Lordy Lordy Attempts to Bring Back the Beach at the El Mocambo

Date of show: October 14, 2010

Lordy Lordy played a short set to a rather sparse El Mocambo crowd. There’s something about the vastness of the venue that really makes it look like no one is there, but the guys did draw most of the attendees to the stage to enjoy the set. Justin Myler (vocals, guitar), the only one on stage that dressed along with the theme, joked about being the only one to bring back the beach. Still, there was no awkwardness and the 3-piece were not at all fazed.

They started their set with “Carnival Clocks,” the only song you’ll find on their MySpace and a song that brings an old school psychedelic feel. Myler’s vocals are sometimes haunting but what impressed me the most is the maturity in his sound. Justin Christie’s guitar playing remains a focal point of the tunes, as he practically makes the guitar speak. Bryan Ward (drums, vocals) makes it look effortless behind the kit, despite it not being his primary instrument (see Black Hat Brigade for more on that).

We had seen this band once before and, considering I mentioned how put together they seemed then, it appears that they continue to get tighter. We’re keeping up with this band and you should too.

Beekeepers Society

Beekeepers Society managed to look partially summer-ish, with some members looking a little beach-like, others dressed in their regular attire. They’re less psychedelic than Lordy Lordy and The Auras, but they certainly have an experimental pop sound, sometimes even sounding a little lo-fi. Beekeepers Society played with 7 members, covering a variety of instruments such as tambourine, cello, guitar, bass, and synths. Darcy McMann leads the vocals, but 3 others also join him on vocals and they have great harmonies.

Their experimental sound is really quite delightful and to add to their charm, they put out a suitcase full of fun. Members of the audience were able to pick out items such as tambourines and maracas to join in creating the music. Thankfully, most of those participating had rhythm and I really appreciated the desire to get the crowd as involved as possible. However, I think I would’ve liked to see them play without all the added distractions. I often ended up distracted those playing around what they picked up from the suitcase and that’s really a shame because I think Beekeepers Society is worth the attention.

The Auras

There is something that is immediately noticeable when the guys of The Auras step on stage – their youth. However, once you can look past the fact they’re clearly performers with their overt expressions, it’s evident they already possess a lot of skill and talent. They have a psychedelic guitar-heavy garage sound provided by Dallas Wheeler, Peter Haze and Shady Black, with Dave Z on keys, Gus on bass and Aaron McCoy on drums.

I found it to be very interesting that 4 out of 6 members took the lead on vocals for different songs, and yet The Auras still managed to sound like the same band. They don’t rely on a set vocalist to define their band but instead define themselves entirely by their sound. Lyrically, their youth is evident, but it is hardly noticeable when it comes to their skills on guitar, as there were a couple rockin’ solos. Given their youth, I’m curious to see how these guys evolve. Check them out.