Tag Archives: Rock Trio

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: Tijuana Panthers, “Front Window Down”

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Making an appearance here on The Gig’s Video Clip of the Week for an unprecedented THIRD TIME (Woo!), Long Beach rock trio Tijuana Panthers serendipitously capture both the elation of the beginning of summertime, and the sweet melancholy of summer’s end, in their latest video for the sublime tune, “Front Window Down. I love this band.

Visually, this is a fun, no-frills clip of the band “performing” in a small living room, with super-imposed images of bassist/lead singer Daniel Michicoff rocking out on the vocals, sometimes with a cigarette nonchalantly dangling from the corner of his mouth. A wash of jangly, surf rock guitars buttressed by a viscerally sludgy bassline, this exuberant burst of aural energy takes me back to the surf-garage rock revival of late ’70s / early ’80s California, and it’s all good. “Front Window Down” comes from the band’s upcoming fourth album, Poster, which, perhaps appropriately, will arrive on August 28th (via Innovative Leisure), just in time to reflect on this summer, and summers past. Enjoy!

Tijuana Panthers Press Photo 2015

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: Youth Worship, “Pink Snow”

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All things considered, I am easy to please. Musically, it does not take a lot of bells and whistles to blow my mind. Sometimes all a band needs to do to impress me with its video is to rock hard and throw in some flashing, colored lights, and I’m good. So, I like this band, Youth Worship, and its video for the song “Pink Snow” — which, I admit, the title is what initially piqued my interest. Youth Worship, it is said, was born out of guitarist James Hanna’s desire to play a bunch of power chords through a Marshall stack. Mission accomplished.

To provide a little back story, James started a band called Asobi Seksu back in 2001. He was able to convince Asobi drummer Larry Gorman (Glassjaw, Orange 9mm) to join him in forming Youth Worship, and with the addition of second guitarist Will Donnelly, the NYC-based power trio played their first show in the winter of 2014.

To make an easy comparison, “Pink Snow” reminds me favorably of Deep Purple’s classic ’70s track “Space Truckin,” a song from my youth. I am not sure if it has anything to do with actual pink snow, or if that is some kind of euphemism for drugs, but when a song kicks this much ass, who gives a shit? “Pink Snow” can be found on the group’s recently released, self-titled debut EP (out now on Self Harm Records), but the band just finished recording their first LP (produced and engineered by James) — which features special guest appearances by members of the Japanese noise-rock band Boris, so you know it is going to be pretty crazy. Enjoy!

Youth Worship Band

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: The One and Only PPL MVR, “People Mover”

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If there is one thing I really love, it’s a song that reminds me of Tim Curry’s cover of “Brontosaurus”, originally by The Move. Therefore, it is impossible for me to not to dig this crazy clip, “People Mover” by a trio of rock dudes dressed like Big Foot, or something, whatever . And there is no denying that The People Mover, an awesome ride at Disneyland, figures heavily into the song’s lyrics: “Stand to the right / walk to the left / when you get off / better watch your step.” So, win-win!

“People Mover” delivers four-on-the-floor kick-assedness that rocks hard enough to crack a skull, and it holds up well even without the trippy video. I could live without the auto-tuned vocals, but I accept that use of this horrorshow of modern recording techniques is what attracts the youngsters. So, maybe it was a major label compromise, you know: “If you must dress like the Yeti, we insist you auto-tune your vocals, for the Kids.” (Me: Fuck the Kids.)

Sign up for PPL MVR‘s mailing list (painless) at This Link and get a free download of the song! See them live at the Echoplex in Los Angeles tomorrow — November 10th, 2104! Enjoy!

PPL MVR

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: “Tame Impala” By Sunflower Bean

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There might not be a more ingeniously clever way for a new band to get their song noticed than to name that song after one of the arguably best/most popular bands on the planet right now. Of course, I’m talking about Tame Impala (AKA Tim & Paula). Being all awash in fuzz guitars and psychedelic feedback, the Sunflower Bean tune “Tame Impala” serves as an emphatic homage to Kevin Parker’s Australian hypno-groove project, whether or not it actually has anything to do with that band. Like I’m saying, what a great marketing ploy!

This video might be best experienced if you still have an acid hangover from last night, but even if you’re stone cold sober you are going to appreciate whoever had the idea to drip what looks like a hot vanilla pudding over a shelf full of sports trophies, after raiding the inventory of prism tape wallpaper from the local art supply store. Strobe lights, mid-1970s Black Light Posters and a Plasma Sphere all purchased from Spencer’s Gifts at the local Mall complete the scene. I could watch this video all day!

Lead vocals on “Tame Impala” are shared alternately by guitarist Nick Kivlen who maintains the mellow, head-trippy vibe and bassist Julia Cumming, who adds her own punk (read: eardrum excoriating) edge. We also appreciate how the song takes off on a Black Sabbath-inspired Stoner Rock sojourn around the 2:26 mark. Heavy. And please note that drummer Jacob Faber bears a striking resemblance to a young Neil Peart! Ah, there is just so much to like about this young (teenage, even), Brooklyn based rock trio!

No word on a new /upcoming album just yet, but you can be their fan on FaceBook at This Link! Enjoy!

Sunflower Bean Band
Sunflower Bean — The Band

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Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: Tijuana Panthers, “Cherry Street”

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New Order’s “Age of Consent” meets The Undertones in this undeniably bitchen track from Southern California-based Rock trio, Tijuana Panthers. The video seems to focus on a triple homicide investigation, 1950s-era Men’s Office Fashion and the simple joys of Donuts and Coffee, all delivered via an irresistible Rave Up. I can dig it.

“Cherry Street” is the band’s first single from their latest album, Wayne Interest, which was released on June 3rd on the Innovative Leisure imprint. Visit their FaceBook page at This Link. Enjoy!

Tijuana Panthers Band