Tag: observatory oc

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

Art’s Spirit Animal: Yves Tumor at the OC Observatory

Rob Shepyer March 22, 2022

Attempting to describe Yves Tumor to a stranger on an elevator, I told them the band was like a psychedelic Prince. This is a bit reductive, but a compliment to all parties nonetheless. Yves Tumor is much more than an artist to be compared to anyone in such definitive terms. Yves Tumor deals in abstracts and pushing boundaries beyond definitions and comparisons. Yes, there’s elements of sunshine psych and vintage hard rock riffage; yes, they broke out into an ode to Faith No More’s “Be Aggressive” at one moment of their OC Observatory set; and yes, they’ve cultivated all the murky plummets of the Jungian shadow to make themselves much more than a band of humans, they’re something transcendent when they take a stage. Yves’ singer, a mystery man conspicuously named Sean Bowie, created music to escape from his dull, conservative surroundings as a young adult. With so much art pouring out of him, the last two signifiers that come to mind when staring at him onstage are “dull” or “conservative”. Sean Bowie is a living enigma, transcending categories to exist simply as art itself. Or more colloquially, Sean Bowie is art’s spirit animal. related content: Desert Daze 2021: Music,

Self Improvement Shoegaze: Chastity Belt at the Constellation Room

Jonathan Reyes February 20, 2020

If you start feeling like you’re vibrating a little higher or showing yourself a little more compassion after listening to Chastity Belt, the spell worked and you’re going to be fine. There’s a weight to the words that come from Julia Shapiro’s mouth. That’s not to put the weight of my mental health on lyrics in a song but you listen to Different Now there’s a call for self-care and patience with the problems of your life. There are these subtle complexities weaved into the fabric of The Process to pair lyrics about lying to your therapist and heavy riffs. It’s like if Fleetwood could have listened then maybe things would be been a lot easier on the tour bus. related content: Silver Lake Perris: Desert Daze 2019 Did I mention the finger-tapping solo’s? Call Yngwie Malmsteen and let him know there’s a new sheriff in town. I always liked a finger tap, it’s one of those ones where if you screw up once your band probably doesn’t want you trying again embarrassing them like I thought you said you could shred? related content: Who Is Orville Peck? Pink Sunsets Over The OC Observatory Total Heat, freak jazz beats. If

Take This: Win Two Tickets to Sleater-Kinney at the Observatory

Janky Smooth Central Command November 9, 2019

Sleater-Kinney is one of those bands that only needs the bare bones requirements to absolutely wow a crowd. Pure rock fury, that’s what they are, with more heart than just about anyone. I hate to compare them this way but of all the bands that empower women, the riot girl bands, this is by far the best in this humble editor’s opinion. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE OR: ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO SLEATER-KINNEY NOVEMBER 13TH AT THE OBSERVATORY 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, TWITTER, or FACEBOOK Sleater Kinney Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON NOVEMBER 11TH AT 11AM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION

Take This: Win Two Tickets to Kikagaku Moyo at the Observatory

Janky Smooth Central Command October 23, 2019

Geometric Patterns are one of the best psychedelic bands of this generation, if you don’t recognize that name, perhaps you’ll know their Japanese name, Kikagaku Moyo. If you’ve ever wanted to hear music that will transport your mind and soul while your body stays put, look no further than this band’s Observatory show on 10/31. Halloween is for trippers. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE OR: ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO KIKAGAKU MOYO OCTOBER 31ST AT THE OBSERVATORY 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, TWITTER, or FACEBOOK Kikagaku Moyo Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON OCTOBER 20TH AT 11AM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION

Take This: Win Two Tickets to Ghostemane at the Observatory

Janky Smooth Central Command October 19, 2019

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Ghostemane or not but if you have, you’d know that this kid is like a young Trent Reznor, only he can rap too. Musically though, his jams hit the violent, wild, and animalistic feel of those early, unchained NIN songs. He does much more than that though, his show hits metal notes with his full band of masked lunatics as well as hip hop notes, with him spitting bars fast as all fuck. The whole lineup is pretty beefy, featuring Harms Way and Lil Tracy opening for a dope mixed bill. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE OR: ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO GHOSTEMANE OCTOBER 22ND AT THE OBSERVATORY 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, TWITTER, or FACEBOOK Ghostemane Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON OCTOBER 20TH AT 11AM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION

OC Rots Slow: Obituary, Abbath, and Midnight at the Observatory

Rob Shepyer October 12, 2019

For the longest time, I was consumed with the debate on who should be considered the best death metal band of all time. The usual suspects always make the list of the death metal big four: Death, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and then the last spot seems to fluctuate between a myriad of bands. Taking their current status in the scene in regard, I thought Possessed had surpassed Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, earning them the top spot. They still sound incredible live and put on wild shows that nearly topple the venue. However, after their sold out show at Orange County’s Observatory, I’m sorry but the top of that list is a spot reserved only for Obituary. You can take the band’s history as a partial reason why, they’ve been “slowly rotting” for 3o years now but for me, it’s all about the sonic power and how they make me feel. Having seen all the competition, nothing compares to Obituary. related content: The Battle Of The Bays: Obituary & Exodus Clash At Teragram Ballroom This was one of most anticipated tours of the year for metalheads, with a stacked lineup that featured Devil Master on first. Having witnessed their

Take This: Win Two Tickets to Dragonforce at the Observatory

Janky Smooth Central Command October 7, 2019

Metal heads will remember the moment Dragonforce hit the map in the early 2000’s and ended up making iconically epic music. Through the Fire and the Flames still rips harder than anything. In the hopes you wield a sword and shield during this mosh pit, we are giving away a pair of ticket to their Observatory show. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE OR: ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO DRAGONFORCE OCTOBER 11TH AT THE OBSERVATORY 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, TWITTER, or FACEBOOK Dragonforce Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON OCTOBER 9TH AT 11AM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION

Subtle Like A T-Rex: The Murder City Devils in So-Cal

Jessica Moncrief August 26, 2019

Almost every time I have seen The Murder City Devils in the past, it has been with some indie or experimental band opening that is not even close to the same vibe as theirs. On one hand, they are opening up their fans to a broader perspective of music they enjoy. On the other hand, many of their supporting bands, in my opinion, have missed the mark in building up the energy before the headlining set. Those who were fortunate enough to make it to Vegas this year for Punk Rock Bowling had the chance to see MCD with fully punk line-up including Le Butcherettes and The Flytraps. While I was sad I couldn’t make it for such a glorious event, I was please to find that punk/indie alumni, The Intelligence, would be joining them for their 2 night stint in Southern California. The mic-deep throating started at The Observatory in Santa Ana the first night and the insanity continued at The Teragram Ballroom in DLTA the following evening. As much as I enjoyed the presence and energy, I wouldn’t be reporting accurately if I didn’t mention that the sound mix was off during MCD’s sets both nights. Spencer’s vocals were

Who is Orville Peck? Pink Sunsets Over the OC Observatory

Rob Shepyer August 21, 2019

If you need proof that music has the power to change society, look no further than Orville Peck. Coming from the punk and hardcore tradition of making your own rules to live by, Orville has broken the rules of country music, coming at just the right time when the country is the most broken. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Mr. Peck has skyrocketed to success at the same time as Lil Nas X, revolutionizing the same genre. I wouldn’t be surprised if the two ended up doing a duet, actually. Perhaps there was always a homosexual, sort of Tom of Finland, element to country and cowboy culture (Brokeback Mountain wouldn’t be so controversial if released today) or perhaps this genre steeped in conservatism and rigid tradition has always been begging for an artist to liberate it. Whether gay or black or both, the changing face of country mirrors the changing face of America and the Americans that would’ve rejected a whiter, straighter brand of country are ready, willing, and elated to embrace a gayer, darker country music. So who is Orville Peck? Everyone is wondering. The mask adds to the mystique, so maybe it’s better we never find

Community Outreach: Better Oblivion Community Center at the Observatory

Rob Shepyer August 13, 2019

I had been itching to see Better Oblivion Community Center for the greater part of the year up until this month. They held sold out two consecutive nights at Teragram earlier in the year and though I couldn’t squeeze my way in, I got the sense that the hype was completely deserved. For those of you who don’t know, this oddly titled band is the collaboration between Bright Eyes‘ fearless troubadour Conor Oberst and queen of Los Angeles, Phoebe Bridgers, who together create some of the most heart-felt and groovy alternative folk music you’ll ever hear. With two Southern California shows, one at the Observatory and one at the Wiltern, I wasn’t going to let this opportunity go to waste. I was going to the community meeting with my heart open for change. related content: Haley Dahl, Queen of Rock in 2019: Sloppy Jane at the Bootleg Theater I can’t remember the last group who’s songwriting touched me in such a tender way as BOCC. Songs like “Didn’t Know What I Was In For” and “Chesapeake” are described as moving for a reason, I can actually feel my heart taking a more sensitive disposition toward this life than before I hear

Take This: Win Two Tickets to Murder City Devils at Teragram or Observatory

Janky Smooth Central Command August 7, 2019

We got your hook up to get at tickets to see one of Janky Smooth’s favorite bands: The Murder City Devils. A band that perfectly blends garage, punk, and American horror rock into something totally original and real. What makes this giveaway special is that you can pick your poison, Orange County or Los Angeles. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS TO THE OBSERVATORY HERE OR THE TERAGRAM HERE OR: ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE MURDER CITY DEVILS AUGUST 12TH AT THE OBSERVATORY AND THE 13TH AT TERAGRAM BALLROOM 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, TWITTER, or FACEBOOK Murder City Devils Ticket Giveaway Post WINNER WILL BE SELECTED ON AUGUST 9TH AT 11AM PST VIA EMAIL CONFIRMATION