I refuse to miss White Hills when they come to town. Even if they’re playing on the same night as Trivia Night, even if I have to turn down a dinner invitation or a friend’s party. White Hills is my priority. They played a daytime show a few days ago while I was working, so there was no way in hell I was not going to see them at Spaceland last night.
Mount Carmel were up first, and they were taking the stage as I entered the club. I’m finally learning — after three-and-a-half years in LA — the right time to arrive at a show. I used to be the idiot guy who got there right when doors were opening. Then for a while I was the guy who got there thirty minutes late and was still early. Now I know when I’m supposed to be there, and I don’t look like (as much of a) loser in front of local know-it-all hipsters. Of course, there were only about 30 people in the club when I arrived. Oh well. I spied this guy Peter who I know from work and he mentioned that he booked Mount Carmel. He mentioned that they’re on Siltbreeze. I asked if they sound like Dead C, and he laughed and said “No. When you hear them, you’ll wonder why they’re on Siltbreeze.” They sounded like Cream. The singer/guitarist opened their set by saying something to the extent of, “We’re Mount Carmel, we’re gonna play the blues for you for the next thirty minutes.” It was pretty good. I told Peter later that they reminded me of Pearls & Brass but without as much “stoner” vibe. He completely agreed. Then I felt smart and decided I should reward myself by getting absolutely plastered. And boy did I get drunk.
White Hills played second. There is no need to describe how fantastic the band was. In 4 years they have yet to play a dull show. Right before they took the stage I was trying to describe them to a guy who was standing near me who mentioned he liked “space rock,” and during the set I glanced over towards him and he was getting into it. Good for that guy. They opened with “Radiate” and played (I think) “Dead” and then “Under Skin Or By Name.” I bought another drink and after that things get really hazy. It was phenomenal. Everything was awash in wah guitar and smoke. Oh, also, I think I’ve seen these guys five or six times now, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen them with the same drummer twice. This guy was really good and I made sure to tell him after the show.
Drunk, slurring, and likely incoherent, I decided to have a conversation with Dave W. about his band, their records, his pants, and my life. Seriously, the different topics of conversation are a blur now, but it is more than possible he will be too freaked out to ever talk to me again at a White Hills show. I picked up a copy of their new tour-only CDr and their new record on Thrill Jockey, made some weird comment about how I wanted to get in touch with him soon, and stumbled my way out of the club. Farflung had just finished their set. Tommy, the guy who plays the synths in that band, also happens to be the guy who plays the synths in Chrome. He’s a talented motherfucker. I didn’t stick around long enough to tell him that. I definitely thought it, though. I might have mentioned it to Dave. Probably right before I mentioned how much I loved his pants. Yes folks, I was indeed that intoxicated. I wonder if Ego Sensation was jealous that I could’ve cared less about her outfit. The point is, I made a complete ass of myself and I’m not afraid to write about it.
Then I passed out. I woke up this morning and my ears were still ringing. Good show!
I was bummed that fellow White Hills fan and fellow dude named Evan, WFMU DJ Evan “Funk” Davies was unable to attend the show last night. He’s having a birthday party thing tonight near me so there might be an opportunity to geek out there. I also had the most amazing lunch ever this afternoon, so I’ll have to write about that tomorrow. Until then, more pictures!
