Japandroids with Avi Buffalo at The Independent

By Eve Marcellus
Photos by Patrick Kelly


Avi Buffalo, the Long Beach, California-based guitar pop band has been garnering a great deal of attention in the weeks leading to the release of their self-titled debut album. Despite the hoopla, they took the stage at the Independent to a fairly thin crowd. The band's youth is incredibly evident in both their appearance and stage presence. While it is a huge asset, creating the fresh arrangements and some of the cutest, quirkiest lyrics heard in ages, the first few songs of the set were noticeably stiff. "Summer Cum" was appropriately high energy and dreamy, but it wasn't until the almost eight minute long "Remember Last Time," that the boys let loose and showed their range and precocious skills. The songs transferred beautifully to the stage, and will no doubt get better and better as they continue to tour.


Japandroids rocked out. The set was loud, slick, and in-your-face. It was a little unbelievable to watch two handsome young men scream into microphones for an hour, while they banged seemingly impossible, but amazing noises out of a drum kit or made the grungiest electric guitar sound fantastic while flying around the stage (nonetheless, while in skinny white jeans). It was striking to watch, and even more incredible to listen to. Their devil-may-care anthems of youth, like "Wet Hair" and "The Boys are Leaving Town" are reminiscent of the dirty garage punk rock that teenage boys all over the world hope to master as an outlet for their angst. The Japandroids make it as much about youthful disillusionment as skillful musicianship, and it truly makes for a kick-ass show.


Avi Buffalo continues their tour with Modest Mouse this summer. That lineup will perhaps make more sense, at least to those who like their whole show to represent one feel. There was something else entirely connecting Avi Buffalo and Japandroids, and boy was it a smart combination. Both are the themes of youth: naivete and self-absorption, sex, the future, and identity. It is rare that bands are booked together based on something so esoteric, but it really should be happening all the time.

Local Love: Birdmonster at Bottom of the Hill 1/22/10

Now, for what seems like the last month or so (but likely just over a week), the entire San Francisco Bay Area has been one big, soggy, sad, cloudy mess. Perhaps that's why those who braved the elements to check out Birdmonster's show on Friday at The Bottom of The Hill were rewarded with more than the usual amount of revelry and companionship. Live music, much like family dinners and sporting events, is one of the world's great community-building events. The intimacy of the venue, coupled with Birdmonster's bright and energetic performance reaffirmed why the group is not only an SFCritic favorite, but has a loyal local fan base.

Their music is a polished, but genuine take on indie rock Americana. Strong songwriting paired with everything from a full-strength rock band, to the most minimalist use of mandolin, makes Birdmonster the kind of band you reach out to on a rainy day. It probably doesn't hurt that all four are extraordinarily easy on the eyes.


Playing a mixed set from their newest release Blood Memory as well as previous albums, the boys took to the stage Friday night without holding back. The palpable energy both with each other and the audience, brought a strength and authenticity to their material that is impossible to record. They look like they are genuinely enjoying each other and playing music for you. "Yuma", sounded downright excellent live, a track that was, shall we say is not my favorite on Blood Memory. Another favorite of the evening was "I Might Have Guessed", which was made even more honest, emotional and stand-out-awesome by vocalist Pete Arcuni's alt-country crooning in-person. Between bassist Justin Tenuto jumping across the stage and the audience bouncing in return, the fun taking place was palpable.

No matter who you are, there is a 96.5% probability that at The Bottom of The Hill you will run into your best buddy/co-worker/someone that went to your high school. While this could be a drawback depending on your point of view, it does make Bottom of the Hill a cozy, convivial place to drink, be merry, and celebrate good music with new and old friends. It also made it the perfect setting for Birdmonster's intimate, silly, yet impressive performance.

If you missed it (or didn't get enough the first time) Birdmonster will be returning to Bottom of the Hill February 19, 2010 for an exciting lineup featuring Girl Band. And you should be there. Doors at 8pm, 21+, $10.

Perezfest 2k9 or Ladyhawk at the Fillmore (9/30/2009)

By Eve Marcellus

All Photos By Patrick Kelly

It is with most sincere apologies that I state that this is yet again another Perez Hilton-related post. As part of the "Perez Hilton Presents Tour," last Wednesday the enigmatic and adorable Kiwi singer known as Ladyhawke (aka Pip Brown) took to the venerable Fillmore stage. For full disclosure, this was my first time at the Fillmore, which is an awesome venue. It is a little striking that the lineup of shows for the next several months is eclectic enough to include everything from Foreigner to Matisyahu to Dinosaur Jr. to five nights (yes, five) of the Black Crowes.With the exception of Brown and her London-based band's extremely satisfying performance, it was a strange and awkward evening.