Tag: french vanilla

Becky Brings French Vanilla, The Vivids & More to Acerogami in Pomona

Janky Smooth Central Command June 22, 2017

A Friday night coupled with a stacked show at Acerogami in Pomona is always a good thing. The vibe is always chill; comfy couches and a super clean lounge area are usually a turn off for me, especially at a “punk” show. But somehow, Acerogami pulled it off without so much as a raised eyebrow. Could have something to do with the line-up for the evening- Hawaiian T-shirt, Sister Mantos, The Vivids and French Vanilla, a highly anticipated show by the many lovers of the LA post punk scene. First up on the four band bill was Hawaiian T-shirt, a recent post punk addition to the local band mix. New to my ears in the past few weeks, I instantly liked them and have been failing at catching them live at one of the many shows they’ve been playing. This was my lucky night. The trio of Ana (vox & guitar), Jeremiah (vox & bass) and Tara (drums) fire off songs that parallel Gang of Four, Pixies and others while keeping their own unique sound. Just enough rawness to keep it tangy with angry lyrics to keep you intrigued on what’s coming out next. They have an EP up on Bandcamp (linked

Janky Fest I- A Review and Self Inflicted Wound

Janky Smooth Central Command November 28, 2016

The first installment of Janky Fest on November 19th in Outer Space celebrating the Janky Smooth 2 Year Anniversary featured OG punks The Dwarves last week was super lame. Only a retarded music critic could throw an 18 and over event as a thank you to his all ages readership. Where does this dad rock douche bag Danny Baraz get off booking a large lineup of bands whose local fans couldn’t even attend the event, all because some anxious reactionary in a pseudo DIY venue was scared of pissed off punks in a recently Post-election, President elect, Donald Trump world? Sources tell me that’s literally the initial reason given by the venue for the switch, even though it changed to something a bit less ridiculous in the following days. Clearly, young punks of helicopter parents would breathe fire, shit on the floor and not buy enough beer and liquor because they’re pissed Trump won an election they didn’t even vote in. Zing. I don’t know Danny Baraz at all but he seems like just another privileged “straight white male” (even though Baraz doesn’t sound “white”) mansplaining and curating the injustice in the world through his pseudo intellectual political leanings, which he forces

FEELS record release party at Basic Flowers

New Album Review: 1 Week With FEELS Debut LP from Castle Face Records

Danny Baraz March 1, 2016

Last Wednesday night I got an advanced copy of FEELS self titled LP from Castle Face Records. Last Thursday night I went to the FEELS record release party at a Downtown DIY venue called Basic Flowers. I hate the unfairness of reviewing a living, breathing work of art in one or two listens. That will not be the case here. FEELS hard work and countless shows and supporting slots on various tours in 2015 ingrained them in the rock and roll ecosystem in Los Angeles and in my head. So when I heard rumblings of a forthcoming full length, I was ready when it dropped in my lap. In rock and roll, the live show separates the bad bands from the good bands and the great bands from the rest. FEELS puts on a GREAT live show and now I can confirm that FEELS makes GREAT albums. Well, at least one so far. I have spent enough time with the new FEELS record now to know that the love is real. I’ve gotten past the butterfly stage in this relationship and gotten completely comfortable with the material and it’s depth. This album is a master blend of growing musicianship and

Friday Night Shows in Los Angeles- Suck it Brooklyn

Danny Baraz June 15, 2015

I jumped in my car and just started driving west. It was a weird week of muggy, rainy weather. The type of weather that simultaneously collects rain drops and sweat beads on the forehead. I drove by a man in a clown suit as I made a right onto the 10 freeway west off of La Cienega. Was I in L.A. or Florida? No matter how many bad neighborhoods they turn into good neighborhoods, Los Angeles will always let it’s freak flag fly on a Friday night. “I’m going to go for a quick skate in Venice then head over to Touch Vinyl. What time you going to be there?” “I’m getting there around 7pm and we go on at 9:15. Come check out French Vanilla, they’re rad.” “Cool dude, I’ll try and make it for that but I’m stoked that I’m finally going to get to see you guys live. Don’t suck, ok?” “Hahaha. We’ll try our best” I got off the phone with Travis, pulled my deck out of my trunk and skated over to the park. When my skate was over, I headed over to Touch Vinyl for their “June Untouched Music Series” presented by Dirty Laundry