WITTR at The Echoplex, KIT and Keychain at The Smell

  Wolves in the Throne Room at The Echoplex (January 26, 2012)

It’s about time I checked out some bands that I haven’t seen a million times before. On Thursday, I finally got to see Wolves in the Throne Room. The Washingtonians famously play ecologically inspired black metal on vintage gear by candlelight. Oh yeah, they also play a contemplative and mind-blowing blend of drone and thrash. Super dark, extremely heavy, and much more riff-oriented live than on vinyl. Who knew sage and smoke machines could go together so well? Sadly, after waiting in line outside for so long I only caught the last song by Chelsea Wolfe and totally missed Hive Mind with Harrassor.

  Wolves in the Throne Room at The Echoplex (January 26, 2012)

On Saturday night at The Echo, I went to see my friend/comedian/musician/Zum master George Chen play The Smell with KIT. We arrived just in time to see some of Peter Pants, one of the bands invited by comedian/actress/musician Charlyne Yi to play with her latest group Keychain. (Sorry, Colleagues.) The Pants played a super-fun brand of garage punk with fuzzy licks. Fun happened to be the common denominator at this particular evening’s grouping.

  Peter Pants at The Smell (January 28, 2012)

Next up was George’s band, KIT. The group’s last album was totally spastic yet tight, arty yet rocking, hyper yet sweet. Yes, they pull it off live. And after 10 years, they are an art-rock machine. One that only plays all-ages shows.

  KIT at The Smell (January 28, 2012)

But while each member is a total monster at what he or she does, it’s obvious that they’re always having fun. Look up their amazing “Rain” video on YouTube. Somehow, they replicate that precision and sense of humor onstage–or on the floor even. It probably didn’t hurt that a lot of the friends and extras from that clip were actually there. KIT doesn’t play often, so see them when you can.

  KIT at The Smell (January 28, 2012)

Charlyne’s new band isn’t no joke. With one of the guys from Moses Campbell and the drummer from So Many Wizards, there’s a ton of chops involved in Keychain. The songs are short, sweet, and extraordinarily catchy with equally impressively awkward banter in between. Whoop! Over, out, and on the streets before midnight.

  Keychain at The Smell (January 28, 2012)

Go out and see a show. Maybe we'll run into each other and you can buy me a Coke!

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