BoxViolet 8/11/09 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA.

Last week, BoxViolet performed as part of a line-up at The Echo with The Voyeurs, Kissing Cousins, and Polygraph. The night's theme was music video releases as per the headliners The Voyeurs, with almost all that night's line-up participating. BoxViolet made their contribution in the form of a video for one of their newest songs "Portable".

I first heard of BoxViolet awhile ago through the wonderfully informative Los Angeles-area music blog LA-Underground. However, it wasn't until spring of last year that I got to see them live, which was at Hollywood-area bar Boardner's. (before anyone asks, no recording, venue too hard to do so in) Also tried to see them once again earlier this year, but they ended up going on later than I thought they were supposed to, and I had to leave for another engagement - so, when this show was announced, I was happy to have the opportunity to see them again.

The setlist from this show was mostly compiled of a lot of newer material (from what I observed), including songs from their new E.P. (or sampler, so to say, that's being sold at shows). Note: Their video "Portable" was shown before they began playing, but is cut from the recording (because it can be seen/heard elsewhere)

1.) Sad, Sad Girl MP3
2.) Hello MP3
3.) Gwen MP3
4.) Swallow MP3
5.) Star Stuff MP3
6.) Portable MP3
7.) Holiday MP3
Text File

FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

Warpaint 8/09/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last Sunday, along with label-mate Caroline Weeks, Warpaint was part of a line-up at Spaceland presented by Manimal Vinyl. The night started off pretty quiet for (first act) Corridor and Caroline Weeks, but things really started to pick up by the time Warpaint hit the stage.

Warpaint has become very popular over the past year - I have been seeing this band's name practically everywhere, but had not gotten the opportunity to see them until now. They are very good, remind me a little of Autolux. They may pop up on this blog again in the future.

Note: "Billie Holiday" contains lyrics from "My Guy" (Mary Wells)

Update 3/31/11: This is show is no longer available due to management/label issues.

Caroline Weeks 8/09/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last Sunday, Caroline Weeks was part of the line-up at Spaceland showcasing artists on the Manimal Vinyl label. She is a former member of Bat For Lashes, and after hearing that her music was in a similar vein to that of her former band's work, I was curious to hear for myself.

Ms. Weeks played solo acoustic (not sure if this is her default live performance style, or just for this tour) and mostly songs from her debut full-length Songs For Edna. Many of the songs on the album were constructed around poems by the famed poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, which were of course well represented here. Another poet, Emily Dickinson, was featured in the composition based on her poem "Memorials XIV" To round out the set, a cover of The Cure's "The Drowning Man," of which a studio version is available on tribute album Perfect As Cats: A Tribute to the Cure.

In conclusion, I'm not really sure Caroline Week's solo work has that much in common with the Bat For Lashes material - I think reviewers like to make the comparison because it seems easier to state, and they want them to be more alike then they actually are. I will grant their music has the same sort of dreamy, eternal quality that probably invited the comparisons in the first place, but that's where the similarities end.

A note on the recording: performance levels were kind of on the low side, which (may have) caused some buzzing from the lights and/or monitors to be heard. I tried to reduce it in post-production, but it still may be audible.

1.) What Lips My Lips Have Kissed FLAC MP3
2.) Renascence FLAC MP3
3.) Wild Swans FLAC MP3
4.) The Drowning Man (The Cure cover) FLAC MP3
5.) I Shall Go Back FLAC MP3
6.) Memorials XIV. (Emily Dickinson (poem)) FLAC MP3
7.) Elegy FLAC MP3
Fingerprint
MD5
Text File

Ariana Delawari (formerly Lion of Panjshir) 7/30/09 - Space 15 Twenty, Hollywood, CA.

(Apologies for not updating for awhile - for the past month, I've been laid up with a cold/bronchitis, which of course affects concert going. As of now, I hope to catch up and start posting more again.)

Last Thursday, Ariana Delawari played a free concert at the courtyard of Space 15 Twenty supporting Lauren Dukoff's exhibit showcasing her new book "Family." This was a semi-acoustic sort of performance with her accompanied by a bassist and cellist. Unlike most of the shows put on here, this was a quieter one, with most of the attendees sitting on the ground listening attentively.

I first heard of Ariana Delawari when she was performing under the moniker "Lion of Panjshir back in 2007 when she opened for Bat For Lashes at Spaceland (oddly enough, a show that I ended up not getting to attend) However, last year, I did finally get to see Lion of Panjshir live purely by coincidence - she was playing on the same bill with at the now-departed Tangier's with Listing Ship, of whom I had come to see. I thought their performance was quite good and wished I had recorded it (which was probably just as well I didn't, because I ended up having gear problems), and wanted to see them again, which finally came in the opportunity of this recent show.

The setlist was a mix of older and newer tunes, with the standout song "San Francisco." It was definitely a unique performance with it's semi-acoustic format, which made it possible to hear this material with new arrangements.

Notes: There was a level adjustment at the beginning of the first song, and at a couple of points people can be heard moving seats around.

1.) We Came Home MP3
2.) San Francisco MP3
3.) ??? MP3
4.) Be Gone Taliban MP3
5.) Tree Hymn MP3
6.) Chesme Siah Daree MP3
7.) Don't Fight The Love MP3
8.) Pray To The Sun MP3
Text File

FLAC (lossless) files available upon request.