After stopping in at Jeff Electric Gallery for the
Travis Millard Opening, (needs a look) I hit the show at the Silverlake Lounge in high spirits. The band was just about to take the stage making final preparations and finishing last minute conversations. I’m certain that most of the gear was on loan as the drum kit was sporting the DLS logo and the bass cabinet was clearly the bass cabinet that usually sits next to that drum kit. I have to imagine that the whole week has been this way and here they are about to play the fourth night in as many nights.
With a short acappella intro from Jose (bass) and Ian (guitar) the Harlem Shakes dove into their set with complete reverence. This band wants you to dance. They want you to dance that post punk swagger one you learned from Squeeze, Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. They want you to bop those heads and have fun. And you should! I think back to ’92 in Anaheim, CA at “INN at the Park” in the main ballroom watching LIDSVILLE then No Doubt! play to a full house (ICM. I was at that show, ha). Or Jesus Lizard and Boys Against Girls at Bogart’s. Amazing times!
So, the Harlem Shakes. Outside of a bit of a problem from the bass rig during the first break, which the soundman (pictured in hat) was quick to assist and remedy, (calm and cool) the band moved through the set with ease. I suppose they played 40 minutes and after settling in they sounded like I’m sure they would if they were in NYC. About four songs in, singer Lexy took to the dance floor for the first time to get something going on out there. Isn’t there some kind of law against dancing in public in L.A.? Maybe it depends on your neighborhood, because I know that Ice Cream Man likes to dance his ass off (and I think he’s from Long Beach). Towards the end of the set the carpet came off the wall and Sarah helped clear the way with Kendrick (keyboard) not even missing a beat. All in stride! Listen to the music on the website (www.harlemshakes.com) and look for them in the future. (And don’t forget Brent, he’s playing the drums)
Up next, Dirty little Secret. What can I say about DLS? They came out swinging. Their last stop before heading to Australia! I made some cools pics then headed on out into the night.
