CONCERT REVIEW: The Zombies

The Zombies
Fremont Theater
San Luis Obispo, CA
September 13, 2018

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Being able to see the legends that released some of my most-loved classic hits from the 1960s was a huge pinch-me moment. Even though only two of the original-founding members are still touring as The Zombies, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, they still managed to make it feel like it was the original group.

It was the fourth song in, “I Love You”, where Blunstone blew us away with hitting those high notes. He did say he had to wear tight pants to do it, but it was still a feat that the entire crowd was impressed by.

The band mixed up their setlist by playing some of their newer material first and throwing in the fan favorites in between. Blunstone and Argent would tell us an anecdote prior to starting a song. The best one had to be right before jumping into “Care of Cell 44”, Argent told us about how they had heard from an interview that this song changed Dave Grohl’s life. I can’t say that I’m surprised.

Throughout their seventeen-song set, Colin’s shimmy and shakes kept the crowd alive and singing along to some of their all time popular hits. The full setlist in playing order included: “Road Runner”, “The Look of Love”, “I Want You Back Again”, “I Love You”, “Sanctuary”, “Moving On”, “Edge of the Rainbow, “Tell Her No”, “Really Got a Hold”, “Chasing The Past”, “Care of Cell 44”, “This Will Be Our Year”, “I Want Her, She Wants Me”, “Time of the Season”, “Hold Your Head Up” (originally by Argent), “She’s Not There”, and “God Gave Rock and Roll” (originally by Argent).

Overall, the show was a fun time that reminded many of their adolescence and gave others the chance to experience some of the greats they thought could only be seen in the past. I had missed a few earlier chances at seeing them live, but now I can say if you get the chance to see The Zombies, don’t let it pass you by.

 

CONCERT REVIEW: Alexander Jean

Alexander Jean
Featuring: Mark Ballas and BC Jean
June 17, 2016
Constellation Room
Santa Ana, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Passion. If there is one word to describe Alexander Jean it would be that one. From BC Jean’s powerful vocals to Mark’s intense guitar playing, the love they have for their craft and for each other shines brightly in their music. There’s something really special about a duo who compliment each other so well and produce a sound that is so intense yet so carefree.

Their Head High EP has a combination of songs that range from anthems like, “Head High” to a dose of flamenco with “Run.” The EP delights upon first listen and it has also now been verified that their live performance does the same.

The duo took to the stage with smiles and a confidence that you only see with seasoned artists. They talked with the crowd, bantered with one another on stage and they even took a shot of whiskey before they performed their song, appropriately named, “Whiskey and Morphine.”

The couple couldn’t take their eyes off each other and it was that kind of magnetism that had you watching their every move.

The set was relatively short since it was comprised of their Head High EP plus an encore, but like most great shows, you never want it to end. They duo concluded their set with a song that means a lot to BC Jean and one that many people do not know that she wrote, “If I Were A Boy.” When she sang her version, it gave the song its original and rightful sound. It was also the perfect way to the end the show.

Alexander Jean played: “Thief”, “Whiskey and Morphine”, “So Bad”, “Roses and Violets”, “Head High”, “Run”, and ended with an encore of “If I Were A Boy.”

CONCERT REVIEW: DNCE

DNCE
Opening Act: Powers
November 4, 2015
The Roxy
West Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Joe Jonas is back with a new band, DNCE. The quartet embodies a crazy, fun, dance and rock style in their music. Their first single, “Cake by the Ocean” turned into an instant hit. With its catchy lyrics and feel-good vibes, it has become a popular tune for commercials and TV spots. Fronted by Jonas, the rest of the band includes Cole Whittle (formerly of Semi Precious Weapons), JinJoo Lee and Jack Lawless. The band is your classic group of oddball misfits that have emerged on the scene bringing something unique.

This sold-out show at The Roxy was their first LA show and needless to say, they killed it. The band performed some of their originals from their album, SWAAY including: “Pay My Rent”, “Toothbrush” and “DNCE” as well as some shockingly awesome covers of “Kiss” (Prince), “Thong Song” (Sisqo), and “Roxanne” (The Police). The band ended with “Cake by the Ocean” before walking back on stage to Queen’s “We Are The Champions” while they waved a random trophy around the stage. We did say they were oddballs, so don’t question the antics.

Overall, this in demand show was everything you would expect and more. The entire band contributes not only to their original sound, but also to their wildly entertaining stage presence. It was over before I knew it, and I was left wanting more music…and cake (ocean optional).

EVENT REVIEW: Silversun Pickups Record Release Party

Silversun Pickups Record Release Party
September 23, 2015
Fingerprints Music
Long Beach, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

 

Silversun Pickups had their record release party for Better Nature at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, CA. Brian and Nikki performed an acoustic set that included: “Nightlight”, “Circadian Rhythm”, “Panic Switch”, “Latchkey Kids”, “Kissing Families”, “The Pit”, “Lazy Eye”, and “Growing Old is Getting Old.” The two would introduce songs, exchange banter, tell stories and Brian disappeared once mid-song to get some beer.

The store was packed and every single fan was mesmerized with the duo.  Afterwards, the entire band was on hand to sign records for everyone in attendance. They chatted up with fans and were delighted to meet everyone in line.

The event was a nice treat to introduce the new album and a rare opportunity to spend some time with the band. The atmosphere was chill and welcoming, exactly like SSPU.

CONCERT REVIEW: Matisyahu

Shoreline Jam
Featuring: Matisyahu
September 5, 2015
Queen Mary Events Park
Long Beach, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA presented Shoreline Jam with headliner, Matisyahu. The festival lasted nearly half of the day, but I made it just in time for the main act. The crowd was 95% baked by this point, so making my way to the front was a breeze.

Matisyahu, sans his traditional Orthodox Jewish garb, performed favorites like “King Without a Crown” and songs from Akeda including, “Champion.” He had a laid back performance, most likely due to his occasional puffing breaks, and ended the night with a chill vibe. The audience consisted of all ages and various backgrounds. His tone, flow, and lyrics had the first two rows engaged. However, further back people began to disperse because his set was becoming a little too relaxed with missed lyrics and continuous instrumental jamming.

When the last song came around, Matisyahu encouraged fans to come on stage, but not to get “too crazy.” People began to climb the barricade and when some went up the side stage rafters (with the help of security), I decided to join in to get the full experience. About 30 fans ended up on stage and Matisyahu concluded his set with all of us surrounding him. To be able to stand there to see and hear the audience sing along with him from his perspective is an incredible feeling.

Overall, Matisyahu’s set was anything, but perfection. Maybe it was an off-day, but I left disappointed with not hearing a full-hearted set. Then again, he gave me a stage memory that I will never forget.

CONCERT REVIEW: KROQ Weenie Roast y Fiesta 2015

KROQ Weenie Roast 2015
Featuring: Muse, Of Monsters and Men, Florence and the Machine, Death Cab For Cutie, Panic at the Disco, AWOLNATION, Cold War Kids, All Time Low, Big Data, Saint Motel, James Bay, X Ambassadors

May 16, 2015
Pacific Amphitheater
Irvine, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

This was my very first time attending KROQ’s Weenie Roast y Fiesta. I had always wanted to attend, but the lineups were never perfect enough for me—until this year. Even if I was sold with Muse, the addition of Panic! at the Disco, AWOLNATION, Death Cab and X Ambassadors had me really excited. I already knew that Florence and the Machine and All Time Low were great live and the other acts were all bands I wanted to hear more from.

The pre-show was a smaller stage divided into two in order to switch back and forth with little setup time in between. First up was X Ambassadors. I heard these guys when their song, “Renegade” was featured on a few commercials and since then they have been promoted everywhere. They played that track along with “When I Was Free,” “Love Songs Drug Songs,” “Unsteady,” “Naked,” and “Jungle,” which was covered by the Pitch Perfect 2 cast for an NBA playoff promo. They put on a great, but short set. They have an awesome sound, great energy and I am looking forward to the next time I can see them.

CONCERT REVIEW: Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson
October 29, 2014
The Observatory
Santa Ana, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

It almost seemed like forever before Marilyn Manson hit the stage at The Observatory. Once he did though, the screams were deafening. The place already seemed to be packed beyond capacity, but the craziness that ensued once the music began was more like a Halloween trick than treat.

MM gave a shout-out to his dad who was in attendance and proceeded to lie on the stage floor for most of the show. This gave fans in the front row more access to him than he probably wanted. His knife shaped mic was definitely a nice touch though. They proceeded to play the hits, the hit covers and a couple new tracks from The Pale Emperor.

The full set included: “Deep Six”, “Disposable Teens”, “mOBSCENE”, “No Reflection”, “Sweet Dreams” (Eurythmics cover), “Cupid Carries a Gun”, “Rock Is Dead”, “The Dope Show”, “Third Day of a Seven Day Binge”, “Personal Jesus” (Depeche Mode cover), “This is the New Shit”, and the encore, “The Beautiful People.” “Mister Superstar and “Irresponsible Hate Anthem” were also on the set list for the encore, but ultimately were not played. This became apparent when the set came to an end abruptly.

The show lasted just under an hour, which seemed a bit on the short side especially after I saw that there were some cuts on the official set list. There were plenty more songs that could have been played. MM was noticeably more out of it than usual and perhaps he wanted to continue on to his own private party. Regardless, the show was a good time. I am disappointed, however, to have not caught it at The Roxy, where I am sure the experience would have been 10x better on Halloween day and in a more intimate venue. Maybe next time.

CONCERT REVIEW: KONGOS

KONGOS
Supporting Act: Badflower
July 16, 2014
Troubadour
West Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating:

[The Breakdown]

My new favorite band this year is South African alternative rockers, KONGOS. These four brothers hit the music scene with their hit song, “Come With Me Now” from their album, Lunatic, and since then I have been hooked.

The band said that the last time they played in L.A. there were maybe twenty people in the room and it was most likely the other bands and their crew. They were psyched that this was a sold out show and from what I could tell it seemed over-packed.

They jumped into the song, “Hey I Don’t Know” and kept jamming the night away. With the exception of “As We Are” and “Traveling On” they played Lunatic in its entirety. They threw in a few covers including two songs from The Beatles and one from their father, John Kongos. Any band that covers The Beatles and does it well can count me as a fan.

One of the coolest parts about the show was how most of the audience did not have a camera or phone out shooting the band. There were a few keepsake snaps, but other than that everyone was completely captivated by the band. I really enjoyed seeing that. They played off each other so well (like brothers would) and it was so easy to ignore everyone else in the room, but them. These guys were fantastic live and to prove my point I will be seeing them again when they open for King of Leon in October.

Full set list included: “Hey I Don’t Know”, “Sex on the Radio”, “Take Me Back”, “Kids These Days”, “Escape”, “I Don’t Mind”, “Way Down in the Hole” (Tom Waits cover), “I’m Only Joking”, “This Time I Won’t Forget”, “Come Together” (The Beatles cover), “I Want to Know”, “Take It From Me”, “It’s A Good Life”, “Come With Me Now”, “Tokoloshe Man” (John Kongos cover), and “Get Back” (The Beatles cover).

CONCERT REVIEW: Mötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe
Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Mini Concert
January 28, 2014
Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Mötley Crüe is the epitome of what a rock band is. They’re known as the bad boys of heavy metal and have been playing together for 33 years and selling millions of albums across the globe. But in 2015 that will all come to an end. The band announced that they will be dissolving after their Final Tour, which begins Summer 2014, and wraps up in 2015. To make things official, they all signed a contract that would permanently dissolve the band once the tour concludes. So as you can imagine it was imperative for me to see these guys rock out one last time before they are no more.

CONCERT REVIEW: Young The Giant

Young The Giant
Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Mini Concert
January 21, 2014
Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Young The Giant has become one of the most hyped about indie rock bands. Their name is popping up everywhere and with good reason. I knew and liked a couple of their songs and was really looking forward to their Jimmy Kimmel Live performance.

Leader singer, Sameer Gadhia has a very unique smooth voice and I was pleasantly surprised that it still comes across that way during their live shows. I think I have been to too many pop concerts, so when I actually hear live vocals and they are amazing I’m blown away. In reality, it should be the norm, but in any case you get the real deal with Young The Giant.