Another great night out.
NA and €uro met me at Leela Thai for a delightful meal (that was worth breaking my diet for) at around 8:30. It's nice that there are a bunch of quick and cheap places to eat within walking distance of Spaceland, because the parking isn't great (unless you valet).
We got in to the club at around 9:30. Just taking the stage was
Michael Vidal, leader of the SoCal band
Abe Vigoda. Unlike his band, Michael's very short set was simple, droney loops with guitar. It wasn't bad, just not particularly inspiring. I know he has better stuff in him, but this was just OK.
After his set, NA and I moseyed over to
PRE's swag table, which was manned by lead singer Akiko "Keeks" Matsuura. We both picked up limited edition copies of their debut CD (in a cool embossed metal box). I grabbed a copy of the "bootleg" split single (featuring PRE with Canadian band Aids Wolf). Keeks made sure that we knew that the single had naked pictures of her inside. €uro pointed out that she was a very good salesperson.
The next band up was local favorites
The Mae Shi. I'd never seen them before, but I had heard very good things about them. We were not disappointed. Melodic noise, organized chaos, bizarre singalongs... it was all there. I won't go into too many details about the show (perhaps NA or €uro will), but I will say that they found a new fan in me.
Here are a few photos I took of their show:
... and here's
their official video for "Run To Your Grave".
After their set, we headed over to their swag table and picked up their latest CD. I also grabbed a neat t-shirt. Also for sale (and very tempting) was a selection of light-sensitive sound boxes built by their guitar player.
Finally, Pre took the stage. The three musicians of Pre are a competent and entertaining noise-punk trio. What elevates the band to a different level is the energetic insanity of lead singer Keeks. Flailing about the stage, screaming deep lyrics such as "I want your penis, I want your love," she was able to maintain a ridiculously high energy level for their short but sweet set.
This was PRE's first west coast trip (they're from England) - but I expect they'll be back. As for The Mae Shi - I will be at their next local show - and you should come with me.