Robots & Angels [Official | Facebook | Twitter] @ Blue Cafe
It was a calm and cool evening in downtown Long Beach that set the stage for the re-birth of not only the Pine Ave scene but for a group of organizers as well. Robots & Angels started the year off proper with a showcase of amazing local talent. It was here in the Blue Cafe's Underground where the sounds of Wild Pack of Canaries [Mountain Man Records] + Physical Forms [Busdriver's new band] + Free Moral Agents [Ikey from The Mars Volta] + Rahfee Zahkee brought together people from other bands, venues, and party circles. The energy was steadily growing at the start with Rahfee's unique dj performance and the good times just kept on expanding as the night went on...
Wild Pack of Canaries + Photo by: Oh Snaps!
I haven't been able to catch up with Rudy and the guys in Wild Pack of Canaries since they departed on their Mini Van Super Road Trip Winter Tour back in December. As with most bands who come home after a bit of touring experience under their belt one can expect a few things to happen. One of which is what we as fans always hope never happens, the band grows tired of the songs. Who could blame them especially with repetitive sets night after night most humans would grow weary to a certain extent. Another more positive occurrence is when the band becomes more of a solid entity and performs with a more singular soul. This is what we were treated to on this night.
Rudy gave me a heads up before their set that they were going to test out a few new songs to see how it went with their fans. Also, a "new" sight for the attendees that night was the return of their drummer Alfredo from a little r & r. The opening song, "El Parque" featured the signature mellow building bridge that is a prominent feature in many WPoC songs. Following that song was a song they had never performed live, "Drapes". The third song of their set, "The Corner Can Wait" [MP3 Download] is when the band really warms up not only with themselves but with the audience as well. Here is when you can spot the audience members who really know the music. There was even a time during the set when the microphone fell down and an enthusiastic audience member picked it up and joined Rudy in singing the lyrics. The party was really starting to get underway and things were about to get slightly stranger...
"Finally downtown Long Beach had a decent show to offer. Long live art rock!!!" - Rudy of WPoC
Physical Forms + Photo by: Oh Snaps!
I've been going to shows for so long that it's gotten to a point where I sometimes grow impatient with bands that take a while to set up. The rule when I was doing Front of House was you get 5min to set up, no more than 10min and if you take longer than that you're eating up your set time, no excuses. So it was quite a test of my patience to wait for Physical Forms to set up. This was the first time I had seen them and I didn't know what to expect but I knew that I was growing tired of waiting.
But as time went on and they started to get their equipment ready I spotted a few pieces of equipment that I haven't seen in just your ordinary band set up. In addition to your usual drums, bass, guitars, I saw what could only of been an Omnichord. Then I thought, "Ok, This might be worth the wait. Oh wait. What does the vocalist have on his hands?!" Busdriver had these gloves with orbs on them which enabled him to create sounds with the lights projected on the sheet placed above the band. He later explained to me that it's called a Sound Glovener(?) As their set went on I finally understood what kind of treat I was waiting so long for. It was a sugary does of power pop complete with harmonizing vocals, synth intros, power chords, and a foil cape. When you see a band like this perform you don't want the fun to end but sadly all good things must come to a happy ending[well sometimes]. This set was definitely one of those times.
"Quote me on that sh(*)t. That sh(*)t was fun! And sh(*)t. F)(ckin' sh(*)t. WHAT?!" - Tiffany Davy
Free Moral Agents + Photo by: Oh Snaps!
The wait was over and the time had arrived for Free Moral Agents to take the stage in their hometown. They had been performing a number of various local shows in the week leading up to this performance and the crowds had been growing consistently and that night they had gathered patiently waiting. Just when they about to start their set the unfortunate occurs, technical difficulties. It's at these times that can hurt the rooms energy for any type of artist. And despite the drop of positive tension the band finally started their set with fireworks.
Photo by: Oh Snaps!
With hands in the air the audience cheered and sang the lyrics to their favorite songs. Blue Cafe's Underground was packed and everyone was having a good time. And with all good times mine had to come to an end. It was back to work with my Robots & Angels duties.
<->Nativity<->
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