The world is what you make it. Cinespace is the same way. If you want to have a good time, it’s all right there for you. We rolled up slingin some cream in front to all the romantics waiting to get inside. I parked the truck down Hollywood Blvd. a bit then ran back to see Chris with a Choco Taco above his head pleading with the crowd to consume it. See, it’s not always easy giving away free Ice Cream.
When Mark and I drove up to Sasquatch Festival in Washington a few months ago he was telling me that this band, United States of Electronica (U.S.E.) was playing and that they were great. Due to a broken down ice cream truck, I missed the set and only got to enjoy some pictures. When I heard they were playing the “official” Bloc Party after party, I got all giddy. Sweet, even if the Palladium sucks, I can redeem the night rocking out front and center to U.S.E.
The crew went in first and after returning some cream to the truck I ran upstairs to secure my spot. Jeremiah and Vanessa were chillin in the DJ area and I snagged them to join me. I knew, A) this was going to be a good show, and B) the pictures would be amazing. Due to such a large band on a small stage, it took a while to resolve some sound issues. After some tweaking and a group huddle, they stormed the stage and instantly jumped into their vocorder heavy rock/dance set. I think there are only a couple things going on in the U.S.E. world, Partying and Music. Well, that’s what most of their songs are about, or maybe Dancing and Partying. Which is fine if that’s what you’re bringing.
You can’t convince people to dance, that’s one thing I’ve learned. But you can DANCE. As the sexy gals up front instantly started shakin’ it so did I. Amanda Okonek would lean off the small stage and get right up in peoples faces while singing, blasting lines like “Open your eyes, everybody”. Songs like “Emerald City” pay homage to their home town of Seattle while “IT IS ON!” did everything it could to light up the floor.
The Rakes hit the stage very soon after U.S.E. got off. Using the same backline they kept the crowd moving with their UK dance pop. I often wonder how influenced bands are by each other? Or is it that they’re just listened to the same bands growing up. The Rakes know how to get their groove on. And a small club like Cinespace has the be the best kind of place to catch them. At least as many people were dancing as before and thats a good sign. Best just watch their video for Retreat and see for yourself.
I’m still hoping that dancing can somehow cure this month long cold. Not sure but I felt great driving home.
