Volumes of Chapters

Local bands hardly get enough credit and recognition for the art they spend so many hours creating. Even some popular music, idolized by myself and a select few hundred around the world, are passed over by the youthful masses who are trying to get their grubby paws on the newest Fall Out Boy album, or the latest release by pop sensation Justin Timberlake. Don't get me wrong, both are valid musicians (I guess), it just makes me sad to see something I truly admire passed by for the same sack of over processed auto-tuned dribble. Music has always played a huge part in my life, as with most of the general population. We all have songs that strike up emotions in us we cannot explain. We all connect certain pieces of music to specific events in our lives. We become nostalgic and existential.

When I am graced with the opportunity to enjoy new music, I seize it with incredible force. It is not often I find something I enjoy listening to made by this generation. My usual repertoire of melodic stomping and clapping of Tom Waits records mixed with the sweet child-like voices and plaything sounds of CocoRosie, is not your typical Top 40 Hit. Exploring and sharing new music should be a collaborative effort, if you have something magnificent to share, please feel free to pass it my way. Below are a few bands and songs you should keep your ears peeled for (Sara, that one's for you).

The Ignorant

Local Los Angeles based band, The Ignorant, currently recording their next album, a split with Johnny Madcap and the Distractions, due later this year on Northeast Records, is about to head across the US for their countrywide tour. When listening to this four piece punk band, it's easy to see they are musically influenced by The Ramones, The Clash, and Youth Brigade, to name a few, mixed with the poetic lyricism of old souls like Dylan and Waits. Full of powerful energy and a few too many whiskey shots, this is a band you'll want to see live.

Tour schedule can be found online. Listen to their music: www.myspace.com/theignorant

Black Party Politics

When trying to classify Black Party Politics, I usually draw a complicated blank. Are they experimental rock, infused with funk, with a dash of soul, sprinkled with passionate and provocative lyrics? Sure. That's sounds about right. This dynamic band, fronted by vocal powerhouse Eddie Henry, busts down the walls of todays popular music, embodying a sound to lead and inspire future musicians to create music like they did in the good-ol'-days. Creating a visible explosive chemistry, Black Party Politics tears up a stage and leaves a lasting impression to its audience. With a growing fan base, this young band proves to have a promising future. Some older recordings and recent video of live performances are up on: www.myspace.com/blackpartypolitics

Check out Black Party Politics at their monthly warehouse show, The Boogie Den, the last Saturday night of the month. Great deal, $10 at the door, OPEN BAR all night, vintage clothing sale $4 per pound of clothing, and superb live music.

Brandon Jordan

Said to be the voice of our generation, the lead singer for LA band, Kill Radio, heads up his solo project, recording everything on his own. Jordan's masterful guitar playing matched with painfully beautiful lyrics shows us a completely different sound to his raw and ravenous vocals for Kill Radio. As a big fan of both, it's incredible to see Jordan's transformation between projects, and inspiring to witness the growth in this particular performer. His music is personal and relatable. For Brandon's solo project: www.myspace.com/brandonjordanfree And for Kill Radio: www.myspace.com/killradio

Kill Radio will be playing their first show back from hiatus at Black Party Politics Boogie Den. Check out the space for more information.

Fun Machine

Although not a Los Angeles band, local New Jersey band Fun Machine recently rolled through LA on their countrywide tour booked through Nine 12 Records. Fun Machine's original circus sounds in a hall of mirrors can make even the squarest of squares get on their feet. Not only are they a group of genuinely good folks, their bizarre music is catchy and, for lack of a better word, fun to listen to. Their latest release, Sonnenhuhn, can be purchased through iTunes and Amazon, and if you don't live on the East coast, take advantage of the ease in which to purchase this record. Hopefully Fun Machine will hit the road again, this is a band I will continue to follow.

Take a listen: www.myspace.com/funmachine

Killsonic

What would you do if you were waiting to ride the Metro Red Line and all of a sudden a twenty plus piece band invades the underground LA tunnels with a cloud of big band jazz punk music? Well...you enjoy it. Dressed to the nines in all black with red accents, Killsonic is littered with accordions, horns, drums, cymbals, whistles and a megaphone, creating original, experimental, improvisational music in various unique locations. Watching each live performance is like watching Picasso paint a masterpiece right before your very eyes. Each musician brings their own unique style to this collaborative effort, showcasing their strengths and supporting their weaknesses. They have two releases to date and are working with new musicians everyday, always experimenting with new sounds. Lead by band leader, Princess Frank, vocalist and guitar for Masterslave, this one of a kind group of performers is an exciting experience you should see at least once.

Visit their space for show info: www.myspace.com/killsonic