Saturdays in the month of August brought Orange County the Live Music Series at The Lab, and gave OC a taste of what the Silverlake scene has to offer the music community. With a slight change in stage location and other events going on at The Lab, our Live Music Series was always an exciting time. Of course we were all there for a reason. The free and all ages series was to help raise money and awareness for Pablove, a pediatric cancer foundation.
The first week brought us Light FM, Useless Keys, Black Apples, and Voxhaul Broadcast. Though these bands were a bit louder than The Lab is used to, the event turned out great. The first and last band arrived a little late, but they were terrific. Light FM even gave those who donated money to Pablove a free CD.
August 14 was probably the most fun. Unique OC was having a large event in The Lab’s parking lot and gave patrons free beer. The Live Music Series provided the entertainment. Mississippi Man arrived an hour late and made a joke in poor taste regarding Pablo, whom the Pablove foundation is named for. All things a side, their music still sounded great. Red Cortez, The Californian, and The Union Line all killed it - as always. The Californian (a late replacement for We Barbarians) donated the proceeds of their merch for the day to Pablove. Red Cortez and The Union Line really showed the audience what good music and a good live show is all about.
The third week brought out Wait Think Fast, Rumspringa, White Arrows, and Vanaprasta. We already knew that Rumspringa and Vanaprasta are capable of blowing anyone away, but I had no idea how incredible Wait Think Fast and White Arrows would be. We often state our dislike for cover songs. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of terrible cover songs being recorded and played. White Arrows, however, is one of the few exceptions. The band played a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire”, and it ruled. We can’t wait to catch another White Arrows show!
Closing out the Live Music Series was Modern Time Machines, Casxio, Wet & Reckless, and Hexam Heads (a last minute fill-in for Twilight Sleep). Wet & Reckless had already impressed us a few days prior, so it was no surprise that they were incredible. Modern Time Machines sounded amazing, and we’re looking forward to see what’s to come of their fantastic sound. Casxio’s lead singer has these incredible and unique vocals that fit their electro vibe perfectly. Hexam Heads were a bit creepy and loud for The Lab’s atmosphere, but we’re hoping to catch them play another set at a more fitting venue in the near future.
Thanks to The Lab, Indie Printing, Mary Rahmani, Filter Magazine, KROQ Locals Only, and OC Weekly for all your hard work this month. Let’s do it again soon! Also, thanks to everyone who made it out - these Silverlake bands need a reason to come down to Orange County more often!