The Echo: Brass Box with Bob Villain, Foie Gras and THIEF

This was the final night of the Brass Box residency at The Echo. Lead singer Ammo is also in a band called Black Flamingo, which dates back to 2010-ish. Anyone who follows me on Instagram knows that I love Black Flamingo and the various offshoots from that band, which includes Draemers and Black Box. To me, Brass Box has the sound that best reflects the Gothic sounds of Black Flamingo. That, of course, means I have a special place in my heart for Brass Box.

I do have to admit I felt a bit out of place at The Echo on this particular night. I felt like I was in the distinct minority of individuals who wasn't dressed in all black. Yet it didn't really matter all that much. The driving goth sounds of Brass Box sent shivers up my spine.

Brass Box

Supporting Brass Box were some solid artists/bands that I was coming across for the first time. Opening up the night was Bob Villain. He came up on stage and one had to look at his hands. Attached to both hands were tree branches that extended a good two feet or so. His fashion sense made you think of a mythical forest creature from Lord of the Rings. Then he started to sing and I was blown away. Seriously, it is like Neil Diamond decided to dress as a forest creature. Bob Villain's vocals are gold.

Bob Villain

Foie Gras with red lipstick smeared across her lips and a powdered white face, I immediately thought about Harley Quinn. Of course, based on her video "Psychic Sobriety," maybe she was meaning to come across as an old fashion Gothic vampire -- but dressed in white versus black. It was a fascinating set that ended all too soon.

Foie Gras

THIEF ended the night diverting into some metal tunes. Ammo happened to mention to me that she's teaming up with one of the members on a new project. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. She was definitely enthusiastic as THIEF pounded their way through their set.

THIEF

Concert Review: Draemings with Jesse Jo Stark, Ever So Android and Brass Box at The Echo

The Echo. One thing I've learned about the Los Angeles music scene: if you're interested in checking out a specific night and you suddenly see an added name pop up on the website and if that band/individual is up first, you better show up early even if you don't have a clue who that individual is. That was the case on this specific Draemings residency night.

I noticed that Jesse Jo Stark was added to the line-up. I'm not hip on the fashion scene so I had no clue who she was, but after doing some research I learned a whole lot more. I made sure I was there by 8:00 p.m. as were a whole lot of other individuals. Her music has that Mazzy Star feel to it. That is a connection that one can't complain about. She was calm and comfortable on stage while her bassist had this gritted teeth wild look that just caught my attention.

Jesse Jo Stark

After Jesse Jo Stark, Ever So Android came on stage. This was my second time seeing this band. They are one of my new favorites. The lead singer paces that stage like a caged animal.

Just before their set I had the following paraphrased conversation with a fellow photographer:

Me: I’m here to see Ever So Android.

Photographer gives me a side eye look like I’m crazy. [On Instagram, I stated that this was the night to head out to see Draemings, because Ever So Android was on the bill. So I was there to see both. I just failed to mention this fact.]

Ever So Android played their set.

Photographer: What did you say their name was?

Me: Ever So Android.

Photographer: They’re so good! [One more convert.]

Ever So Android

Brass Box came on stage next. The lead singer used to play with Black Flamingo. There is a connection here as the lead singer from Draemings also played in Black Flamingo. It was like a family reunion. Actually, it is always nice to see this happen as that let's you know that the breakup of a band didn't cause a breakup in friendships. Brass Box has an ethereal sound that has a touch of influence from Black Flamingo.

Brassbox

Draemings did their third residency set. The Echo was packed for the weirdness. Lead singer Kimi, dare I guess wrong, was dressed like a flaming Phoenix bird. Another member of the band was dressed up like a manic toy soldier. With their theatrical fashion and wonderful stage decoration, it was a set to remember. Well, let's not forget that college radio '80s/90s alternative rock sound. Oh yeah.

Draemings