LA / LBC / OC
Long Beach’s Magic Lantern have finally gone and released a new sonic document after what seemed like an eternity of waiting. Eagerly anticipated by those who have been biding their time waiting for the band to get on with their uber limited cassette only and CD-R releases (their Self-Titled CD-R was limited to 30), “High Beams”, the band’s latest opus [...]
News Bytes Twitter Next Week’s New Releases
In lieu of seeing Amy Winehouse at Spaceland last night (I’m still a tad bitter about her canceling) I decided to check out Foreign Islands at Safari Sams for Check Yo Ponytail. I have been listening to this band on and off for quite a while now, first hearing about them from my a friend in New York.
First, apparently there is new “night” that goes before Check Yo Ponytail, I can’t remember what is was called, but no one was there. So for future reference, there is no need to get Safari Sams early if you want to catch the opening band, thing don’t get going ’til 9:30 or so now, forget about the 8pm doors they post on their flyers.
When Foreign Islands (not to be confused with North Carolina’s Future Islands) did take the stage, a small but curious crowd had formed. Unfortunately I don’t think it was enough for the band to really get into their performance. Which is sad since their music really needs to be accompanied by a high energy live show, and they do have one, supposedly. Just not tonight I guess. The band’s singer just didn’t seem into it, like this show was the biggest waste of his time, which is a shame because I felt that if they did go balls out, the 40 or so people in the club would have walked out way more impressed and probably would passed on the word. Everyone loves a band that plays like they are in front a massive crowd, no matter the actual size, gotta go by the saying, 40 or 4000 (insert whatever numbers) it don’t make a difference.
So I chalk this performance up to a NYC band unfamiliar with the fickle arms crossed “impress me” attitude of LA audiences. Foreign Islands play again at the Viper Room (gonna be even more LA…sorry guys) on Thursday. Suggestion, next time you come to LA, play a smaller room with a low stage or maybe a warehouse party.
MP3: Foreign Islands – Ghost Story
MP3: Foreign Islands – No Holiday