Filter’s Culture Collide Fest…and boy do they ever. So partying during the week isn’t quite this teachers’ forte but I did manage to make it out Thursday evening to the Echo and Echoplex to catch a few bands, have a “soda” or two and check out the official kickoff evening of the Fest. I was quite surprised by a few bands and left wondering by a few others.
Let me start by saying that the Black Lips KILLED! Raw, loud, raucous, and just good punk rock. Casiokids put on quite the show but not speaking Norwegian left me at a slight disadvantage. Kordan was also good and it was nice to see some Brooklyn talent gracing the stage for the night. But if I’m being completely honest KAMP! and City Riots just weren’t quite my cup o’ tea. Techno and standard fare Indie Rock, eh, maybe they’re better headphone music?
Sunday was the big to-do for the whole festival with a block party just north of Taix (which was one of the sponsors/venues earlier in the week). The day started slow but was quickly brought up to speed when Monotonix hit the stage/crowd. The last time I saw them was at Spaceland last year and needless to say they bring a ridiculous show and TONS of energy. From garbage dumping to butt baring to tree climbing and everything in between, if you have never seen them you might want to put a Monotonix show on your bucket list if you know what’s good for you. Josiah Wolf was up next for me and it was perfect timing. Playing just as the sun was setting and gracing the crowd with perfect harmonies and his unique lyrics was just what I, and hopefully others, was looking for. Cass McCombs played to a decent size crowd and while not quite as good as I remember from Pitchfork this year I still walked away with a smile on my face. To finish up the night it was on to Tokyo Police Club. Wow!!! Rad lighting, tons of energy, a very enthusiastic crowd, and damn good music. I had never heard them before but am definitely listening to them now.
Oh, and I almost forgot about the food trucks. I almost got through this whole review without a single mention. Well it seems like they’re all the rage now in LA and they were out in full force. I sampled the Ice Cream from Lake Street Creamery, the curry from some truck that wasn’t very good (so I immediately forgot the name), and the Burgers from Grill Em’ All. I left the event feeling fat and satisfied; good music, great weather, and killer burgers and cream will make any Sunday a success in my book. Thank you to Filter, the Echo, Spaceland, Taix, 826LA, KCRW, Dickies, Converse etc… for a super successful event! I can’t wait to see what bands make the trip stateside next year.
