It was a boys night in at The Echo this past Friday. Two of Los Angeles most promising and male oriented projects collaborated leaving a trail of applause, shuffling feet, and noise shakers. The Los Angeles and San Diego based band: The Little Ones, proved that the smaller you arethe harder you rock. Lead singer Edward Nolan Reyes used his melodically enchanting vocals to appease the crowd into a seven song barrage of indie pop rock banter. Feeding off of an energy that intensified with each beat of witty instrumentation, Reyes and his congregation of Little Ones succeeded in getting everyone to move their little feet in a satisfied union. Opening with the consistently clever track, Lovers Who Uncover, the Little Ones immediately won over the support of the crowd. Permeated with an infectious blend of excitement from bassist Brian Reyes, Lovers created an atmosphere of adorable noise that ultimately became an unconscious exclamation point throughout the entire set. The slick guitar work from Ian Moreno and ease of Greg Meyers drum pattern on the track, Cha Cha Cha shifted the bands intensity into an atmosphere of lighthearted grooves. The bands fourth offering, High on a Hill, evoked memories of early 90s rock with Reyes vocals evoking a sweet simplicity. The bands closing track was an assortment of erratic drum progressions, inspired guitar rhythms and Reyes soothing articulations. With such a highly energized set, these Little Ones definitely did not disappoint and ironically enough, left big shoes for the headliner to fill.
Irving took the stage behind a piercing drum beat and a knockout 4 part harmony on the opening track, Situation. Fueled by a sense of urgency and charisma from its three lead singers, Irving mesmerized the crowd as it easily interchanged between new and classic material. Song four, Jen, Nothing Matters to Me, is the epitome of indie pop rock delicacy as singer Brian Canning croons with a undertone of sophisticated gloss. Song five, I Cant Fall In Love, showcased bassist Alex Churchs boyhood charm, while LOVE provided a platform for guitarist/singer Steven Scott to go crazy and steal the spotlight from his fellow band mates. All five members of Irving perpetually delivered beautiful harmonies that geniusly intertwined with a sense of zealous rock. Such a combination was difficult to ignore and ultimately left you smitten and falling in L-O-V-E.
With The Little Ones and Irving moonlighting on the same stageFriday night has never sounded or looked so good.
