Tag: featured
Photo Recap: Nasty Savage at the Regent
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 22, 2022
Thrash metal’s most hardcore band, Nasty Savage returned to the Regent to decimate the stage with their heavy metal, extremely violent and outrageous antics. We had to be there to capture the insanity and beyond the amazing performances from Hirax, Witchaven, Saintbreaker and EvilDead, Nasty Savage tore shit up as brutally as you’d expect. Nasty Ronnie was on the ground after his TV stunt, leaving debris everywhere. It’s a shocking scene that requires documentation and we caught all the nasty evidence on film. Photos by: Jason Murillo Nasty Savage Hirax Witchaven Saintbreaker EvilDead
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Ringleaders of the Underground: Teenage Wrist at the Echo
Danny Ryan
June 22, 2022
Words and Photos by: Danny Ryan Teenage Wrist’s range of influence is incredibly wide with their embrace of grunge-era angst seamlessly blending into moments of blissful shoegaze breakdowns. With how large and atmospheric the band’s sound is, the modest stage presence rooted in their DIY background complimented the small venue atmosphere of The Echo amazingly. Their newest album “Earth is a Black Hole” signifies a drastic shift in the band’s sound, with a new vocalist and a much more punk-influenced sound than the emo roots of their previous works. Teenage Wrist has consistently been dedicated to their evolution with exploration of incorporating new genres throughout their career, which was clearly represented with the contrasting musical styles of each opener. The exciting feeling of seeing promising up-and-coming bands that could eventually take over the world was felt throughout The Echo that night, and Teenage Wrist came across as ringleaders of the underground with how much unique charisma that could be felt in each performance. Equally important to the blend of genres in Teenage Wrist’s headlining set at The Echo, the band curated an excellent lineup of diverse sounds from different underground backgrounds with the 90’s college rock influence of Soft Blue
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Take This: Win Two Tickets to Digable Planets at Lodge Room
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 22, 2022
Hip hop groups don’t get any more inspirational and full of PMA than the one and only Digable Planets. This is rap that will make you want to change your life when you spin their records. Having them play the Lodge Room ensures an unforgettable performance and we want you there. That’s why we’re giving away a pair of tickets to the show. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE or ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO DIGABLE PLANETS JUNE 28TH AT THE LODGE ROOM 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 DIGABLE PLANETS Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON JUNE 27TH AT 1PM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION
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Icon on the Ivories: Tori Amos at the Orpheum Theatre
Rob Shepyer
June 21, 2022
When rock and roll finds its vehicle in a piano player, often the label put on these artists is “Piano Man’, thanks to one certain ‘big shot’. The names that come to mind are the likes of Billy Joel, Ben Folds, Tom Waits, and a few more. After seeing Tori Amos live at the Orpheum though, it’s very clear to me, none of these men are able to rock as hard on the piano as she is. She has her songwriting to thank for that just as much as her fingers, Tori just knows how to craft anthems of personal rebellion through lyrics and song structures that are often outside the box but deeply meaningful and able to carry just as much quiet love as they are overwhelming rage. related content: Sensory Interference: Thom Yorke at the Orpheum Theatre I wanted to catch this show to get a bigger picture and deeper understanding of Tori and her space in the cultural landscape. She is after all, one of the iconic feminist voices in the history of music. This concert took her out of the feminist sphere for me and placed her right at the helm of rock and roll Valhalla’s
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Photo Recap: Tears for Fears at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 21, 2022
The legendary Tears for Fears embarked on a special American tour that brought their iconic and timeless music to North Island Credit Union for an unforgettable night for all in attendance. Complete with a visual journey that brought their classic 80’s songs to life, this concert was one for the history books. Tears were shed by many eyes and fears were relieved for all involved as their songs brought peace and understanding in chaotic times. It’s a “Mad World” out there but the band never fails to make sense of it all. We sent our photographer Pedro Carrera out to catch one of his favorite bands and capture the experience for you all to see. Sonically, the band sounded as powerful and crisp as they always have, as if not a day had gone by since these songs were recorded. Founding members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith gave their whole selves to every performance on this tour and this Southern California stop was no exception. They were giddy being able to play for fans again after a long lockdown and time away from playing in this country since their last American tour in 2017, and the fans were equally excited
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Take This: Win Two Tickets to Windhand at The Roxy
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 21, 2022
One of metal’s most dynamic and spellbinding collective’s, Windhand, returns to Los Angeles to blow audiences away with their tales of deserts, death and doom. The Roxy is going to vibrate with these deep, slow riffs and your ears are going to thank you for letting Dorthia Cottrell’s voice in. We’re giving two tickets to the show and hope to see you there. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE or ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO WINDHAND JUNE 26TH AT THE ROXY 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 WINDHAND Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON JUNE 24TH AT 1PM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION
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Bacchanal or Bust: Huichica Festival at Gundlach-Bundschu Winery
Rob Shepyer
June 20, 2022
I love wine. If I have to choose from wine and beer at a bar, I’ll usually choose that delicious and timeless grape alcohol. There was a time I was so obsessed, I wanted to learn as many details as I could and read the World Atlas of Wine. What I learned from that book is every wine and grape tells a story through its flavors. Flavor tells you details about the length and brutality of a season or drought or specific information about the soil from which the grapes grew and in that soil lies a region’s history. The history of Gundlach-Bundschu is as the oldest family owned winery in Sonoma, and always on the leading edge of wine society, they’ve taken wine-drinking and combined it with rock and roll for many years now, culminating in Huichica festival, a Bacchanal only adding to the family’s rich history in Sonoma. This year, Huichica was the place to be. Why? Simple. Tamaryn was performing. Each wine I tasted from Gundlach-Bundschu winery while at Huichica was extremely delicious and delightfully different. I could imagine myself drinking any of them from a bottle taking impolite rock and roll swigs on a holiday saunter. Part
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The Envy of Angels: Lingua Ignota at the Regent
Rob Shepyer
June 20, 2022
Participating in church is a form of mass formation. A sort of collective insanity, reaching a fever pitch with the right pied piper at the pulpit, leading their congregation through a wild purging of trauma and fear through sermon, song or speaking in tongues until catatonic tremors. It’s a necessary escape from sanity. Many of the people that attended Lingua Ignota have left their churches or been shunned by them but found a home among outcasts that feel Lingua Ignota’s music makes them feel like they’re in the graces of God but not under the eyes of his judgement. These people may not have an organized religion anymore but they still need spiritual guidance and leadership. Lingua Ignota fills that void. Her style of music represents a new, secular religion, scary to some, but by tapping into holy notes and chambers of her vocal cords, she is able to produce that same elusive, overwhelming and rapturous feeling of being in the presence of the sacred. Humans need myth and metaphor, which she conjures in songs like “MAN IS LIKE A SPRING FLOWER” as well as the knowledge of their acceptance, eluded to in songs like “FAITHFUL SERVANT FRIEND OF CHRIST”.
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TOM’s Bar: Tom of Finland Foundation Celebrates 29 Years of Commemorating Tom With Orville Peck and Mareux
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 17, 2022
Tom of Finland’s legacy lives on stronger and with more cultural relevance than ever. Few artists have a collection so iconic that it touched and altered lives the world over. The Tom of Finland Foundation proudly carries the torch to ensure new generations are constantly learning about Tom of Finland’s life and being exposed to his artwork. His art is part of what sculpts our modern understanding of masculinity, so to celebrate him, every leather daddy is coming out to Avalon on Sunday in full force. For the Foundation’s 29th anniversary, two of modern music’s hottest artists, Orville Peck and Mareux have joined forces to take the Avalon stage and offer a lineup that no concert in Los Angeles can possibly compete with. Expect just as much hard and heavy dancing as sweet and tender swaying in your Daddy’s arms for this one. Alongside these musical geniuses from completely different genres will be a slew of performers and scene icons prepared to give this evening every ounce of soul in celebration of Tom. There are few moments of essential participation for members of the LGBTQ community, this one is the most monumental in years. Love and leather will fill the air,
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Garage Punk Homecoming: Together Pangea at the Regent
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 16, 2022
Words and Photos by: Alfredo Luna There will always be bands and music that exists that will bring up something nostalgic in you, taking you back to a certain time and place. A lot of us can say we’re seeing that being presented whether through the lens of “Indie Sleaze” movement or the emo revival phase we have going on. But the one that truly got me was listening to Together Pangea again and being taken back to when I was still in high school coming into my own and somehow discovering through word of mouth, When their Night of the Living Dummy album found its way to my speakers it instantly transformed my taste in music. I distinctly remember videos from their live shows popping up on my feed and a ton of show posters plastering my digital space. I’d always told myself that I needed to make it out and support this up and coming band but as fate would have it I just never could make it. That is until I saw they’d be making a triumphant return to LA with their show at The Regent, and I just knew I had to satisfy that musical pilgrimage
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Resistence is Fertile: Midnight Oil at the Palladium
Rob Shepyer
June 14, 2022
Midnight Oil has always been difficult to pigeon hole. Bringing darker notes to a popular 80’s pop rock aesthetic, this band was most iconic for their politics. Their latest album, Resist, comes at a time where the world is in much turmoil and in tow with endorsement of fighting back, the band offers a tender acknowledgement and support for all the people often trampled by giant institutions and corporate powers. They never hesitate to thank everyone that makes their shows possible and never mince words when delivering a message to authority. Coming from Australia, the band mentioned a rise in right wing politics in their younger communities, these veterans of musical dissidence are spreading the message of finding another way to make a difference in the world. Through music, yes, but also through standing up for whats right. I remember seeing the music video for “Forgotten Years” replayed over and over as a kid then upon discovering “Beds Are Burning”, I was driven to attend and review this show. Their Los Angeles stop on their final tour for Resist gave me a taste of pure rock and roll, I couldn’t help but think of Woody Guthrie’s guitar, “This Machine Kills
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Photo Recap: Suffocation at 1720
Janky Smooth Central Command
June 14, 2022
New York may not be the birthplace of death metal but that region of the United States created a sound so menacing and brutal that the rest of the country couldn’t do a damn thing but cross their arms and look on in horror as bands like Suffocation altered the genre forever. They are and always have been a death metal machine, both in terms of output and longevity and sonically. Their return to Los Angeles, courtesy of Church of the 8th Day and 1720, was a remarkable showcase of true heaviness and death. Everyone was blown away and in awe of Suffocation and we got the pics to prove it. Photos by: Greg Flack Suffocation Atheist Soreption Contrarian
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