Unfortunately due to some setbacks, Gregg and I didn’t make it to the Troubadour until later than expected, so we did not get a chance to see the opening band, 50 Foot Wave. However, Mission of Burma did a good job of making it up to us by blowing our minds with their performance. Haplessly, the band had some technical problems of their own that night; nevertheless, it was then realized that things such as those are just facts of life and it did not stop them from putting on an incredible show. It humanized the band revealing that they are simply some friends that enjoy making great music together and also enjoy spreading their joy to their fans.
Truthfully told, a little apprehension was at hand when Mission of Burma took on the stage. I had never really listened to their music, but heard lots of positive chatter about them and knowing that they were part of the Matador Records family gave me a boost of confidence. MoB validated their right to be a part of Matador with a performance highlighting their good ol’ rock roots with hints of punk-rock throwbacks. The music kept pumping and thumping while the energy of the venue seemed to grow exponentially and practically explode right out the doors. Surely no one expected a band of 40-something year olds hailing from Boston to sustain such a respectable status in the youth-ridden indie world, but they proved to be testament that great rock music will always have a place in our hearts, and more especially, LA. All in all Mission of Burma immediately put my qualms about them to rest from the very start and up until the end. I expect to see bigger and better things for them in the future and they have most definitely found a new fan in me.
