Tankfarm Future Sounds show, aimed at promoting up-and-coming bands, rolled through LA with a stop at the Henry Fonda Theater featuring The Shout Out Louds, Nico Vega, and Johnossi.
Johnossi took the stage first. They were reminiscent of a Swedish male version of the White Stripes, just drums and guitar playing 60s era garage rock. However, Johnossi is not aided by an electric guitar, but rather singer-guitarist, John Engelbert plays an acoustic guitar hopped up on pedal effects and amps. Johnossi, a combination of the two members names, were an entertaining opener and put out a lot of sound for just two guys.
Nico Vega, playing their hometown, followed Johnossi. Nico Vega is actually a band name, and not the name of the female front woman (whose name is actually Aja Volkman). Nico Vega seem to partly be driven by Ajas good looks and minimal/clinging apparel, which on this evening included the ultimate hipster clothing item, gold American Apparel tights. The band also seems to have talent as well, coming from the guitarist and bassist. Aja just sings and springs around the stage dramatically reminiscent of a female version of Anthony Kiedis. Nico Vega play rock and can be best compared to Pretty Girls Make Graves and The Gossip, two bands also fronted by strong females. Nico Vega seemed like a slightly odd pairing with The Shout Out Louds, but the crowd was into them.
The Shout Out Louds closed the night. It has been a couple years since I last saw them and they seem to be hitting their stride even more now. Lead singer, Adam Olenius, vocally channels Robert Smith of the Cure, but The Shout Out Louds music doesnt really resemble The Cure and is more akin to fellow Swedes, Peter, Bjorn and John.
Knowing what the crowd wanted to hear, The Shout Out Louds played The Comeback off of their debut album, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff, as the second song into the set, which was a brilliant move and instantly had the audience singing along. Much of the set consisted of songs of their newest album, Our Ill Wills, whose title aptly describes the albums darker and somber characteristics. I myself am still partial to Howl Howl Gaff Gaff and found the songs off that album the best of the set, but maybe I just need more time for Our Ill Wills to grow on me.
