The Knitting Factory Los Angeles 5-28-05


Stereo Total put on a great show no matter what, but after having a look around the crowd at the Knitting Factory there was one element missing that had me asking "Has the sub-scene of freaky-electronic music fans gone away?" Have they turned to freak folk, or do they listen to Ariel Pink now? Either way they were not there for this sold out Stereo Total show. Maybe it was The Gossip that kept them away. I'm not sure, but lets start out and give blame where blame is probably due, Hawnay Troof. Performing fast yelling hip hop as a one man band, with no instruments or equipment visible on stage was interesting for maybe half of one song, but a whole set was too much. As I mentioned, if you're into yelling or really fast hip-hop definitely check out Hawnay Troof sometime.

This was also my first time seeing The Gossip, who were a lot better live than I had ever imagined they would be. Singer Beth Ditto has some of the most authentic disco vocals I've heard recorded or live in years. Her Voice is the real star of the show, the music seems to function as a dance punk coat hanger for the belted Studio 54 stylings that make The Gossip one of the most loved live bands playing today. I can't say I've been moved to join their fan club yet, but if they opened again I'd definitely arrive in time to catch their set.

Stereo Total on the other hand are genius! They are to me what performance is all about. It may not come across on their albums that they have some of the greatest dance songs ever written, but live they will level you with some of the toughest beats and coolest electronic music you'll ever hear. Every time I've seen them they consistently impress me, with a stage show so eccentric and unpretentious that you can't help but go along with whatever they ask you to do. Even without the fashion students, or whatever they were, showing up to support in homemade outfits, seeing Stereo Total is one of the most unique experiences you'll ever have.