Filter Mag’s Culture Collide came to a close with a FREE/all-age block party that had an outstanding lineup. In sunny Echo Park, two outdoor stages, a church and a line of food trucks were perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
The chaos that is Israel’s Monotonix had everyone running around chasing maniac lead singer Ami Shalev, who stole food from crowd members, tried to steal a dog, dumped trash on a bandmate, climbed a tree and had some guys in the crowd hold him up in the air on a drum stool.
Phantogram’s trip-hop/electronic rock duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter (with drummer in tow) got everyone back to the main stage, but unfortunately, their set was cut short due to technical difficulties and the event was under strict time constraints. Come back soon!
London’s White Lies made their second appearance at Culture Collide (Sat. night at Echoplex) with loyal fans eager to hear more. I saw them a couple of years ago in London and am still mesmerized by the drummer, Jack Lawrence-Brown. Frontman Harry McVeigh was all smiles as fans showed their appreciation. Their next album Ritual should be released January 2011.
When Ontario’s Tokyo Police Club took the stage, that’s when the energy went up a notch. Lead vox/bass Dave Monks is extremely engaging and bolted out as many songs as possible. Jeff from Passion Pit played with them and brought the energy up even more, having some fun with guitarist Josh Hook.
Arriving on stage 40 minutes late, Jenny and Johnny delivered what they could in the amount of time they had. Jenny Lewis has a strong following all her own, so it was no surprise “I love you Jenny” and “Marry me Jenny” were shouted at her as they forged on.
What happened immediately after at the Echo Park Methodist Church, was not Sunday mass, but worshippers flocking to hear Fran Healy of Travis who played in town a couple of nights promoting his solo effort Wreckorder. And my huge loss, as I couldn’t attend, but was told it was the best performance of the entire event.
08-holiday.mp3
Fran Healy – Holiday Title [MP3]
Boxer Rebellion and Amusements Parks on Fire also received high praises, but I had to miss them as well. Here’s hoping they all come back soon!
MONOTONIX
PHANTOGRAM
WHITE LIES
TOKYO POLICE CLUB
JENNY AND JOHNNY
