Zebulon: All Things Blue, SLUGS, Slut Island

I know this night was headlined by All Things Blue, but one has to give it up for Slut Island. They stole the night as the opener. India Coombs, lead singer of All things Blue, had to admit at the start of her set that she included some really funny bands (not to forget about SLUGS) to open the night. Slut Island started the set like any other band would, starting with their first song . . . duh. After finishing it, they stopped. "There's something wrong with our sound," they said. From there they demanded that the sound guy come up and see how bad the sound was. The sound guy (I believe was a friend) went up to the stage and started to make these mimicking sounds into the microphone, playing with the pedal boards, and hitting the drum set with the sticks. "Nothings wrong," he said. The band wasn't happy with that reply so they jumped him and started to choke him. As they continued on their set, they did a song about how smart artists are. They looked out into the audience and said, "If you're not an artist, leave the venue." They then asked that folks who weren't artists should raise their hands. I raised my hand and got the response, "You have a camera." They went to another person and came up with an excuse on why he could stay. Of course, my raising my hand got me in trouble. For the last song, they asked to know who had a birthday and if that person would come up on stage. One person did have a birthday and was more than eager to jump on  stage. That was the only person; however, that had a birthday or was willing to admit it. They wanted another person on stage and started to look around for a forced volunteer. That person just so happened to be me. Maybe if I had stayed quiet about the artist question, I would have drawn their attention or maybe I would have anyways. Either way, my first impulse was to decline, but then no one else was willing to go on stage and so I also felt compelled to help them out. Anyways, on the stage I went. The two of us were asked to sit in front of the drum kit and hold hands while they played their final song. There was some butt shaking going on by the lead singer during that song. And when all was said and done, the person celebrating her birthday got to sit behind the drums while I was handed the guitar. A very comedic and memorable set.

Slut Island

What else can be said about the night other than that long write-up.

SLUGS

SLUGS gives the best side eyes in Los Angeles. If someone is at the other end of that look, one would have to think that she is either amused or bemused. The duo that makes up the core of SLUGS also backed up All Things Blue for the final song of her set. Got to say that All Things Blues definitely loves her guitar, giving it a long tight hug at one point.

All Things Blue

 

The Echo: Warbly Jets with All Things Blue and Grace Mitchell

It was time to head out to catch the Warbly Jets' residency at The Echo. I didn't realize it, but Chuck Ellis and Jackson Singleton opened the night at The Echo with short singer-songwriter sets. A voice and a guitar for both. They were appreciative to the crowd that showed up prior to 9 p.m. 

Chuck Ellis

Jackson Singleton

Next up was All Things Blue. Her songs are also in that singer-songwriter direction with tender melodies. There is also a minimalist garage rock to some of her songs where she takes dramatic license with her vocals. Was there a moment to remember during the set? Most definitely. When she was closing out the set with her final two songs, she took a step back and tripped backwards over her guitar. Was she hurt? She kept performing. When the second to last song was finished, she exclaimed, "I fell." 

All Things Blue

Up next was Grace Mitchell with what she said was a whole new band. Her guitarist played it moody, but on occasion she'd flash a smile to the audience to let them know that she was rather pleased with the set. As for Grace Mitchell, she stood on stage and hit some rocking tunes. Time just jumped ahead in warp speed. At one point, I looked down at her set list (which was written down on a 11 x 14 sheet in large bold lettering) and couldn't believe the set was nearing an end. As far as I'm concerned, she could have re-started the set list again and I wouldn't have been bored. 

Grace Mitchell

Warbly Jets closed it out with their fourth residency night. This was my second time seeing their residency. This band is just amazing. Their music is rapid. The lead singer is in constant motion. The keyboardist isn't as dramatic, but still has a charismatic style just by the way he hits the keys. Their drummer takes triumphant stances throughout the set. And though this band is dramatic and wild, they are also very precise. They mark off the floor very precisely with tape, making sure their various instruments are set up exactly where they want them to be.

Warbly Jets

Quick Hit Artist Interview: All Things Blue

All Things Blue at The Hi Hat

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What is currently inspiring you in terms of music? I don’t really know, as far as artists and bands or whatever. Always my friends’ music more than anything else, but I have been watching a lot of older movies lately, mostly mystery or suspense, and that’s been seeping into more and more of our songwriting process, I think. Jerry Goldsmith especially.

Other than Los Angeles, where could you see yourself living/playing music and why? Aside from my hometown, Philly, I think I’d really dig living somewhere like Eugene, Oregon. It would be cool to play house shows again. Richmond is always fun to play but I could never live there. I do love the crowds though, they get wild