera continued ripping, as did Liturgy, adding a new book to her musical gospel. Hip hop didn’t disappoint either with alternative and mainstream bangers galore be they the collaboration between JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown or grouptherapy’s latest brilliant record. Art pop female badasses stole the show

The Pixies at The Hollywood Bowl by Jessica Moncrief

Pixies and Modest Mouse: Clash of the Indie Titans at Hollywood Bowl

Alfredo Luna December 20, 2023

Sunday night, Sept 17th at the Hollywood Bowl was a clash of the titans, with powerhouse artists in Modest Mouse and Pixies gracing the stage and concluding their joint North American run together. The lineup had prompted many in the lots and the shuttles playing the guessing game of figuring out who each person was there to see. There was almost an even split of fans there for either Modest Mouse or Pixies, but despite the split each fan was still excited to see the other. Overheard were fans recanting the first time they ever saw either band. Stories ranging from old university lounges to small clubs across the country and down to the couple who first met at a Modest Mouse show and are now seeing them for the 20th time since then. Cat Power also played but unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the venue in time. It was my second time seeing Modest Mouse, with the last time being at the smallest venue in Riverside about 7 years ago where they ripped through a banger of a set and came back for multiple encores. So I was more or less prepared for what the Modest Mouse who would

Ladytron Reverberate The Belasco In Their Return to Los Angeles

Janky Smooth Central Command December 15, 2023

The long-awaited, electrifying and innovative live show of UK’s Ladytron finally returned to Los Angeles. Ladytron performed at Belasco Theater after their summer stop at the alt-rock “Just Like Heaven” 2023 festival. Historically still standing from LA’s silent era movie theater district, The Belasco has become the best tour stop in housing top acts in an intimate and impressive venue with plush styled lounges and an exquisite live sound. Live acts thrive here and Ladytron would prove themselves and pay tribute to that “Silent Era” history by producing an electrifying tech sound at its purest. The band’s current tour is the first in four year after a decade long hiatus. But the band hardly stood still and were busier than ever with production collaborations from Brian Eno to Christina Aguilera. Remixes were produced for a long list of artists such as Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Goldfrapp and Nine Inch Nails. Ladytron saw themselves with personal efforts outside of the band’s orb with singers Helen Marnie completing two solo LPs, and Mira Aroyo producing music, as well as some documentary filmmaking. The ladies’ co-conspirators/founding members Daniel Hunt and Ruben Wu are DJs and producers from Liverpool. Daniel Hunt with his expertise

Yves Tumor at The Wiltern by Sarah Dinse

Yves Tumor at The Wiltern: Living in the Abstract

Sarah Dinse November 16, 2023

Yves Tumor took the stage On October 12th at The Wiltern in Los Angeles to give us a performance as eccentric and memorable as they are. This four piece experimental rock band can hardly be tied to one genre, making their sound something we’ve never heard before. They have carefully crafted their entire brand to be so abstract and artistic so that their audience can imprint vastly different parts of themselves onto any piece. Yves Tumor is an art piece first and musician second. Yves Tumor is a specialist at guiding the imagination. Every song feels like looking through a kaleidoscope; you can see what you think the image is, but you never really know. Their lyrical way of montaging concepts into eccentric metaphors are what attract a following of abstract artists and creatives. This mixed with their ominous industrial rock sounds make all of their music sound intensely deep and intimate. A common theme throughout any Yves Tumor piece is the connection between religious subtext and everyday life. In their latest album, “Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot between Worlds)” we hear a lot of key phrases and buzzwords in the titles

Nitzer Ebb and Flow: A Night of Dance and Darkness at The Music Box

Danny Baraz November 3, 2023

Star date Saturday, Sept. 2nd, 2023… San Diego, California. Nitzer Ebb is the band. Modern.wav and Lethal Amounts are the pilots and The Music Box became the vessel for the only U.S. show scheduled this year for the British EBM/Industrial pioneers. It was perfect timing for Venus to come out of retrograde as the stars aligned to bring lost loves back into our lives. Last time I saw Nitzer Ebb was at Substance 2021 and as fun as that set was, it was missing front man Douglas McCarthey with composer and energizer bunny Bon Harris insuring the show went on. This show was a collaboration between Lethal Amounts and San Diego goth scene impresarios, Modern.wav, whose line-ups, clubs and vibes have been drawing me down to San Diego on a more regular basis over the last year. As one might imagine, Nitzer Ebb drew Angelenos down to the southern most part of California so the crowd was filled with familiar and friendly faces. related: Nitzer Front- Cold Waves 2022 at The Mayan The lineup was stacked with quality, dark music acts, bondage exhibitions and DJ’s between bands. Opening the show was synth pop group, Normal Bias. Normal Bias have a

Transgressive Transcendence at The Getty’s Latest Exhibit: William Blake: Visionary

Rob Shepyer October 27, 2023

One of Los Angeles’ most iconic cultural center’s, The Getty, has long bridged together music and art. Providing a space where classical and modern artists can inspire musicians of every age and ilk, the Getty’s latest exhibit might just have the most potential for invigorating any creative that visits that shining temple on a hill. So, if you are a creative in Los Angeles, William Blake:Visionary is a must-see exhibit. The many musicians that were inspired by William Blake all share one thing in common, a worldview that includes a higher power or a reality beyond material existence. Nihilists may find Blake intriguing but he doesn’t capture their imaginations quite like those that believe in God, destiny, or a soul. These musicians include Van Morrison, Iron Maiden, U2, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan and many more. And getting to preview the exhibit before the public, the press was treated to a playlist featuring the music of these artists while enjoying a feast and cocktails with just as much William Blake homage as the tunes. Getting to tour the new exhibit along with many of the Getty’s patrons and beloved followers, we got a glimpse into the mind and imagination of William

The Erections at Moroccan Lounge shot by Corina Cline

Erect Tricks and Loose Rails: The Erections and Hat Trickers at Moroccan Lounge

Rob Shepyer October 5, 2023

From either end of the Pacific Ocean, Nacho Corrupted is known as a punk icon, flying the flag of East Los all the way to the far east by bringing Japan’s wildest punk bands to Los Angeles for this year’s C.Y. Fest. Catching The Erections and Hat Trickers at the Moroccan Lounge is a rare treat, so street punk faithful dug through their crates to excavate that precious punk rock imported vinyl to offer up to the bands like sacrifices to be signed for the 2nd to last C.Y. Fest side show of 2023 related: Manic Japan: Death Side At The Regent The last time Hat Trickers came to Los Angeles was for a one-off side show after Manic Relapse 2019. A whole pandemic later and that band returned to even more fanfare and excitement than the previous show. The air was buzzing with punks awaiting this set, making everyone anticipate a show that would imprint itself on your memory, for better or for worse, but unquestionably for good. It was a night jam packed with punk rock and mine began seeing local punks, The Rails, wreck the stage with blasting, unhinged guitars and true to street percussive rhythms, boots

Scowl At 1720 Sell Out The Venue But Not Their Souls

Danny Ryan September 22, 2023

One of the biggest Catch 22’s of being a punk rock fan is wanting the artists you love to succeed and reach a larger audience, while also wanting them to avoid selling out and the inevitable softening of their edge that comes with popularity. While bands that maintain a consistent sound are often doomed to become dull and uninteresting after a couple of releases, there’s always a lingering fear of bringing in new audiences that don’t “get it” when an artist experiments with new aesthetics or explores other genres. Scowl and Militarie Gun have both had some of the most talked about punk releases of the year, and their recent show at 1720 proved that neither artist has sacrificed their unruly hardcore spirits in the evolution of their sounds. While tough-guy hardcore purists may be complaining online about the alternative direction that these artists have been taking, it’s clear that they haven’t witnessed the chaotic party that Scowl creates up close in-person for themselves yet and it’s only a matter of time before everybody starts to embrace the “Psychic Dance Routine”. related: Scowl Interview- Talking Limp Bizkit, Kevin Smith and Hardcore 1720 has established itself as one of the best

Metal Injection Festival Will Conquer Orange County September 16th-17th

Rob Shepyer September 12, 2023

Having served the global extreme music underground since 2004 when they were launched by co-owners Frank Godla and Robert Pasbani, Metal Injection has become the premiere source for heavy metal and hardcore news, reviews, humor and more. To celebrate the magazine, its contributors, readers and the bands they love, Metal injection has evolved into a festival with just as much power and style as they’ve always put out. Since their inception, what’s made Metal Injection stand out from the rest of the flock is the exceptional curation and vision held by its creators and family of contributors. The very first Metal Injection Festival features that same sort of expert eye for talent and timing with two nights of metal and hardcore heavyweights, old and new. At the top of the first night’s bill, Saturday September 16th’s Observatory Orange County opening night features Max and Igor Cavalera returning to their first albums, Morbid Visions and Bestial Devastation. Those who experienced their more recent Arise/Beneath the Remains tours and their Roots revival before that, know this regression in form only adds up to more volume, brutality and mosh pits because these songs, though you might not know them like the back of

Sound and Fury Fest 2023: The Stage Dive Will Never Die

Danny Ryan August 30, 2023

Sound and Fury is easily my favorite music festival, and consistently takes the spot as the best weekend of the year for me without fail. Returning again to Exposition Park for the second year in a row, the controversial choice to move the festival outdoors has proven again to succeed as a hardcore experience exclusive to Sound and Fury. The overwhelming heat and dust clouds were absolutely brutal this year compared to 2022, but passionate fans were not going to let anything stop them from hardcore dancing all weekend long. This was also the second year with involvement from art collective and fashion brand Brain Dead, and their influence could be seen everywhere from the stage backdrops to exclusive merch designs. Sound and Fury is absolutely unmatched when it comes to finding the best collaborators and vendors to help with making their vision come alive, something that more music festivals should take note of in the goal of creating an unforgettable experience that everybody in attendance feels a need to come back to. related: Risks Make Better Memories than Nostalgia – Sound and Fury 2022 One of the biggest draws to Sound and Fury’s 2023 lineup for me was the

Spike Hellis Come Home to Das Bunker After 40 Date Headlining Tour

Danny Baraz August 11, 2023

A year and a half ago, I saw Spike Hellis for the first time at Das Bunker. I was there to see Pixel Grip but I had been hearing a buzz about this transcendental ebm outfit that had been playing a bunch of gigs that I kept missing. I went into Catch One with some expectations and Spike Hellis lived up to them all. Two prodigious partners dancing in a dystopian wasteland to a soundtrack they orchestrated. Hard ass beats laced with round synths and compelling vocals. They were mesmerizing and hypnotic and that was just my first taste. Flash forward to June 30th, 2023. Spike Hellis have played 701,432 shows since then and have just returned from a 40 date tour, their first. Their 2022 self titled album was number 1 on my list of best albums for the year. I’ve seen them open for Twin Tribes and be the first band on a Sound and Fury side show lineup, of all things and may other gigs. Spike Hellis have delivered every time. They might be the hardest working band in independent music, right now. related: Pixel Grip, Spike Hellis and Black Light Odyssey Find Refuge at Das Bunker

The Garden at "One Strange Night in Orange County"

The Garden Summon Ghosts at The Observatory For One Strange Night In Orange County

Sarah Dinse August 8, 2023

“One Strange Night in Orange County” wasn’t just a festival facilitated by The Garden, an experimental rock duo of twin brothers from Orange County. It was a flashback to a time not that long ago when The Observatory was overrun by Burgeramas and Beach Goths and other festivals past. The Garden certainly were not headlining those days but they were stealing the show. Now, here they are- the last vestige of a canceled culture. 2 boys turned elder statesmen who survived the purge by not letting their erupting hormones and exploding status lead them down the path of personal and professional ruin. But on this One Strange Night in Orange County, the spirit of those days was in the air. Not to haunt us but to honor the magic of both the music of that time and the diversity of music that came before and after they died. related: Beach Goth 4- The Party of the Year The festival started by honoring the past 45 Grave are a four piece, goth/death rock band from the 80’s. They opened the festival and couldn’t have done a better job at setting the tone for what seemed like Halloween all night long.

LA Still Believes In Anarchy: The Exploited at The Regent

Danny Ryan July 7, 2023

While many foundational classic punk bands still tour regularly, the reckless soul that the genre is known for can often be missing with how much older the artists have become. Rather than the stagedives, partying, and rowdy moshpits that you’d expect at a punk show, many landmark bands unfortunately feel more like seeing a nostalgic cover band that you’d find at a local bar. While age has affected the energy of many artists, that has only made it more special when you experience the rare event of seeing an early punk band wreak the havoc that they would have in the prime of their career. The Exploited are one of the few examples of a classic punk band that’s able to bring this anarchy to modern audiences, transforming The Regent into the environment of a rowdy 1980’s club with their recent show hosted by Concrete Jungle Entertainment and Nothing Less Booking. With a perfectly crafted lineup of chaos including Conflict, Total Chaos, and Section H8, the spiritual essence of punk rock could have not been more prevalent in the venue that evening. The Exploited proved to us that punk’s not dead, you just have to know where to look for

Take This: Spend Your Summer w/ Das Bunker Ticket Giveaway

Janky Smooth Central Command June 20, 2023

Das Bunker is responsible for some of our favorite club nights, launching some of the freshest new bands and continuously resurrecting some of the rarest acts in dark, underground dance music. This summer, in the year of our Lord, 2023, Janky Smooth has teamed up with Das Bunker to give 2 lucky winners, 2 tickets each for all 6 of their summer events. You can buy tickets NOW or check the details on how to enter below Das Bunker has got your summer covered with 2 band nights, 2 club nights and two themed cruises floating on the Pacific Ocean. related: Pixel Grip, Spike Hellis and Black Light Odyssey Find Refuge at Das Bunker Calendar of Das Bunker Ticket Giveaway Events Spike Hellis, Gatekeeper and Feudal at Catch One- June 30th 2023 Creux Lies, Deceits and Hallows at Catch One- July 6th 2023 Sarin (DJ set), Milliken Chamber (live) and Cruel Kiss (live)at Catch One- July 8th 2023 MorrisSea: Morrissey/Smiths themed cruise on the Long Beach Harbor- July 29th 2023 Nine Inch Sails (Nine Inch Nails themed) cruise on the Long Beach Harbor- Aug 5th 2023 Summer Massive: 7 clubs join forces at Catch One- Aug 12th Goths,

Gwen Stefani at Beach Life Festival 2023 by David Smith

Beach Life Festival 2023: On The Shores of Greatness

Dave Unbuckled June 16, 2023

Beach Life Festival made its annual return to Redondo Beach, this past month, bringing its strongest line up to date in tow that included The Black Keys, Modest Mouse, Gwen Stefani, The Pixies, Band of Horses, The Black Crowes, Sublime w. Rome and Rock n Roll legend, John Fogerty…among many others. Beach Life has continued to include intimate solo performances from local favorites including Johnny Two Bags (Social Distortion), Zander Schloss (Circle Jerks), Jim Lindberg (Pennywise) while providing up and coming touring acts such as The Beaches and L.P. Humongous audiences of new fans to win over. The most impressive aspect of Beach Life seems to be the atmosphere it provides attendees with its varying level of comfort options, varieties of local food trucks, art installations, and selections of top shelf alcohol including Kokomo Spirit: The Official Canned Cocktail of Janky Smooth (unsubstantiated). These amenities go far and beyond the normal festival faire, which makes this year’s event itself so impressive given its A grade lineup, a noticeable improvement from previous years. Friday’s offering of The Pixies won the crowd early on, especially after a slow start by Kurt Vile, that saw the Tennessee native alternating guitars through his first

L7 Continue Bricks Are Heavy Tour at The Glass House

Danny Baraz June 14, 2023

What can I or anyone else at Janky Smooth say about L7 that hasn’t already been said? There’s only so many times I can describe the raw power that transcends genre, gender and other topical paradigms without being redundant. This is my 2nd time seeing L7 perform Bricks Are Heavy in it’s entirety and it has yet to bring about any fatigue for that body of work. In fact, it has been re-energized. I took my daughter to see L7 perform their seminal album at the Glass House. It was her first show with a pit and the first show to blow her ears out- everything a young girl needs to be corrupted by empowerment and progress. Donita, Jennifer, Suzy and Dee delivered an air tight performance in Pomona and reminded me why I’ve seen L7 live more than any other band. Joshua Alvarez was there too, to take some sick photos. Check out our photo gallery and our past coverage of L7 below. related: L7 Stop Pretending They Are Dead at The Echo (2015) related: 30 Years of “Bricks are Heavy” at The Regent words: Danny Baraz photos: Joshua Alvarez

Godflesh at Brick by Brick by Becky DiGiglio

A Proven Experiment: Oblivion Access Festival Returns To Austin June 15th-18th

Danny Ryan June 9, 2023

Oblivion Access Festival will be returning to Austin, Texas in 2023 to host their signature celebration of experimental music and art showcases from all different walks of life, and this is not a year to be slept on. Spanning over multiple genres with darker gothic performances of Drab Majesty and TR/ST, heavier metal grooves of Godflesh and Earth, stagedive-filled hardcore sets from Drain and Drug Church, and even underground hip-hop artists like Clipping and Lil Ugly Mane; Oblivion Access Fest is sure to blow your mind no matter what your brand of the avant-garde and strange falls under. related: Austin Psych Fest 2023 – Authenticity In A Far Out Place Germany’s classic progressive rock band Faust is headlining the festival to celebrate 50 years of their mind-melting psychedelic career. Faust hasn’t graced America in 5 years with their mesmerizing grand performances, and they’re the most authentic way to experience the weirdo avant-garde roots of progressive rock live and in-person nowadays. Experiencing Faust live is a rare opportunity with how sparsely they visit the States, and their performances take you on an introspective adventure that is sure to stick in your mind just as much as an actual psychedelic experience would.

Yves Tumor at Austin Psych Fest 2023 by Grace Dunn

Austin Psych Fest 2023: Authenticity in a Far Out Place

Grace Dunn May 29, 2023

As a Black Angels fan, I followed Levitation (Austin Psych Fest)for years from afar, watching snippets of the festival on social media, because traveling to Austin from Los Angeles is a TREK that’s difficult for any overworked and underpaid artist, including myself. Through those glimpses, I recognized Levitation as a home to what I live for: diverse jams and trippy visuals. I could feel that I belonged there, but I had no idea how strong that connection was until the stars aligned and I finally made it out to The Far Out, the venue where the fest was held for the first time this year. related: My First SXSW- Confessions of a Fanboy Posing as Music Critic I’ve been to a fuck ton of gigs and festivals, but this one hit different. The people. All of them. Musicians, Organizers, and Festival Goers alike (groups that generally stay in their respective lanes during live show experiences) all blended into a vibrational tapestry, a collective, sewn together by their love of music. The connectivity and the community made this experience special. I will cherish it forever; “It’s All Happening”. Grace and I arrive in Austin, Texas: Ground zero for psychedelia, past, present,

Siouxsie Sioux at Cruel World 2023 by Albert Licano

Cruel World 2023- Redemption and Romance at The Rose Bowl

Danny Baraz May 26, 2023

One of the definitions of the word “Cruel” is, “to cause pain and suffering”. As much unintentional cruelty as Cruel World 2023 inflicted on the psyches of so many attendees by abruptly shutting the festival down half way through Iggy Pop’s set on Saturday, festival promoter and corporate media juggernaut Goldenvoice offered an olive branch of redemption by giving those who didn’t have to leave town on Sunday what most of us came to see- Siouxsie Sioux playing her first set in L.A. in 15 years. The build-up to Cruel World 2023 was palpable- not only for the 1000’s of out of towners that took time off of work, booked airfare, hotel and budgeted all year for what was for many, their annual vacation but also an elusive enthusiasm from Angeleno music fans who are jaded and spoiled by their residency in the music capital of the world. It would’ve been tough for any festival to live up to the magick we witnessed at Cruel World 2022 which peaked on the 2nd day of the festival where we witnessed Bauhuas bloody the stage and make the moon disappear but somehow, Goldenvoice rode 2022’s wave into the shores of excitement and

Melody's Echo Chamber at The Lodge Room by Grace Dunn

Melody’s Echo Chamber at The Lodge Room: Dancing On A Psychedelic Planet

Rob Shepyer May 11, 2023

Melody Prochet and her solo project as Melody’s Echo Chamber have always been a much revered group in the world of psych rock since their inception. Able to fuse together so many of vintage rock’s most powerful musical signatures; from disco-dancing to space rock zero-g guitars, the band can just as easily fill an audience with stoner haze, Fleetwood Mac feels or mindblowing bombast at the snap of Melody’s fingers. It wasn’t just the proposition of having your brain melted that mesmerized Los Angeles into selling out three Melody’s Echo Chamber shows at the Lodge Room, these performances were symbolic of much more to the artist herself. related: Desert Daze 2022- 10 Years In the Evolution of a Music Scene If you want to make a comeback, Los Angeles is the best place to make an impact and the Lodge Room is the best venue to ensure sanctuary, spirit and an endless feedback loop of mana between artist and witnesses. Supporting her 2022 album Unfold, Melody’s Echo Chamber was back doing what she does best, and with tears in her eyes and sonic keys of euphoria in her voice, Melody unlocked the minds of every sparkling-rainbow soul inside the Lodge

HEALTH at the Music Box by Becky DiGiglio

HEALTH/Author & Punisher at The Music Box: Let The Ceremony Begin

Danny Baraz April 20, 2023

Last time I saw HEALTH in San Diego was opening for Crystal Castles in May 2011 at the now defunct Fluxx Nightclub. Last Saturday it was HEALTH who were headlining The Music Box in San Diego as the last stop on their Dark Territory tour, and the only thing that HASN’T changed in the nearly 12 years since that show is that HEALTH completely shredded the stage. related: HEALTH at The Echo- First L.A. Show in 3 Years Delivers There were multiple story lines unraveling in through the evening and indeed, the complex and cryptic folds of the universe itself. Returning back from ceremony in Mexico on the day of the show, HEALTH was also the band me and my partner saw on our first date the night I touched her for the first time at 1720 a year ago. I love you Jules (fuck face). All that along with promoter Modern.Wav calling out the San Diego goths to convene in their own ceremony and indulge their kinks with an epic lineup that also featured Author & Punisher and openers Matte Blvck and Straight Razor, whom I woefully missed. Luckily, photographer Becky DiGigglio did not. We walked in during

Candlemass at 1720 shot by Joshua Alvarez

Candlemass at 1720: The Church of Doom

Danny Ryan April 20, 2023

While doom metal is a metal subgenre that has come and gone in waves throughout its history, bands that enter the scene develop such a large cult following that there has never been a need for a huge influx of new artists taking on the sound. The 1980’s severely lacked newer doom metal artists with the oversaturation of hair metal and thrash at the time, but Candlemass boldly took the throne as the Kings of Doom for that era when they were needed most and have maintained their legendary status ever since. With heavier psychedelic rock and metal rising in popularity again, Candlemass have once again returned to Los Angeles for the first time in 6 years for a sold out show at 1720 Warehouse to reclaim their spot on that throne. If you’re in any way a fan of the olden days of heavy metal before blast beats and death growls, seeing Candlemass live is one of the most authentic ways to experience these roots of metal music that are rarely seen nowadays. Related: Speedy Speedy Speed Metal – Midnight at Union 1720 Warehouse has quickly grown to become one of Los Angeles’ most iconic venues with the wide

Peaches at Madonna Inn by Jessica Moncrief

2nd Annual John Waters Easter at Madonna Inn: Pink Flamingos and Filthy Bunnies:

Vanessa Burgundy April 14, 2023

It was a sea of queers and bunny ears at California’s campiest hotel, the Madonna Inn, for opening night of the 2nd Annual John Waters Easter Weekend hosted by Lethal Amounts. The event featured electropunk musician/performance artist, Peaches, as well as a screening of Pink Flamingos with live commentary from Mink Stole and John Waters himself, replete with Easter and Tom of Finland photobooths and of course an Edith Massey look-a-like contest. related: Satanic Manic- Lethal Amounts Honors Anton LaVey on Halloween It was a slow race to the Inn as Peaches was set to take the stage at 7:30pm and with most attendees coming from Los Angeles or San Francisco, Friday traffic was a bear in either direction. We made it just in time for a quick a dip in the pool before the show and a seemingly innocent, lone, swimmer asked the occasion for our visit. His bewildered response to our answer was “Jowwhn Waterrs…izze a COUNtry singer or somethin’?” in an unplaceable drawl. He was there for a wedding and it was then that we knew: the other hotel inhabitants had no idea they were about to be bombarded by the filthiest people alive. related: The Teaches

Photo Recap: Onyx at The Echoplex

Janky Smooth Central Command April 11, 2023

If you’ve ever been in a mosh pit or slam danced at a hip hop show, you can thank Onyx for that type of singular release of tension. Something that is so common place now started with this group from South Jamaica, Queens in New York City. And regardless of Rick Rubin’s early rock influence in the beats he made for Run DMC and Beastie Boys, Onyx were one of the first to truly fuse metal and rap, ala the soundtrack for the movie Judgement Night . On March 29th, 2023 Onyx returned to play a show at The Echoplex in Los Angeles. Photographer Greg Flack was there to document the occasion.

N8NOFACE at The Lodge Room by Todd Anderson

N8NOFACE at The Lodge Room- F*ck You, Pay Me

Danny Baraz April 6, 2023

The character arch of N8NoFace will one day become the stuff of legend. From making music in a closet to a sold out show at the Lodge Room. From a self described “border boy” growing up in the Sonoran Desert in Tuscon Arizona, to building the kind of cult following in Los Angeles over the last 13 years that is the envy of most religious fundamentalist leaders. After seeing N8’s March 22nd kinetic performance at the Lodge Room in Highland Park, the only question that remains is how far does N8NoFace want to go? Up to this point, I had only seen N8 open for other bands and artists. With just himself and his Roland SP-404, I can’t remember anyone who was able to fill up both big and small stages alike with just themselves, a sampler and a massive stage presence. But this headlining gig at the Lodge Room was a different configuration of people joining him on stage and that made me nervous, at first. When the essence of something you like changes, the changes aren’t always good. For this show, N8NOFACE enlisted the help of Here Lies Man and Antibalas guitarist, Marcos Garcia aka Chico Mann. This

Beck at The Lodge Room by Jessica Moncrief

Beck Acoustic at The Lodge Room- A Storyteller

Danny Ryan March 28, 2023

Acoustic performances are known for providing a more intimate experience that offers the listener a vulnerable look into an artist’s relationship with their music, often having a lower energy than standard performances due to the quieter nature of the format. While diehard fans of an artist appreciate this personal encounter with their favorite artist, it’s even more impressive when the performance is just as thrilling and exciting as their higher production concerts. Beck is the incredibly rare example of an artist that creates an acoustic experience so unique that the energy is higher than seeing him in a more extravagant setting, completely transforming what these types of sets are typically known for. His two recent sold out 2-hour performances at The Lodge Room in Highland Park were a twice in a lifetime event, feeling as if it was the ideal way to experience Beck in-person. Even if you aren’t a Beck fan or a fan of acoustic sets, this show was easily one of the most memorable concerts that one could experience. This review is about night 1 of 2 performances at one of our favorite venues in Los Angeles. related: A Love Letter to The Lodge Room Highland Park

Touche Amore at the Regent by Taylor Wong

Touche Amore Play 4 albums in 2 Nights at the Regent Theater.

Taylor Wong March 27, 2023

Touché Amoré brings a certain level of nostalgia for most, myself included. When I was in high school I had the chance of seeing Touché at our local teen center. They were pretty much my intro into something a little more hardcore than punk music. I was blown away. Flash forward 15 or so years and here we are- Touché Amore is headlining 2 sold out nights at the Regent Theater and playing 4 albums in their entirety. This has been a new trend with bands over the past year as they hit 10 to 20 year anniversaries. I love these kind of shows because you know what you’re going to see. So many times I’ve gone to a show and been disappointed by a set list. For the show I attended on night one they played Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me and Lament. The only thing that could have made this a better show for me, would have been trading Lament for Stage Four which was played the next night. Touché came out heavy starting out with “PSBBM” with the first song- which may be my favorite Touché song. They played straight through the first two songs then

Take This: Win Two Tickets To John Waters Easter w/ Peaches by Lethal Amounts

Janky Smooth Central Command March 22, 2023

This Easter Weekend, Lethal Amounts returns to the Madonna Inn with a performance by Peaches and John Waters to mark the 50th anniversary and restoration of Waters’ cult classic, Pink Flamingos at the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. related: Burger Boogaloo 2017: The Ballad of John and Iggy Janky Smooth is giving away two tickets to this historic and delightfully filth laden event which includes: April 7th performance by Peaches April 8th PINK FLAMINGO movie screening with John Waters and Mink Stole conducting live commentary and a Q&A April 8th Janky Smooth EXCLUSIVE meet and greet with the man himself, John Waters To purchase tickets now, visit Lethal Amounts To be entered to win, simply go to our page on Instagram and/or Facebook, like the post and tag a friend. That’s it. Winner will be announced Monday April 3rd at high noon. related: Sex Cells Divine Ball at El Rey- The Filthiest People Alive

FIDLAR at The Observatory is STILL a Vibe

Janky Smooth Central Command March 21, 2023

There is little more that’s as iconic in the last 10 years of the SoCal indie music scene than FIDLAR playing at The Observatory in Santa Ana. It brings back memories of the golden age of the now defunct label that shall not be mentioned- but it rhymes with “Zurger”. related: An Interview with Zac Carper from FIDLAR Ticket holders wasted no time filling up The Observatory for the opening acts. Fans flooded the pit, full of raw energy and not holding anything back for Reckling. The set came with fast, high energy that had the fans crowd surfing, singing along and of course, moshing. Reckling opened the night strong and set the bar high. Not to be outdone, Liily came out just as powerfully and kept that energy going, if not elevating it to the next level. From their catchy songs to the electric performance of frontman Dylan Nash and the nonstop, chaotic energy of bassist Charlie Anastasis, all combined to make for one hell of a show. The crowd was warmed up, stretched and sweaty for FIDLAR to come out and destroy and they did just that. FIDLAR came out firing on all cylinders with “ Wake

Jane’s Addiction- Hollywood Royalty At The Palladium

Danny Baraz March 16, 2023

Jane’s Addiction playing the Palladium in Hollywood in 2023 resonates deeply with music fans who grew up in Los Angeles. Jane’s Addiction is the quintessential L.A. band of their era. Wedged snugly between the hair metal era of the 80’s and the grunge era of the 90’s, Jane’s had that guitar hero grit with the angry, sad bastard swag that followed the vacuous and shallow vortex of sunset strip glam rock. As excited as I was about this show, I had questions and concerns. Last time I saw Jane’s on their tour with Nine Inch Nails at the now defunct Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, everything seemed sub par- from Perry Farrell’s range to the vibe and banter on stage. Also, the absence on this run of guitar hero Dave Navarro and his signature sound concerned me a little. Not having Navarro is ALMOST like the Rolling Stones gigging without Keith Richards- almost. One thing I will say is seeing Porno for Pyros at the end of 2022 at the Belasco Theater gave me more confidence that Jane’s Addiction would play a show worth remembering. related: Porno For Pyros At The Belasco- A Time Capsule of Sound and Cultural Concepts I have

Drab Majesty- Dais 15 Year Anniversary at Belasco

DAIS Records Celebrates 15 Years Of Seminal Releases At The Belasco

Danny Baraz February 22, 2023

In the last 15 years, DAIS Records has had an output of quality music that should be the envy of any independent record label. From alumni such as Psychic TV, Cold Cave, Youth Code and Pink Turns Blue to current artists such as Drab Majesty, Adult., Choir Boy and Riki– DAIS records is a veritable cornucopia of post punk, experimental music and a great soundtrack to any Samhain celebration. On this night 2 of 2 of the anniversary celebration at The Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, it was the aforementioned list of current artists that headlined the night. I missed almost everyone else including Death Bells, which I hate but was overcome with dark, sad vibes that made me happy with what I did witness. We missed Night 1 of 2 at Zebulon that featured VR Sex, Tempers, Cold Showers and more. I missed a lot but we’ll fill you in on what we did see. related: DAIS Records 10 Year Anniversary Party: The Dark Fruits of Persistence Choir Boy- Honeysuckle sweetened notes wrung out of the body of Adam Klopp with each twist and ache; his muscles contracted and his stomach wrenched violently as glossolalia possessed the Choir

Resonant Sound Baths: Sunn O))) at the Lodge Room

Todd Anderson February 15, 2023

Having never heard SUNN O))) before, I had no idea what I was in for as I waited at the back door of the Lodge Room in Highland Park. I purposely didn’t look them up or listen to them. Sometimes I like going into a show totally blind and open to something new. And last night was something new, for sure. I’m either the worst person in the world to write about this, or the best. See, I thought I was going to see a metal show, a rock show, a show that fit into the box I had constructed that contains everything I thought I knew about a musical act. On stage the semi-circle of 10 stacks of amplifiers only spoke to it being loud but nothing else. Last night was a beautiful, profound, and absolute assault on the senses…. Almost spiritual in nature. When the first vibrations of deafening sound hit me I nearly panicked …I wanted to run, leave get out as quickly as I could … I closed my eyes and gave into the loudest droning guitars I had ever heard in my life It was an electronic exorcism performed by two cloaked figures wielding guitars

Detention With Danzig at The Montalban

Vanessa Burgundy February 14, 2023

Still seething with bliss from the uproarious decadence of Danzig Sings Elvis at the Hollywood Roosevelt on Devil’s Night 2021, we set our ticket alarm and grabbed 4th row for our second chance at seeing the dark King of Rock n Roll. Another historic Hollywood theater, The Montalban was an odd choice but we, and a sold out crowd, were there for it. Parking was a breeze next door and we stepped over the teenage, junkie living in the stairwell of the structure and headed down to the theater. The marquee was set with several, larger-than-life, close-up portraits of Danzig á la Elvis headshots that served as photo ops out front of the theater and in the lobby, as there were several reminders of no photography or recording inside the theater (more on this later…much, much, more). The crowd poured in, many excited first-timers, a mix of black-leather punks, leopard-print rockabillies, and even a few, tired, parents with their children. Let’s be honest, this was a predominantly over 40 crowd…which made it all that more confusing as to why we were treated as though we were in trouble at a high school assembly. Between the emails, signs, and repeated loud

Deafheaven at Lodge Room- A Perfect Marriage Of Time

Danny Ryan February 8, 2023

Deafheaven astonishingly achieved fitting their enormous, atmospheric sound into the intimate setting of The Lodge Room for 2 sold out nights, hosting different lineups and playing different setlists for each of them. As heavy metal further evolves with its experimentation and hardcore punk is currently seeing a revival in its popularity, artists that were early to adopt this innovative nature, like Deafheaven, are now seeing the respect that they deserve for breaking ground within these movements. With the environment of Night 2 shifting from their classic black metal influenced material to the shoegaze and emo sounds of their newest album Infinite Granite, Deafheaven showcased the importance for legendary bands within modern heavy music scenes, to continue to explore and evolve as these genres do alongside them. While Deafheaven is known for bringing a massive and theatrical presence to the audience with their live performances, Spiritual Cramp creates a completely different atmosphere with their upbeat, groovy sound that inspires pogo dancing in all directions within any room that they play. Spiritual Cramp is one of the most distinctively unique bands to come out of the punk genre in recent years, having the spirit of classic ‘77 punk rather than the hardcore

Janky Smooth Sessions: INVA//ID at Bar Sinister

Danny Baraz February 5, 2023

Goth, Industrial, EBM, Dark Wave, Post Punk, et al, born in the shadows, is having it’s moment in the sun- to the dismay of some of its denizens. But to Industrial acts like INVA//ID, the spotlight is deserved and somewhat welcome. After all, bands want people at their shows. On this Saturday night at Bar Sinister in Hollywood, there was no lack of patrons. Janky Smooth got a chance to speak with Christopher Rivera and and Krz Greenhaw of INVA//ID about their music, the state of the scene and the sounds and places that have influenced them. One of those influential places is Boardners/Bar Sinister and it’s constant presence in Los Angeles post punk and other scenes and genres cannot be understated. So it was fitting that this was the setting for both the show and our interview. Keep an eye out for the next single from INVA//ID dropping on Feb. 14th with the full length expected in July 2023. INVA//ID: Bandcamp Instagram Videographer: Chris Shaibi Video Editing and Words: Danny Baraz Photos: Jessica Moncrief

JANKY SMOOTH Top 10 ALBUMS of 2022 Rated by Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 24, 2022

It’s hard to fathom underground music survived, thrived and broke new boundaries only two years since the pandemic’s peak-year. In the heat of that fire, stuck at home, people suspected that the dire circumstances we were all living under would have some great inspiring effect on the artist community. At first, some might’ve mistakenly changed their minds, pessimistically losing all hope in artists returning to purer vision, but now, in 2022, we’re finally beginning to see the true fruits of this brave new artistic world. Some of our favorite artists like Adult., Spike Hellis, Soul Glo, Wormrot and Boy Harsher all released work that evolved their sound, image, and identities in ways none could’ve predicted. Every year, Janky Smooth loves sharing our top-ten albums lists with our audience, 2022’s lists are especially bizarre for all you beautiful weirdos. Publisher, Danny Baraz Spike Hellis – Spike Hellis Deaf Club – Productive Disruption Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems Beach House – Once, Twice, Melody HEALTH – Disco 4:: Part II Ho99o9 – SKIN Kumo 99 – Body N. Will Candy – Heaven Is Here Adult. – Becoming Undone King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Omnium Gatherum Editor, Robert Shepyer Wormrot –

JANKY SMOOTH Top 10 SHOWS of 2022 Rated by Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 23, 2022

On this eve to Christmas Eve, we at Janky Smooth have done our due diligence in accounting the year’s most profound concert moments. Found herein is the top ten shows lists of our contributors. Give them a peep and let us know if you were there too! Publisher, Danny Baraz Bauhuas at Cruel World 2022 Gogol Bordello at the Belasco DAIS Records 15 year anniversary at The Belasco Substance LA at The Los Angeles Theatre Desert Daze 2022 Metz, Kowloon Walled City, Deaf Club at Teragram Ballroom HEALTH at 1720 Twin Tribes, Light Asylum, Spike Hellis at El Rey Lie Detector Weekend Adult. at The Lodge Room Editor, Rob Shepyer Gorillaz at Youtube Theatre Mercyful Fate at Psycho Las Vegas Nine Inch Nails at Primavera Sound LA Rixe at Lie Detector Weekend Meshuggah at The Hollywood Palladium Kraftwerk at the Shrine Auditorium W.A.S.P. at The Wiltern Danny Elfman at the Hollywood Bowl Molchat Doma at The Roxy Pavement at The Fonda Theatre Photographer, Albert Licano Rixe at Lie Detector Weekend Nick Cave & Warren Ellis at The Shrine Auditorium Electric Frankenstein at Alex’s Bar S.H.I.T. at Zebulon Spy at Manic Relapse Subhumans at The Sardine Mercyful Fate at Youtube Theatre

Vulnerability is Punk: The Lemonheads at the OC Observatory

Danny Ryan December 13, 2022

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their iconic 1992 album It’s A Shame About Ray, The Lemonheads brought their signature blend of punk, grunge, and folk influences to a passionate crowd at The Observatory. With the night being built up of multiple acts including their magnum opus album in full, an acoustic segment, and a collection of hits from their other material; the show was a dedication to the fans that have followed them with devotion since the beginning. While The Lemonheads are underrated in how they are not always included in conversations about 90’s grunge and indie rock music, their influence can still be felt in underground alternative music today and it was apparent how much their music means to the fans who experienced it during the peak of their popularity with how much love for the band that could be felt in the room that night. As soon as The Lemonheads casually approached the stage, it was immediately clear that their image embodies the DIY grassroots of independent music from their minimalist stage presence to the crudely designed “L H” logo on their drum set made out of green duct tape. Compared to seeing most 90’s alternative

The Smell of Napalm Death at Belasco

Danny Ryan December 4, 2022

While punk rock and heavy metal are completely different genres in their sound and aesthetics, there has always been a crossover between the scenes due to the aggressive nature and the focus on rebellion against social norms found in each of them. Few artists embody the fusion of these two scenes more than Napalm Death, with their punk influence of playing as fast and hard as possible in some of the shortest songs ever written combined with their growling brutal vocals and distortion-filled breakdowns. Their recent sold out show at The Belasco proved how much love for these genres does crossover between the two scenes, as they hosted a massive lineup of thrash metal, death metal, and hardcore punk legends to open the eventful evening. Punk and metal may be covered separately when people often look at music history, but Napalm Death’s recent sold out show was a testament to how these scenes are not limited to the boxes that people try to put them into. Frozen Soul was easily the darkest band on the lineup, with their blend of death metal and black metal influences creating a foreboding atmosphere to start the night off before the lightning speed intensity

Blast Beat Apocalypse: Cannibal Corpse at the Wiltern

Danny Ryan December 2, 2022

Cannibal Corpse is a band that does not need any sort of introduction, as they really are an artist that you immediately fall in love with or you turn off instantly upon your first listen. Hell, you could probably decide how you feel about them just from the first time viewing their iconic grotesquely detailed album covers. Cannibal Corpse represents nearly every aspect of metal music that is off-putting to the casual listener, from the deep growling vocals of frontman Corpsegrinder to their nonstop blast beats and high-frequency piercing guitar solos. While The Wiltern was the last venue I would expect to see an artist this extreme, Cannibal Corpse’s recent sold out performance proved that the love for death metal that passionate fans have is stronger than ever and their dedication to the genre can force itself into the most unexpected of environments. Black Anvil kicked off the absolutely stacked lineup, offering a completely different brand of black metal than we would see from Dark Funeral later that night. Black metal purists may scoff at their polished production and use of synthesizers present, but Black Anvil’s formula of more emotional post-hardcore and shoegaze influenced black metal definitely represents the future

Arcade Fire at the Forum: Indie Rock’s Phoenix Burns Again

Danny Ryan November 30, 2022

While indie rock may still be one of the most popular genres amongst casual listeners, it’s no secret that the genre and aesthetics have fallen far past their heyday. With how many artists from the peak of indie rock that seem to be lost in their navigation of current trends, bands that have been able to adapt and reinvent themselves amongst new scenes really stand out in building a more promising future than their peers. Arcade Fire’s recent 2 night residency at The Forum represented a shift in direction for the band’s sound and overall attitude, feeling much more like an arena rock performance than the more modest and independent aesthetic that they were previously known for. With their recent Grammy nomination for “Best Alternative Rock Album”, Arcade Fire’s bold and energetic performance proved themselves as stars within the alternative genre as they continue to rise from the ashes of the indie scene they once dominated. Before Arcade Fire had even taken the stage, it was clear that their performance would be leagues more theatrical and grandiose than what most early 00’s indie bands have to offer in 2022. The Forum’s stage was transformed into a black hole as the

Austin Shines On: Levitation 2022

Janky Smooth Central Command November 18, 2022

Words by: David Lacroix Photos by: Grace Dunn On a Halloween weekend, concert aficionados from around the world packed clubs in Austin’s Red River district to the brim for 4 long nights of Neo-psychedelic music. Founded as Austin Psych Fest 15 years ago, Levitation curates compelling artists ranging from intimate performances by pioneers like desert-tinged rockers, Los Dug Dug’s and post-punk godfathers, the Jesus and Mary Chain. No festival on earth presents the pilgrim with the enviable problem of too many fantastic concerts to choose from like Levitation. The city’s culture lends Levitation much of its character, with the festival mostly spread around a few city blocks in the Red River district. All venues paint the skies with vivid projection light artwork. Levitation has long celebrated concert visuals; most shows featured either the twisted liquid light of Mad Alchemy or protégés of neo-psych visuals from Bob Mustachio, previous live visual artist for The Black Angels. With a multi-venue format, the festival fell across half-a-dozen or so venues within a short walking distance. The crowd took some time before arriving at Stubb’s but showed up in full-force for headliners, Jesus & Mary Chain. With guitar tones crushing like waves, Jesus and

Luna Lodge: Moon Duo at Lodge Room

Rob Shepyer November 16, 2022

The moon had a strange glow on this Monday night. Its light was bright but diffused behind a noir Highland Park haze. It was other-worldly, as was the neighborhood. For those who don’t frequent concerts on Monday nights, Highland Park can be a dead scene on a Monday. There’s nowhere to go, nowhere to hide out but within a bustling crowd at the Lodge Room’s loud and joyous happenings. No matter what sort of muted weirdness can be going on around Highland Park, so long as the Lodge Room buzzes, the beating heart of the neighborhood won’t let the city flatline into irrelevance. It’s this spirit that led the Lodge Room to 5 incredible years of music, making an unforgettable splash in Los Angeles music at its inception and now over its young life, we can see a scene its created that can be equated to the Sunset Strip in some senses, hosting a space for indie music of every variety to thrive. This was my second time seeing Moon Duo at the Lodge Room but my first time documenting the experience. I had to write down my observations of this performance because its one of the closest things in

Noise Punks on Potassium: Melt Banana at The Roxy

Rob Shepyer November 16, 2022

It had been years since Melt-Banana came to Los Angeles. Their last show at The Troubadour featured a lineup that pitted them beside Napalm Death and The Melvins, and though Melt-Banana didn’t headline that show, as time went on and the musical landscape changed, enough years had passed by 2022 that they became a very hot, headlining commodity in the world of weirdo music. No matter what scene you were in you had to be there, the urge was felt across punk, metal, hardcore and goth. So, in 2022, Melt-Banana returned to Los Angeles before a sold out Roxy Theatre and demolished the crowd that hailed them as legends of noise. Not only was the Japanese duo in question in rare form performance-wise on this night but every band they brought along in their crazy punk rock caravan put on equally wild and mind expanding sets. Psychic Graveyard were one of the best noise rock bands I’ve ever seen. Flipping switches, turning knobs and playing with doo-dads to create this massive behemoth of angry, artsy dysfunction. They jam hard, making electronics feel more rock and roll than any band I’ve seen, and as a result, you are washed in this

Vaporwave Halloween Party with George Clanton at The Lodge Room

Alfredo Luna November 12, 2022

The pioneer of vaporwave, George Clanton, was back in the Lodge Room for a very special and intimate Halloween celebration as part of the Lodge Room’s 5-year-anniversary concert series. Stringing together a two-show night with performances from Clanton and his ESPRIT moniker, as well as death’s dynamic shroud and Neggy Gemmy (Negative Gemini) for a night of 100% Electronica. With the vaporwave cult fanbase jamming in droves from the show’s very beginning to check out George Clanton’s ESPRIT performance, there was a powerful energy in the air. Coming out with an inflatable alien that would steal cthe show, this set was one of those rare and special performances that you just have to see at least once. With ESPRIT being many people’s introduction to vaporwave the music and the visuals crafted an ethereal experience. In a change of pace, death’s dynamic shroud brought a blend of experimental music that was more aggressive and in your face. Despite numerous technical difficulties that caused the audio to go out, this didn’t stop the duo from putting on a memorable performance. Masked by ghastly skeletal face-paint, the group emanated a harsh sound that was equally as dark as it was heavy. What really

All Hallow’s Melt: Halloween Meltdown 2022

Janky Smooth Central Command November 11, 2022

Words by: Gloria Velez Photos by: Workhorse Studios Halloween Meltdown spin-off to its summer time counterpart, “Mosswood Meltdown” (Formally Burger Boogaloo), thrown by Total Trash Productions and hosted by the “Pope of Trash” him self, John Waters, returned to Oakland’s Mosswood Park to kick off October with some spooky punk festivities. related content: Glorious Leader, Kim John Kill: Mosswood Meltdown 2022 The two day music festival with a halloween twist and a D.I.Y. feel, served up a stellar line up with headlining acts like Amyl and the Sniffers, Shannon and The Clams, The Spits, Lydia Lunch and Kid Congo Powers. The festival also featured a Haunted House designed by local musician and horror artist, Rob Fletcher and costume contest where attendees got a chance to win a $500 prize. Keeping in the Halloween Meltdown spirit all weekend, festival-goers and local music lovers stayed busy with a series of perfectly curated afterparties that sold out night after night. The afterparties, lead by Bay Area lo-fi garage punk legends The Mummies, and thrown at Oakland’s historic dive The Stork Club, where the perfect add on to the already fun weekend of Halloween Meltdown. Excited to be back in Oakland with fellow music

Freak Parade: Halloween Freakout at Lodge Room

Alfredo Luna November 10, 2022

Seattle based Freakout Records brought down the house with an eclectic lineup to help kick off the holiday festivities with the carefully curated Halloween Freakout that featured LA noise duo No Age and the legendary Melvins. Night 1 brought an eccentric mix of artists that ranged from old fashioned punk and rock and roll, an interstellar lounge act and an all out pysch-inspired meltdown to end the night. This felt like a can’t miss lineup from it’s inception, personally just seeing No Age on the bill made this a must-go event for me. With the crowd roaring in dressed in their best costumes and the bands matching the energy, all the keys were there to make this a great night. Leading off the night were The Pistols who I feel are the living embodiment of old school rock n roll that aren’t afraid to show this off in spirit. With guitarist Mickey paying homage to Mick Jagger’s 1969 performance at Madison Square Garden and the rest of the band looking like they were plucked straight out of a venue from the same era, the look really set the stage for the energy they gave off from their performance. With a

Photo Recap: Gogol Bordello at The Observatory North Park

Janky Smooth Central Command November 9, 2022

Gogol Bordello‘s return to Southern California had been long-awaited as soon as The Solidaritine tour was announced. Their first stop in our neck of the woods was San Diego’s Observatory North Park where the band had the audience in the palm of their hand, taking them on a sweeping journey through Gogol’s catalogue, including songs off Solidaritine, and all the classics ranging from Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike. It doesn’t feel like it but Gogol Bordello has been around for over two decades, spreading inclusivity through punk rock. Although originally constructed as a blend of Eastern European culture and punk, the band expanded to involve various forms of world music to make a truly gypsy vision. Those that experience a Gogol show come away with a more worldly sensibility. Eugene Hutz’s Ukrainian roots were never diluted upon the band’s expansion. With Ukraine under Russian attack in this hideous situation, the many stops and long performances of this tour are all an effort to support Ukraine and Eugene’s fellow countrymen. You could tell the band was going extra hard because you could feel lives hung in the balance of this musical effort. We got photos from their Observatory North Park show

Desert Daze 2022: 10 Years In The Evolution Of A Music Scene

Danny Baraz November 8, 2022

Walking into Lake Perris Recreational Center took on new meanings this year after last year’s Desert Daze served to exorcize the ghosts of a global pandemic, to teach us that “Nothing that has happened so far has been anything we could control” and heal our mind, body and souls with drum soul-os. While 2021’s pared down Desert Daze was a cautious delight in a sea of dreck on earth, Desert Daze 2022 was a perfectly curated reckless abandon of people having sex in the lake again and breathing all over each other- in through the nose, out through the mouth. The headliners captured 10 years in the evolution of a music scene, the ascent of previously buzzworthy bands into icons celebrating a decade of seminal albums and a new wave of artists that might also one day celebrate the recently released albums they are currently touring on. For some people, Iggy Pop pulling out of the festival before he could impregnate us with music was a deal breaker but luckily, I received so much Iggy sperm the last 6 years that I was ready to bear my Beach House baby. related: Desert Daze 2021- Music, Magick and Medicine 2022 was

30 years of “Bricks Are Heavy”: L7 at the Regent

Danny Ryan November 7, 2022

In celebration of its 30th Anniversary, L7 performed their groundbreaking 1992 album Bricks are Heavy in its entirety for two sold out nights at the Regent Theater. With the original lineup present, L7 brought the rage-filled attitude of 1992 to the modern day with the utmost passion as they played to a crowd of diehard fans of the classic album. With how fundamental L7 was in refining the grunge sound and empowering women artists of the early 90’s, the concert was a rare opportunity to experience one of the most important eras in music history up-close and intimately. It’s hard to imagine the album being 30 years old now, with L7 still generating the youthful punk-rock spirit that made them legends in the first place. One of the first things that could be noticed upon entering The Regent Theater that night was how wide the range of ages in the audience was. It was immediately apparent how inspirational L7 has been for younger feminism-focused music scenes, as they had been releasing albums before the Riot Grrrl movement and the mainstream explosion of female-fronted punk bands like No Doubt in the 90’s. Even though many of these younger fans may not

Photo Recap: Thursday at 1720

Janky Smooth Central Command November 3, 2022

Celebrating their epic album Full Collapse on a Thursday, post-hardcore kings Thursday brought the unforgettable, signature passion that made them a seminal band for millennial hardcore and emo kids. 1720 Warehouse bounced off the walls and screamed at the top of their lungs along with the band. We got photos to capture this special anniversary show. This wasn’t just a celebration of Thursday but of a golden age for hardcore music, a golden age that the people who lived through it will never forget. Photos by: Manuel Arredondo Thursday

Photo Recap: Otoboke Beaver at The Echo

Janky Smooth Central Command October 27, 2022

Otoboke Beaver‘s first two concerts in LA took place at the Echo and over the course of these two performances, the band made LA music history, with their unique and original brand of Japanese power punk. We consider ourselves lucky enough to have a photographer there to document the evening of October 20th’s show. As you can see in these photos, the band is relentless and the audience reciprocates by giving them every ounce of energy. Otoboke Beaver is perhaps the most important punk band of this generation, transcending any status as a gimmick or an import or as a girl band. Photos by: Chris Molina Otoboke Beaver

Photo Recap: Otoboke Beaver at The Casbah

Janky Smooth Central Command October 26, 2022

Otoboke Beaver finally made their Southern California debut and Jankysmooth was present to see this Japanese Power-punk group redefine everything it means to be heavy, raw, and underground. At first what might’ve been considered a gimmick, punk rock through a J-pop lens, turned into an avant-garde rock and roll acid-trip, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in rock and roll. Otoboke Beaver began their tour de force through So-Cal at San Diego’s Casbah and we got the pictures to make them live forever on Jankysmooth. There is more to come as we had peeps at their Los Angeles shows as well. If you didn’t get the chance to see them this time around, don’t fret. They just extended their tour with more shows in Southern California to attend. You can buy tickets to those upcoming shows, including one at San Diego’s Music Box and another at Pappy and Harriet’s here. Photos by: Rebecca DiGiglio Otoboke Beaver

Photo Recap: Mars Volta at The Hollywood Palladium

Janky Smooth Central Command October 26, 2022

The Mars Volta‘s highly-anticipated comeback tour brought them to The Hollywood Palladium for a sold out show featuring a set of classics and new songs that made everyone recall how much they loved this band. Song after song made clear the memories of listening and singing along to these progressive, psyched out rock and roll adventures on wax. The more songs they played, the more the audience remembered that they knew every damn lyric. Though many years had gone by since the band took the stage before this tour, every member was in their element, showing mastery of both instrument and performance, with charisma that was just as other-worldly as the magic within every Mars Volta tune. This was one for the ages and we got the photos to prove it. Photos by: Grace Dunn The Mars Volta

A Cathedral of Hardcore: Ceremony at Echoplex

Alfredo Luna October 25, 2022

Ceremony has been a band that is ever-changing and in many cases prompts their fanbase to become very opinionated on their sound. Despite their evolution, and whatever people say they are or have become, the band has continually crafted a live set that is as raw and filled with emotion as it can get. After touring with Citizen and Turnstile, Ceremony harnessed the energy from that experience to power their “Vanity Spawned by Fear” tour. With support from Bay Area Hardcore Punk rising stars SPY and shoegaze bedroom pop laden Suzanne Kraft, Ceremony curated a perfect end to thee first leg of their tour. The night kicked off with Suzanne Kraft swooning the crowd with a set filled with jangly guitars and drowned out vocals to ease into the night. The ability to set a smooth tone and give a calmness to the crowd before the impending chaos worked extremely well. As they continued their set you could see a juxtaposed crowd of people swaying and feeling every hook as well as the pit taking shape and carving itself for the rest of the night. Forming itself like a drawback before a tsunami, the open space became ominous and as

Photo Recap: Citizen at The Regent

Janky Smooth Central Command October 18, 2022

For two sold out nights, Citizen treated Los Angeles’ softer side with post hardcore maladies and sweet serenades that left an eternal impression upon the Regent walls. Alongside Militarie Gun and Prince Daddy & The Hyena, this was a showcase that proved hardcore is for lovers, or at least fighters that fight for love. Photos by: Jason Murillo Citizen Militarie Gun Prince Daddy & The Hyena

Photo Recap: The Bronx, The Chats, Drug Church and Scowl at The Music Box

Janky Smooth Central Command October 18, 2022

There’s no better way to celebrate punk rock music than by bringing every flavor of the genre under the same roof. For their tour, The Bronx and The Chats took Drug Church and Scowl on the road making for a lineup that featured hardcore, post hardcore and punk. Stopping at San Diego’s Music Box for an epic show, we’ve got pictures from the evening. Photos by: Israel Perez The Bronx The Chats Drug Church Scowl

Nitzer Front: Cold Waves LA at The Mayan

Danny Ryan October 12, 2022

The number of different types of artists and sounds that fall under the banner of “industrial music” is incredibly wide, ranging from full bands with live instruments to solo artists with only a backing track behind them. While industrial influences can be found in scenes such as goth, noise, metalcore, psych rock and different forms of electronic music; the origins of the movement are not always credited as often as the artists who took these influences. Cold Waves Festival at The Mayan Theater focuses on bringing the roots of the industrial live experience to a modern audience, showcasing rare performances by international artists from all different eras and sounds within the genre. Cold Waves Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind event, as it’s rare to see a festival so dedicated in paying respect to a genre’s history while equally hosting upcoming artists that carry the torch for its future. Leathers was the first performer of the evening, being the solo project of Shannon Hemmett from the post-punk band Actors. The project has a lot of 80’s synthpop influence in its instrumentals, with the echo effects on Hemmett’s voice creating an element of distance in its sound to stand apart from these

Holiest of Holies: Om at the Lodge Room

Rob Shepyer October 11, 2022

What doth God have to do with doom metal? Is there a spiritual element to a musical genre so heavily associated with demonic and satanic imagery? In the eyes of Om, absolutely. At the heart of a riff, at the very core of that vibration, there is a spark of God in every note. There is no more sacred a space to explore such ideas as the holy Lodge Room in Highland Park, and there is no more appropriate a state of mind to discover the truth about the spiritual nature of doom metal than on a little bit of indica. In my younger years, I used to smoke a hefty amount of flower, in the hopes that derangement of the senses would allow for unique artistic output. What I discovered through marijuana was a spiritual space within myself, a sort of link to the collective unconscious, an information super highway for all human truth that connected every being on this planet to a warm and golden source. In other words, marijuana connected me to God, the same way it did Bob Marley and every other stoner that every smoked a doobie then put on Sleep’s Holy Mountain. Sleep was

Photo Recap: Clutch, Quicksand, and Helmet at the Regent

Janky Smooth Central Command October 11, 2022

Sometimes a tour comes around town that is so stacked it’s hard to believe when you first see the marquee. Such was the case when The Regent hosted Clutch, Quicksand, and Helmet. Each of these bands could headline a show and gather a crowd but all together, this has got to be one of the best alternative metal hardcore tours of the year. All three bands dabble in all three sounds and their audiences aren’t too far apart if you ask me. Although it’s a lineup that’s hard to believe this lineup makes a lot of damn sense. These bands come from different places and scenes, they all got different histories but it’s all rock and roll. We’ve got pics from the show that you gotta see. Photos by: Albert Licano Clutch Quicksand Helmet

Emo Never Dies: My Chemical Romance at T-Mobile Arena

Janky Smooth Central Command October 10, 2022

Las Vegas is normally known for its bright, flashy lights and vibrant colors, but on Friday night it was a little different. 20,000 fans dressed in black and red, representing the many stylings spanning My Chemical Romance’s career, took over the strip. Camped out from the early morning, it’s no surprise fans were anxious as ever. From the first announcement of MCR’s reunion tour after their 2013 breakup, the excitement quickly came to a halt after the band announced its postponement due the COVID-19 pandemic. But two years later, that excitement returned with even greater power. As the lights dimmed and red and white lights flashed throughout the arena, the sold-out crowd roared in anticipation with chants of “MCR, MCR!” The band finally took the stage and dove into their latest single, ‘The Foundations of Decay.’ From there, My Chemical Romance tore through some of their biggest hits from their extensive catalog. The crowd never stopped screaming and singing along. As the night drew to an end, the band closed out their set with ‘Helena’ before coming back out to perform the final two songs of the night, ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ and ‘Cancer.’ The night ended just as

Embracing ‘the blues’ with Crowjane’s Heather Galipo

Audrey Kemp October 10, 2022

While Heather Galipo is a musician in many now-legendary LA bands – including deathrock outfit Egrets on Ergot, no wave sensation Prissy Whip, and most recently, Cunts – she never planned to release her solo music. The songs she kept to herself were different. They comprised a sonic diary of sorts – a way of staying afloat when she was drowning in heartbreak. Known for her punk, noise and experimental music, she also felt that her fans wouldn’t understand her most personal project. “It hasn’t been that way, though,” she tells me. “And now I think it’s a cool practice to write whatever the heart wants. Sometimes that looks like an angry punk song. Sometimes that looks like indie, folk or blues.” Paul Roessler (of LA synthpunk band The Screamers) would eventually change her mind. During the pandemic, he encouraged her to turn years of work into a 10-track album on his label, Kitten Robot Records, at his studio of the same name. The album would be called Mater Dolorosa. Sorrowful Mother. Heather’s moniker, “Crowjane,” comes from an old blues song by Skip James. “There’s so much moody music in the world, but the blues is emotional,” she admits. “There’s

Perfection Does Exist: Porcupine Tree at the Greek Theatre

Rob Shepyer October 7, 2022

Prog rock is a guilty pleasure for me. When no one is around on a lonely drive, speeding down a highway late at night through the desert, I roll the windows down and blast prog. Something about the perfection of the sound rings through the night and motivates my ride with a more epic quality. If there were someone else in the car though, I’m not so sure the music would hit right. These are personal anthems I keep somewhere close inside. Times I’ve tried to share prog music with others, most people seem not to get it. They don’t see what I see. Which is that prog musicians are some of the most courageous artists around, not just for pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship but for their songwriting and lyrical content which touches upon subjects rock and roll usually strays from, more heady, authentic themes like psychology and philosophy find a home in prog rock. Straight forward rock and roll thinks its too cool for these themes which feel on the surface a bit “bookwormish”. Porcupine Tree‘s absence may not have been felt by the punks, or even most of the metalheads, but to the prog rockers, there was

The Golden Coast: Portola Festival 2022

Danny Ryan October 6, 2022

Electronic dance music festivals have been controversial amongst live music enthusiasts for quite some time. It’s clear to see why due to the emphasis on drug use, tendency to attract rowdy youth that are more focused on partying than the love for the music, massive and potentially dangerous crowds, and lack of genre diversity in the lineups. The Portola Festival at Pier 80 in San Francisco was Goldenvoice and Non Plus Ultra’s answer to these criticisms, returning the pure love for different forms of electronic music and visual art to the raving experience. Portola hosted a massive lineup of DJs and artists ranging from the 90’s rave roots of Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers, to modern DJ legends Jamie XX and Flume, and even to electronic-influenced pop stars with Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek. No matter what your flavor of raving is, Portola Festival had you covered with all forms of non-stop dancing the entire weekend. Portola Festival’s setting was incredibly industrial to match the energy of the warehouse shows that electronic dance music is rooted in, with the Pier 80 location being in a parking lot surrounded by enormous ships on the dock and a tranquil view of

Take This: Win Two Tickets to Substance LA 2022

Janky Smooth Central Command October 6, 2022

Many of our followers consider themselves goth. The majority of our followers, whether they know it or not, are nightcrawlers. Whether you’re goth or just feel at home living it up late into the night, Substance LA is the place a vampire like you will feel at home. While you shun the light, hiding from the robotic world out there, Substance will offer you two stages filled with bands, DJs, and electro-beats ranging from cold and nightmarish to romantic and hot. It all takes place at the hallowed Los Angeles Theatre where Los Angeles’ soul will be on full display because goth is this city’s calling card genre. Rare international imports both young and old will be present at Substance, as will some of the country’s most iconic acts like Boy Harsher and Pixel Grip. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS‍ HERE or ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO SUBSTANCE LA 2022 OCTOBER 20TH-21ST AT THE LOS ANGELES THEATRE Step 1- Join Our Newsletter (look for pop up every time you arrive at jankysmooth.com) Step 2 – Tag a Friend in the comment section of our INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK SUBSTANCE LA Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON OCTOBER 18TH AT 1PM

8 Essential Artists of Substance Festival 2022

Rob Shepyer October 5, 2022

Substance is more than a festival. Substance is a showcase of the past, present and future of goth, post-punk and industrial music, bringing together the best artists and promoters in the greatest live music city in the world. There is no better place to get a sense of goth music today and tomorrow than at Substance. Every attendee gets a glimpse of the current musical landscape and leaves with stronger, more expansive goth sensibilities and knowledge. Sets that define and launch an artist’s trajectory happen at Substance. I will never forget Pixel Grip’s opening set in 2021 and since then, the band has become a major act inside the American goth underground. All these elements combined, make Substance an essential Los Angeles festival. If you think you know music, but don’t go to Substance, then you don’t know shit. It seems every year since the festival’s inception, Restless Nites collaborates with all of LA’s greatest goth minds to put on a festival that exceeds the expectations set by the previous installment. From Boy Harsher’s wild goth rave in 2019, to Geneva Jacuzzi’s future pop, to this year’s acquisition of legends, exotic imports and the next wave of brilliant goth acts,

Welcome to Hell, Black Country, New Road and Black Midi at The Wiltern

Alfredo Luna October 3, 2022

This was definitely a night of two emerging heavyweights, in Black Country, New Road and Black Midi. Both bands have similarly exploded into the scene and have been at the forefront of the Post-Brexit New Wave movement, representing two sides of that same coin. Each has a unique and dynamic sound that’s amassed a cult-like following and together they packed in every square inch of The Wiltern. With this being the first time BCNR have played LA after a last minute cancellation of their US tour earlier this year due to the departure of Isaac Wood from the band, this felt like it was a must see show just to see them make their LA debut. Add into the mix that Black Midi would be headlining this leg of the tour after their release of the latest album, Hellfire and you just knew this would be a gig for the ages. Getting to the gig, you could see the excitement and restlessness of everyone that showed up, with people lining the street, anxious to get in so they didn’t miss opener BCNR. Seeing people run in the theater as soon as they stepped in was indicative of how sought after

Gorillaz, the Most Human Band, at Youtube Theatre

Rob Shepyer September 30, 2022

The events of Sunday September 25th at Youtube Theatre were moments I had dreamed of and wished for the last decade of my life, and finally, after loving Demon Days for so long, I finally got to see Gorillaz live at the Youtube Theatre. To me, there is no more beautiful music than this record and the live version released afterward. Not only do I think Gorillaz is beautiful, I consider it the most ‘human’ sounding music. By that I mean their range of songs carry the nuance and complexity hidden inside a full human life–the highs and lows, the bliss and calamity, every bit of turbulence the human race is steeped in and every shred of joy humans are blessed with, all have a place on Demons Days. 2001’s self titled album is incredible too, it’s the OG of Gorillaz’ catalogue, featuring “Clint Eastwood”, the song that made the band a household name. 2010’s Plastic Beach had a plenty of bangers, anthems and serenades featured in epic, dream-team collabs, while 2017’s Humanz may be their most slept-on album of the last five years, it’s just full of great songs from start to finish (speaking of the most ‘human’ music).

Glitz and Glamour: Roxy Music’s 50th Anniversary at The Kia Forum

Rob Shepyer September 30, 2022

The lasting legacy of Roxy Music is one of soul, style, and groundbreaking experimentation. You can hear the roots of so many different genres just by listening to Roxy Music. They weren’t necessarily setting out to produce so many artistic offspring when they began, they were trying to make music that was close to the heart—timeless tunes to make people dance and fall in love. They certainly achieved this at their 50th anniversary tour stop in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum because there, LA fell in love with the band all over again. It was a tour-de-force performance that saw every piece of the band at their best, slaying on their instruments and having the audience swaying their hips and singing along. Even though we’re far removed from the 70’s and 80’s, this show gave a modern audience a slice of a different time when people have much more style. Roxy Music alone could reinvigorate fashion and coolness for this generation, if we could just tap into Bryan Ferry’s vision more often. The more Bryan Ferry the world gets, the more things will improve, that I can guarantee you. This 50th Anniversary tour was so epic and monumental that

Photo Recap: Moderat at the Wiltern

Janky Smooth Central Command September 29, 2022

Berlin’s most powerful electronic trio, Moderat are the supergroup on the lips of everyone that loves deep electronic beats, whether they love to dance or just vibe to the overwhelming music they create. Their 2022 release More D4ta saw the band tour through the United States and stop at The Wiltern for their Los Angeles date. We got pictures from the night to give you a sense of the audio/visual splendor that went down and sent the audience into awe. Sascha Ring, Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary are proving that when it comes to Moderat, there is no such thing as moderation, it’s best to have as much as humanely possible. Photos by: Chris Molina Moderat

German Love Machines: Rammstein at LA Memorial Coliseum

Rob Shepyer September 28, 2022

Rammstein in-concert more closely resembles Mad Max’s Thunderome or Rollerball than your typical rock and roll show. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the best kind of 80’s dystopian cinema, life or death battles that pits man against machine as fire and music blast a rabid crowd salivating for more rock, sex, and violence. It gives new meaning to the words “Arena Rock”. Just like this author, Rammstein prefers a maximalist approach to performing. In fact, I struggle to think of any greater spectacle in all of music. No other marquee act, be they rock or rap, has the production value of Rammstein. These days the kings of rock and roll are the likes of Metallica, Tool, My Chemical Romance, Nine Inch Nails, and Iron Maiden, and still, none of them compare to a Rammstein show. Iron Maiden comes close, but when you behold Rammstein’s stage, you feel like you’ve entered an actual urban hellscape from the year 3000 as you stand before this industrial structure that houses the band for the next two hours. You wonder as you stand in awe of the A and B stage, how large is the crew that built this and how long did it

Photo Recap: Bad Bunny at Petco Park

Janky Smooth Central Command September 28, 2022

The people of Southern California have all got to admit and admire the phenomenon of Bad Bunny. He’s somehow beyond the mainstream, still an outsider in some respects, yet at the same time, he’s larger than life, perhaps larger than the music industry itself. It certainly feels this way when you go to a Bad Bunny concert. You can sense in the audience, their hearts are on fire for this artist and their music. If you struggle to understand the why, then I would suggest going to a Bad Bunny concert because then all the answers will come to you. These pictures from his show at Petco Park give only a small glimpse of how hard San Diego goes for Bad Bunny, with his upcoming show at Sofi Stadium, there’s plenty more Southern California love we have to give him. Opening the show was masterful DJ, Alesso, who only intensified the party atmosphere to make for an unforgettable one-two punch combo for the evening of dancing and fun. Photos by: Rebecca DiGiglio Bad Bunny Alesso

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