Radio Free Silver Lake

Interview: Avi Buffalo

By Kathryn Pinto
Photos by Benjamin Hoste www.benjaminhoste.com

The Long Beach-based Avi Buffalo released their much anticipated debut album on Sub Pop Tuesday. They play an all ages record release show at the Troubadour Saturday May 1st before they leave to tour Europe for the first time. Later they play summer dates with Modest Mouse and Blitzen Trapper. The group has been touring extensively this spring including dates at SXSW, but we were lucky enough to catch up with them between shows on the early leg of their US tour in March. I talked to Avi by phone from New Jersey.

Kathryn Pinto:  Where are you guys now?

Avi Buffalo: Right now I’m in Weehauken, NJ. We are staying at our friend’s house. We’re at his office right now. We just finished eating some lunch and practicing a little bit.

KP: So this is your guys’ first national tour, right?

Avi: Yeah, it is. We went up to the Northwest for the first time last summer. Last month we went to New York for the first time for about a week. On the East Coast we did about four dates. [This is] the first time doing the real deal, like two months, a bunch of shows thing so it’ll be an exciting thing for us.  Just gonna keep our heads on, keep playing every night so should be fun, should get tighter, [we’ll] have a good time.

Interview: The Ruby Suns

by Brad Roberts

 

The very day after my interview with Alan Sparhawk of Retribution Gospel Choir, here I got to do my second Sub Pop interview. Nothing like jumping right into the fire, I say.

 

On Wednesday, April 14, 2010, I got to The Echo at the appointed time of 7:30, to meet Ryan McPhun of The Ruby Suns (at right). Like Spaceland the night before, I got to go in and see the place with all the lights on. It's a little like accidentally walking in on someone in their underwear. All the blemishes show and it's a bit disconcerting, as I'm so used to feeling my way around these venues in the dark.
 

The sound guys were checking out all of Ryan McPhun's sound making machines, and let me tell you, this was like a series of lovely sonic assaults, each one recognizable for it's place in the compositions on Fight Softly, The Ruby Suns newest CD on Sub Pop. I've been listening to that album a lot, and it's insistent and addictive little numbers have a way of burrowing into your brain like some big, fluffy cosmic wash of futuristic, electronic dance music...or is it trance music?

Show Review: Delorean, Bachelorette at the Echoplex (4/17/10)

By Seamus Simpson

Crazy, sweaty, dance party.

Those are the words I would use to describe my experience seeing Delorean at the Echoplex, but we are getting ahead of ourselves aren’t we. I fell in love with Delorean many moons ago when I was going through my heavy “I will listen to anything you music blog” phase. They are one of the few bands that have outlasted that phase and become something I would continue to listen too. The problem is they are from Spain and don’t get out of the country much. Put these things together and there was no way I was missing their show.

So that is how I found myself at the Echoplex on a Saturday night whilst the rest of my friends, pals, people I don’t even know, and their pets were in Indio getting scorched.

Video Free Silver Lake: Everest, Darker My Love, Castle Asshole, Avi Buffalo, and More

By Jed

1) Everest is one of RFSL's favorite local bands. You heard it from me first, but according to RFSL monstermind Joe Fielder, their new song "Let Go" is going to be "a big hit." He's been right more than once, so listen carefully and watch the video:

Album Review: Avi Buffalo - "Avi Buffalo"

by Brad Roberts

 

How do I write about this? Where does this story begin? It was September 11, 2008 and I was at Unknown Theatre in Hollywood to see The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra (now: Walking Sleep), who I was stalking at the time, and one of the opening bands was Avi Buffalo. There was already a growing buzz around this Long Beach band and I was anxious to see for myself. When this fairly unassuming and very young quartet took the stage and proceeded to completely wipe out an audience of about thirty on the dramatic stage set of whatever play was onstage at this venue during regular hours. Afterwards, I briefly caught Avi's eye as he walked out and said "hello, that was great".

 

The next time I heard they were playing L.A. was at the Echo Curio on October 30 that year, and as I approached the gallery up Sunset Boulevard, I spotted Avi (actually: Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg) sitting on one of the chairs outside and, to my surprise, he immediately jumped up and remembered me from that first show. I was kind of overwhelmed and that's how it's been with this whole band ever since. Actually on this night he performed as a solo act and it's still one of the most memorable shows of Avi Buffalo I've seen (out of 16 shows). I got to hear the songs in their original conceptual form that night and I treasure that memory. What I'm trying to say is that, in this case, I may not be a very objective critic.

 

Today (April 27) heralds the arrival of the Avi Buffalo album, Avi Buffalo, on Sub Pop and it's the culmination of everything I could have hoped for this group. The songs range from the familiar, which I've heard many times live, and here receive the definitive recorded treatment, to some brand new compositions that just expand their already impressive range.

Giveaways: Big Whup to deliver the goods at The Smell this Saturday, May 1

By Joel Robinson

Hello, Radio Free Silver Lake. Tuesday is here and this one comes with fabulous goods in the offing. Why "goods" in the description? Because this one not only brings entry to a terrific show but the word on how to score a couple sweet items as well.

RFSL friends Big Whup celebrate the release of their 7" with a show at The Smell this Saturday, May 1.  (See facebook event descriptor here.) Joining Big Whup for this party night are Pizza!, 60 Watt Kid, and So Many Wizards. This is a night with makings for fun from go on through.

And now for the goods. Thanks to Big Whup, RFSL is able to offer free entry to one lucky reader and a guest. Additionally, this very lucky winner will also receive a signed test-pressing of the Big Whup 7″ which the night is celebrating. Super sweet stuff!

But wait, that is not all.  For those that may not be fortunate enough to win free entry, the game ain't over just yet! Big Whup is prepared to deliver a couple more items to RFSL readers that attend the show on their own dime. For a chance at a cool item swing on by the Big Whup merch table and mention that you're attending the show after having seen it mentioned here. Giveaways will be first-come, first-win, so do not dally!

Okay, on to the RFSL giveaway. Entry is same as always, simply drop an e-mail to "RFSLjoel(at)gmail(dot)com.” Include "Big Whup Saturday" in the subject line and your full name (and any other comments you may have) in the e-mail text. Be certain we receive it by Noon, Friday, April 30 and you're in the mix!

And remember, even if you aren't our lucky winner, there is still a chance at goods to be had with a little get-up-and-go! Have fun, all! -jdr

The L.A. Show Low Down (Or: "I Can't Tell What You're Feeling, All The Time...Good Is Better Still...")

by Brad Roberts

As far as I'm concerned, this is Avi Buffalo week. (that's them on the right) Their first Sub Pop release drops Tuesday, followed by a release show at The Troubadour on Saturday night. Ever since I first saw this band on September 11, 2008 at Unknown Theatre, I've been a raving fan of these enormously talented people and followed then around like a dog. I didn't miss one of their residency nights at The Echo last year and have probably not missed one of their L.A. shows ever. That's devotion! Now, they're about to open for, alternately, both Modest Mouse and Blitzen Trapper over the course of the summer, after a bunch of European dates during May. So before they go off into the stratosphere, we can enjoy them at The Troubadour, which is probably as small a venue as you'll ever see them in again. And with the release of their amazing album, (reviewed here on Tuesday) they will now belong to the ages.

A couple of big shows I'm looking forward to are Dr. Dog on Tuesday at The Fonda, touring in support of a new album, Shame, Shame, and Rogue Wave, who, as fate would have it, played a few dates earlier this year with Avi Buffalo as an opening act. Thursday they're at El Rey to play selections from their new CD, Permalight.

Also, just a few words about last Sunday's Lost Episode of "Let's Independent!". It was a reminder of just how important those original shows were for me and, once again, I found out about three great bands I might not have known about otherwise. That happened time and time again as I attended most of Joe Fielder's shows and I could easily list thirty bands here, but instead I'll remember one night when I first heard Fol Chen, Princeton and Amnion. It was March 18, 2008 and I'll never forget that night as long as I live. All three bands freaked me out and they're still three of my favorite bands. The amazing talent, variety and musical integrity they brought to that stage in Boardner's courtyard is burned in the memory of anyone who was there. It was so at El Cid on the 18th where a hoard of old familiars, Joe included, and fresh faces gathered to celebrate a Los Angeles indie music institution. The bands that so impressed me were Big Whup, WALK and especially The Californian, who's brand of well sung indie-pop was a joy to behold. The Californian, photo above by Laurie Scavo, are playing on Tuesday at Spaceland.

See more inside...

Show Review: George Glass at Three Clubs (3/31/10) and Spaceland (3/20/10)

By Joel Robinson

You are lying to me. George Glass is a new team playing together for just a few months now? Seriously, you must be joking. I saw their recent Spaceland set and was drawn in immediately. Fabulous vocals and guitar, real, true bass work, and terrific drumming all tied together so well. Just over three months? No way. On this night a curious crowd was mixing, mingling and then, just like that, they were George Glass fans focused on the outstanding gifts being delivered song by song. Oh, and the songs…Nick’s tunes sung by him with such connection. Each rounded out by his guitar work combined with the forward bass sounds by Pete, and the super sticks work by Nathan. All of it delivered to us with such generosity. A fabulous night. Driving days later and enjoying the replay of their songs in my head. So, again I ain’t buying it. No way George Glass is this short term a team.

Eleven days later, I attend George Glass at Three Clubs to verify the Spaceland experience. Verify, indeed. Stunning, most excellent set. Opened by Nick introducing the ambiance alone on stage through his voice and guitar. Propelled as Pete and Nathan join him to complete the presence. Erupting on into the night as they deliver the goods to us once again song after song. Amazing.

George Glass is a group of just a few months together. Based on these shows it is thrilling to imagine just how good it is gonna be to have them around for a while!

---

George Glass plays May 7th at Pehrspace for the Feed Your Head Two Year Anniversary show with Seasons, Radars to the Sky and Downtown Union.

Photo File: Let's Independent! w/ WALK, Big Whup, & The Californian

by Laurie Scavo (photos) and Joe Fielder (text)

Last Sunday night, Radio Free Silver Lake's new music showcase made a return appearance to help spotlight three great upcoming acts -- experimental popsters Big Whup, modern surf rock group The Californian, and the oscillating mild-to-wild WALK -- at El Cid.

Our photographer friend Laurie Scavo was on-hand and captured the evening in film, in case you missed it. Here's a few shots (and mp3s from all three bands),

The Californian:

Big Whup:

WALK:

Thanks to everyone who made it out! It was a damn fun night.

Click here for more photos from the event.

DOWNLOADS:

- Big Whup - "Boniz Heart" MP3

- WALK - "Last Stand" MP3

- The Californian - "Na Na Na" MP3

Interview and Show Review: Retribution Gospel Choir at Spaceland (4/13/2010)

by Brad Roberts

 

I was approached by Sub Pop to cover the Retribution Gospel Choir at Spaceland on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 for Radio Free Silver Lake and jumped at the opportunity to have a quick interview with band leader, Alan Sparhawk, before the show. (Alan is in center of photo at right) 

 

I've introduced myself to him a few times before, once at a Low concert, and at the first tour of Retribution... two years ago, at The Troubadour. But to have the chance to chat with him was too good to pass up. Even though I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to interviewing, I figured I could try to incorporate some of our discussion into the review of the set and try to avoid the standard, "Why do you make music?...what's your favorite color?"-kind of questions.

 

Arriving at Spaceland at the appointed time, I walked in as Alan was leading Retribution Gospel Choir through a meticulous sound check. Spaceland, where, proportionately, I seem to be spending a fifth of my life these days, looks different in the daylight. Not really daylight, but with all the lights on, it's a little disorienting, so I was glad to see my friends, The Stevenson Ranch Davidians at the back of the room in the merch area awaiting their own sound check, giving me someone to hang out with until the interview.