Never have I ever walked into a venue and been simultaneously surrounded by good-looking people, phenomenal music blasting from the speakers and an all-encompassing great energy; however, the Astra Heights CD Release show at Bootleg Theater featuring Lemon Sun instantly hooked the crowd.  The acoustics and sound system at The Bootleg Theater are some of the best I have heard in L.A.—surprising because it is a simple room with nothing but a stage, standing room, and a bar.

Astra Heights hit the stage on time and amongst cheers as Mark  (lead vocals) announced, “It’s been a while, we’re really glad to be back.” “How Little We Know” started off their set proving the strength that all of their voices possess individually and as a whole, delivering a powerful and deliberate performance.  Their set-up was captivating, including two female back-up singers, a stand-up bass, and Timothy juggling keyboards, guitar and piano.  Things got a little mellow during “When the Ground Gives Way,” as  Astra Heights’ powerful harmonies and the distant echo effect on Mark’s voice created a soothing and calming atmosphere for the concentrated crowd.  Mark’s flirtatious mic moves created the proper visual during their fourth song, “The Push.”  By this point, the guys loosened up a bit and were more active on stage.  In general, their set felt laid-back and more like a sound check, but this surely did not mean that you could not see the sweat from drummer, Lyle, or that the power behind the guys’ harmonies wasn’t at one hundred percent.  The crowd’s response was consistently positive and excited, featuring shouts like “Timothy I love you!”  Their sixth song, “Ticking,” had the band showing off some of their signature dance moves—James and Timothy playing back to back to Lyle, Mark singing with his hands, James moonwalking and lots of hip shaking amongst all of them.  Astra Heights incorporates many elements of an old rock band—long and complex instrumentals that are very focused and strong, combined with great vocals and distinguished beats.  Mark prefaced “Let’s Go Boys” saying, “This is for everybody who moves out to L.A. and thinks they’re going to make it big…suckers!”  This energetic song finished off their big set with powerful snare rolls, bass riffs, and psychedelic keys.  Their individual personalities were prevalent as James continued his bobbing dance, Bernard remained intensely focused on his guitar, and Timothy embellished his signature slick dance moves.  There were a lot of joyful smiles and movement intensifying the juxtaposed complex and focused instrumental riffs and vocals.  Naturally, the crowd wanted an encore with comments like, “That last song was so good, they were good!” and “They’re excellent!”

Lemon Sun brought instant energy that electrified the since-dispersed crowd.  It was only a matter of seconds before the crowd caught onto Lemon Sun and got roped in.  Their set featured psychedelic wall visuals that complimented their melodies and styles as well as the overall vibe of the room.  Timothy—yes he plays keys for both Astra Heights and Lemon Sun!—took a moment to thank the crowd, “It took [Astra Heights] a year to make [Ship of Theseus] and this is the most beautiful sight we could ask for so everybody dance your fuckin’ asses off and thanks for coming!”  Lemon Sun’s second song, “The Answer,” had quite a captivating instrumental breakdown that continued to pull the crowd further into Lemon Sun’s energy.  All of the guys were extremely energetic; Rob playing in Timothy and Patrick’s faces and rolling around on the stage floor while Timothy shimmied, Felipe pounded, and the great alternative entertainment of Patrick’s singing expressions.  They were all smiles the entire set!  During “Telephone,” Rob lost his hat amongst his exuberant dancing on and off his knees, letting his long curly hair droop over his face as he sang.  Everyone in the crowd seemed to be dancing to the songs almost unconsciously.  The set was going so well that Scott bowed half way through to which Rob responded, “Scotty bowed and we’re not even done yet!”  “Same Old Ground” featured the skilled tap dancing of Lauren Brown while Timothy and Patrick shared a mic for harmonies.  The band was very talkative resulting in instant crowd interaction, like a pick request half-way through the set.  Felipe proved his endless multitasking skills by breaking out his shakers while continuing to play drums as did Timothy who managed to clap with his Newcastle in hand and keep up with harmonies.  They all looked very happy performing which incidentally played into the passion emanating from both on and off stage.  “Wanna Have You” had the band emitting fervent energy—Timothy jumped into the crowd while playing his tambourine, Rob paced and wobbled about the stage pulling his best rock-and-roll moves, knocking over the mic stand yelling “Everybody let’s party!” and Felipe on his feet clapping and hammering his drums.  The song continued to blend in and out of Lemon Sun’s cover of “Melt With You” so well that it sounded like a real recorded remix of the two songs.  Again, Scott bowed at the end of the song, removing his bass in satisfaction.  Without needing to catch his breath, Rob shouted to the crowd, “If you like Supergrass, please make your way to the stage, but you better know the fucking words!  Anyone with sideburns, long hair, looks greasy—that’s great!”  About seven people joined Lemon Sun on stage for the show finale—although they seemed to be quite shy, especially in comparison to the wild moves of the band.  Rob and Tim shared a mic as they danced together and Patrick moved back and forth between his mic and Felipe.  Lemon Sun executes such an energetic show, you don’t even have to know their music to be completely sucked in and enjoy their performance.

—Britt Witt