By Andrew Bansal
June 12th 2013, Five Star Bar, Los Angeles CA: Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, psychedelic rock trio Across Tundras have been around for almost a decade now, but for some reason they fall into that category of bands that deserve to be a lot better known than they actually are. I first discovered them when I was sent a promo download link of their 2011 ‘Sage’ album. Upon listening to it I found myself intrigued by their blend of classic rock, psychedelic elements, Morrison-esque vocals and a distinguishable taste of Americana, the kind that would make a perfect soundtrack for Spaghetti Westerns. Following that release, the band went totally D.I.Y. and self-released their new album ‘Electric Relics’ last month. Currently, they are on a Western US tour with fellow Nashville rockers Hellbender, with whom they also share their bassist Mikey Allred. The tour made a stop at the ever-cozy Five Star Bar last night. I for one wasn’t going to miss this opportunity to check out Across Tundras, and was looking forward to seeing what the other bands bring to the show as well.
The show started at 9 PM with the local opening band Arms Of Tripoli hitting the stage. This band employed the use of a xylophone, an instrument I had never seen at a show before, so that was something new. Just goes to show, there’s never a dull moment in the city of Los Angeles, specially when you’re at a gig. This instrumental five-piece band played tunes that had tendencies of shoegaze and post-rock. The music itself was decent, but without any vocals or crowd interaction it was hard to watch them for any length of time. I think they are more of a band you would rather listen to, even in a live setting. It makes for good background music, I would put it that way. Being the first band of the night I felt they played for a little bit too long, ending at 9.45. Interesting set, nonetheless.
The next local opener The Withers had a lot more going on in terms of the visual aspect and the vocalist’s interaction with the audience was good, but I didn’t think their music went down too well with the theme of the night. They were too punk and dance-oriented for this lineup, but in a different setting may be I would have enjoyed them more. Not to say their performance itself was bad by any means, it’s just that they were too different from the touring bands, for them to make a positive impact on the crowd.
The slots for Across Tundras and Hellbender were switched around, and our headline act was the one to take the stage next. The trio made a quick announcement about the switch, and launched into their set, painting a depressing, downcast, slow yet delightful and highly enjoyable musical landscape that made for an accurate representation of their music. It was as if time was slowed down, such was the extent to which each and every single note was resonating into the minds of the listeners. After hearing it live I feel the new material is more music-oriented as compared to songs off of ‘Sage’, and has a bluesy-jam rock type feel to it for large portions of it, which comes across even better in a live setting. Tanner Olson’s smokey vocals went well with his guitar play and was greatly complimented by Mikey Allred with his lovely Gibson bass, and Casey Perry on drums. I keep saying it often, and I’ll say it again. Three-piece bands rule. I wasn’t able to stay for Hellbender’s set due to personal time constraints, but overall I was satisfied with the live music I got to experience at this show.
The music throughout the night was interesting, but the turnout at the venue left a whole lot to be desired. There were hardly even 20 people at any point of the show, and I was left miffed and confused by this, because being a 5-dollar show at a perfectly accessible venue in downtown Los Angeles, there seemed no reason for rock lovers to not attend the show. It was an apt depiction of the sad state of affairs when it comes to the lack of support for the ‘local scene’. And this was not even an entirely local show, with two of the bands coming all the way from Nashville. Even if I had no idea who any of these bands were, I’d still have come down to support this show, but I guess most people don’t relate to that attitude. Anyhow, I would strongly urge all you LA folks reading this to take notice of the smaller shows, and support great local establishments like the Five Star Bar, Church Of The 8th Day and Thee Static Age who promote real music.
Across Tundras’ Electric Relics album is available for free/name-your-price download now via acrosstundras.bandcamp.com.
Remaining Tour Dates:
6/13/2013 Thee Parkside – San Francisco, CA w/ Name
6/14/2013 Casa Da Chaos – Sacramento, CA
6/15/2013 Herb Stomp – Portland, OR w/ Rolling Through the Universe, Hungers
6/16/2013 Highline – Seattle, WA w/ Lightning Kills Eagle, Scriptures
6/17/2013 Tiny Tavern – Eugene, OR w/ Rivers of Mercury, Opossum Head
6/18/2013 TBA/HELP – Northern CA
6/19/2013 Jub Jubs – Reno, NV
6/20/2013 Bar Deluxe – Salt Lake City, UT w/ Before the Eyewall, Dwellers
6/21/2013 TBA/HELP – Denver, CO
6/22/2013 The Lulu House – Wichita, KS w/ Serpent Overlord