NFV Song Spotlight: Boy Deluxe's Bait

I've followed Boy Deluxe since 2017. At the time, the band was called Ever So Android and they'd just relocated from Seattle. I was perhaps the first Los Angeles based photographer to catch one of their sets. I was an immediate fan of Hope S and True Murra and have seen them numerous times over the years. This year, I've seen them 3 times. And, hey, those who have a somewhat deep history of the Los Angeles music scene remember the jokes that Hope S and Kimi Recor (Black Flamingo, Draemings, Kevin, etc) were sisters.

Boy Deluxe at the Regent Theater

My third time catching the band this year was at the Regent Theater in DTLA. The band has developed a dedicated following. There were people in the audience that I recognized from previous shows. And they don't just hang out in the back. They came forward to the front of the stage and stayed there -- ha ha, though I suppose Hope S had to give them a little push as she said before the start of the set, "Don't do me dirty." The bands dark-pop electro sound is catchy. Hope S always puts on a solid stage show. This time around, True Murra put on some dance moves -- something he doesn't always do. 

Boy Deluxe at the Regent Theater

The band was opening for Fartbart and it was a free night to celebrate Oktoberfest. The Regent Theater is connected to Spaceland Presents. I'm not exactly sure of all the ins and outs of how that all works out, but lets go back to some history here. Spaceland Presents used to book bands at The Satellite / Spaceland (a venue that no longer exists) and The Echo (not sure if Spaceland Presents has any current role in the booking of The Echo or if that is all done via Live Nation now). Anyways, while watching Boy Deluxe and Fartbart on stage, I got a flash back to those pre-Live Nation days and how the Los Angeles music scene had a serious buzz to it and Spaceland Presents had the pulse of the scene.

Boy Deluxe at the Regent Theater

I admit that the Regent Theater wasn't at sold out capacity for Farbart and Boy Deluxe as the venue is way too big to be fully dedicated to local bands playing (1000 + capacity); however, it was a crowd size that would have filled up The Satellite or The Echo (350 capacity) to near capacity if not sold out status. It was really nice to see.  

Boy Deluxe at the Regent Theater

What song do I want to highlight here? I know they recently released their Sanctuary EP and their title song "Sanctuary" is definitely excellent, but what is my favorite song of theirs? I'd have to say "Bait." It opens with a blasting buzzy techno blast before Hope S sings out repeatedly "Your body is a tomb." The music drives relentlessly forward and has you wanting to dance off the walls. 

The below is a Spotify link to "Bait," but be sure to go through the necessary clicks to listen to their Sanctuary EP.  You won't regret it.