As a part of a new monthly feature, this playlist explores the local scene in Los Angeles. All of these bands are making new music and contributing to their city’s unique sound. Most of them tour often, so if you like what you hear make sure to keep an eye out for when they cruise into town.
Mystic Braves – “Bright Blue Day Haze”
Off the album “Desert Island” comes this psych rock tune that could have easily been a hit back in the 60s. Out on local Los Angeles label Lolipop Records.
Cherry Glazerr – “Haxel Princess”
With the group deriving their name from Los Angeles KCRW DJ Chery Glaser, this trio embodies the DIY aesthetic associated with LA. Guitarist Clementine Creevy and drummer Hannah Uribe are still in high school, so it seems safe to say that we should be seeing much more from this group. “Hazel Princess,” released earlier this year on Burger Records, has recently been succeeded by their new EP “Had Ten Dollaz.”
Meatbodies – “Tremmors”
Meatbodies have released their self-titled debut album on the label In The Records. Having worked closely with the prolific Ty Segall, the group has released an album full of their own garage-rocking songs.
Together Pangea – “Depress”
Formally known as just Pangea, enjoy the track off the 2014 album “Badillac.”
FIDLAR – “Blackout Stout”
The L.A. punk quartet is known for their lively shows, which is no surprise considering the meaning behind their name. The PG version of the acronym is “Forget It Dad, Life’s All Right” and helps explain the raucous edge to their music.
The Garden – “Rights”
The Garden is composed of twins Wyatt and Fletcher Shears. Only in their early 20s, the two have been busy, whether making music for their side projects (PUZZLE for Fletcher and Enjoy for Wyatt) or modeling for Yves Saint Laurent.
Allah Las – “Ferus Gallery”
Off their latest album “Worship the Sun,” the Allah Las make music that seems to turn the sun-bleached feeling of living in the Golden State into sound.
The Growlers – “Derka Blues”
When not on the road playing shows, The Growlers seem to be making new albums. With “Derka Blues” off of 2013’s “Hung at Heart,” the group have since made two other albums, namely 2013’s “Gilded Pleasures” and the recent “Chinese Fountain.”
Tijuana Panthers – “NOBO”
The Long Beach-based group has been a local fixture for years and recently returned with the album “Wayne Interest.”
Gap Dream – “58th Street Fingers”
Originally migrating from Ohio after sending Burger Records owners some tracks, Gap Dream’s Gabe Fulvimar most recently released “Shine Your Light” in 2013.
Jessica Pratt – “Streets of Mine”
Pratt channels a Topanga Canyon folk feel on her self-titled album. Check out the songstress’ beautifully dreamy voice on the upcoming “On Your Own Love Again,” due on Drag City on Jan. 27.
Sweet Valley – “Kingdom of Heaven”
Sweet Valley is the side project of Wavves front man Nathan Williams and his brother Joel Williams. Instead of the down-on-me surf garage Wavves is known for, Sweet Valley’s strength is its electronic, bass-laden beats.
Ariel Pink – “Black Ballerina”
Off the new album “pom pom,” Ariel Pink is back with a solo album of catchy pop songs, at times sounding like an upbeat Depeche Mode.
Colleen Green – “Time in the World”
From the 2013 album “Sock It To Me” on Seattle-based label Hardly Art comes “Time in the World.” Green has been frequently playing shows across Southern California, so hopefully there will be another album sometime soon.
Cosmonauts – “Motorcycle One”
Cosmonauts supply plenty of droning psych rock on their album “If You Wanna Die Then I Wanna Die.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kate Siem at Ksiemm@gmail.com
