Photos and words by Leslie Kalohi Several large kites and a huge, ornamental fan were peppered all across the Fonda’s stage for a sold out evening with The Growlers. The crowd squeezed in to hear the trademark “Beach Goth” sound produced by the SoCal band. Crowd surfers and a bra could be seen sailing through [...]

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At its best, these 80s imitators sounded like Bryan Ferry singing “More than This,” except with all the charm and twinkle sucked out, leaving a residue that stunk of congealed Spandau Ballet, When in Rome, Haircut 100—and before you start to think “Wow, I love those bands, and that sounds awesome,” remember that the best singles by those bands were great because they had such strong personality! Drain the personality, and you’ll have Wild Beasts. Henri Matisse wants to paint their noses red… with blood.

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Hello, the deepest recess of my mind, which became all brainstem, as I literally started shaking with a St. Vitus’ Dance fervor, my eyes rolling back into my head, my arms flailing at my sides, and my 5th chakra (or perhaps a genetic parasite lodged in all human DNA but long thought to be dormant) started to leap up and down inside my chest, as though my intellect had stashes away a mistress in my heart and was fucking her. Coxcombs is the Barry White of lizard brain chakra fucking.

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For anyone who wanted to see the Growlers at this year’s Sunset Junction, the festival’s cancellation was a massive blessing delivered by the city’s gavel of justice. Before I go on, I should confess my general bias against festivals and explain a couple underlying beliefs I hold about how to best experience live music: 1. [...]

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As a rule I prefer demos and practice recordings to slick studio finishes, but Hot Tropics may be the exception. This brilliant work showcases the Growlers in their fullest stride, like fancy new boots that make you feel mature and confident.

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the growlers THE GROWLERS, GRAND ELEGANCE, AND GANTEZ WARRIOR ON THURSDAY DEC. 30TH AT THE ECHO, 1822 WEST SUNSET BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES. 8:30PM/ $12/ 18+.

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THE GROWLERS ON THURSDAY DEC. 23RD AT THE DETROIT BAR, 843 WEST NINETEENTH STREET, COSTA MESA. 9:00PM/ $12/ 21+.

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Wavves – photography by Zane Roessell On August 13, Wavves played at Pomona’s Glass House. Sensing the “Friday the Thirteenth” spirit in the air Nathan Williams and company played a rowdy set, replete with crowd surfing and stage diving. Wavves’ signature surf goth sound had the crowd surging against the barricades like a roiling tempest.

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