popwreckoning

In the depths of Hollywood lies a door, and through this door lies a venue that totally befits its name: the Unknown Theater.

By Sophia Schorr-kon

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, this unmarked door is placed in the discreet residential shadows just off of La Brea and is only distinguishable by a throng of smokers loitering outside of it. The Unknown’s underground façade is charming and eloquent; it’s a place where what is considered classy rests slightly off the beaten path of mainstream culture. The theater, which features a quaint lobby next to the bar, chandeliers composed of christmas lights and seating for a little over forty in front of the stage, was packed with indie enthusiasts, who obviously must have had some sort of insider knowledge of the local scene to have shown up at the right time at such a low-key venue (I was informed by friends of mine who religiously attempt to catch multiple Rumspringa shows while they are in town of this particular event).

The openers, White Arrows, are another member of the local scene, and are stylistically similar to their headliners in their rhythmic qualities and their mature, vintage influenced rock. To be blunt, they were brilliant, and I am personally looking forward to catching them more often on the LA circuit. But as much as I enjoyed White Arrows, Rumspringa absolutely blew my mind tenfold.

The first Rumspringa performance that I was blessed to be held privy to was last April. They were opening for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. To see their transition from opening to headlining is awesome and just validates their establishment as a well-respected band amongst these parts. Almost everyone was on their feet and dancing throughout the entire set, sashaying dreamily to the glorious rhythm and blues that emanated from the infamous duo. The majority of their set was comprised of tracks off of their upcoming album Sway, so named after the title track (and obviously their ability to make their audience do just that), and is set for release towards the beginning of the summer.

Despite some minor mic difficulties, the band was on beat and swinging the entire show, even going as far as to comment on how “lovely” and “splendid” their faithful, enthusiastic patrons were. Their lead singer is probably one of my favorite voices in the biz right now. His voice carries so much soul in every note; it gives the listener a nostalgic aftertaste in their mouth: a reminder of a time when the greatest names in R&B/Soul were still touring, alive, and kicking. The drummer was just as soulful: merely a frenzy of fingers, wrists, locks of hair and intricate drum fills as he sat silently behind his kit.

The duo ended the night with fan favorite, “Shake ’em Loose Tonight,” and it is very difficult to explain to you, just how epic that is live. It is definitely recommended that you find 10 or 15 dollars and partake the dance-worthy madness for yourself.

Hot Chelle Rae is hot new band going out on one of the hottest tours…the Owl City tour.

We’re giving away two copies of their CD Lovesick Electric. To enter is simple. Finish this phrase, “I like to dance because _______” and you’re entered to win.

You have until 12:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 to enter. We’ll pick our winners then.

Be sure to check these guys out on tour and check out why these guys like to dance in the video for “I Like to Dance” here.

2010 is going to be a GREAT year for music. Starting off the year is Ok Go’s album Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky on January 12. Many avid OK Go fans have been waiting for the next installment of the quirky quartets creative genius and since the release of their first single in November, entitled “WTF?”, the band has old and new fans alike, more than excited.

With their third studio album, they certainly pulled no punches when it came to all of the elements of this album. As a whole, it is cohesive, well planned and incredibly executed. The lyrics are soulful and anthematic and incredibly honest. From dance undertones to a slight funk sound, they remind me slightly of Hot Hot Heat mixed with some Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, as well as with a tiny bit of We Are Scientists and This Providence thrown in for good measure.

Their single “WTF” is spectacular. We can all go ahead and agree on that. But with an album such as this, there are many more songs that are just as good, or even (possibly) better. Favorites of mine include “Needing/Getting,” “I Want You So Bad, I Can’t Breathe” and “Last Leaf.” “Needing/Getting” is definitely going to be one of my new favorite dance jams, and “I Want You So Bad, I Can’t Breathe” has some great beats a la The Killers and Franz Ferdinand that are addictive to say the least. “Last Leaf” really resonates with a balladic tone to it that makes the lyrics stand out even more. “l’ll still be here, waiting on your rain to warm your heart for me” makes this sappy love song really saccharine sweet, but in one of those sing-your-heart-out-post-breakup kind of ways.

Although the album does seem a tad bit mellower this time around, I don’t think that it will disappoint anyone at all. It has tracks for old and new fans, and has a few candidates for oddball cinematic/silly videos (we all remember the treadmill video for “Here It Goes Again” and this has already started with the release of the video for “WTF?” last November. I’m excited to see what their next video will be, and where they go with it creatively.

Overall, I am incredibly glad that they released another album such as this. It’s a great album, and I know that I, amongst other OK Go fans, cannot wait for the announcement of their next North American tour. Great job guys, and thanks for starting off the new decade the right way- with great new music!

Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky is available Tuesday, January 12.

Track Listing:
1. WTF?
2. This Too Shall Pass
3. All Is Not Lost
4. Needing/Getting
5. Skyscrapers
6. White Knuckles
7. I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe
8. End Love
9. Before The Earth Was Round
10. Last Leaf
11. Back From Kathmandu
12. While You Were Asleep
13. In The Glass

Written by Annastasia Gallaher