Fresh off of their Mercury Prize award for 2012 Album of the Year, Leeds natives Alt-J made a stop at the Casbah in benefit of the exceptional An Awesome Wave. Second time in SD, first as headliners and they did not disappoint. The toned down yet exquisitely performed set included the entirety of their debut album as well as a new track- Buffalo- which was a sure sign of more good things to come. Continue below for a few more select photos from their set, as well as some of opener Wildcat! Wildcat! (or click here for the full set).
I have been looking forward to tonight's Alt-J show at the Casbah for some time. Tickets were selling well, but the day after the band won the coveted Mercury Prize the show sold out and I have to say I haven't seen so many old friends come out of the woodwork, all to ask if I have some magical hook-up for the show. Sorry, kids, the list has been full for a long time and I can't help ya. Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that I will be working tonight, which is cool because The Sword at Brick By Brick will be awesome, too, and that one just sold out, so it will be a fun night, but still, I'll be missing Alt-J.
That's why when Pyles asked me if I wanted to come to an Alt-J session at Iacon Sound Studio in Golden Hill, my face totally lit up. It isn't a full show with the full band, but it will have to do because, well, it's Christmas and this girl has to work when I can.
Iacon Sound was formerly Black Box, and Sulo King has taken over and it is beautiful and open for business, by the way. They have six rehearsal rooms plus the live room, a vocal room, and if you rent rehearsal space, they're available 24/7, which means when you get the inkling to rehearse at 3:30 in the morning, you can do so.
Anyway, today's session was attended by a bunch of FM 94/9 folks as well as some listeners and it was pretty damn awesome. We were told that this was the first time they had ever done something like this for radio, so it made it all the more special. The three video playlist is below. (The station shot much better photos and video, so be sure to check out their site here.)
Tomorrow, October 3rd Grouplove make their return to San Diego at Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, show time 7:30 pm (tickets), with Alt-J as support. If you were lucky enough to see Grouplove on the 91x Halloween Boo's Cruise or at Porter's Pub then you know the type of high energy the LA based quintet bring to their live shows. If you were not able to attend those shows make sure you do not miss Grouplove at one of San Diego's best outdoor concert venues. Grouplove is touring their critically acclaimed debut album "Never Trust A Happy Song" a solid album including hit songs Tongue Tied, Itchin On A Photograph and my favorites Colours and Lovely Cup. To learn more about Grouplove below is a recent in studio performance by Grouplove performed for YouTube including a Q&A.
Make sure to get to the show early to check out Alt-J who just released their debut album titled "An Awesome Wave" recorded with the great producer Charlie Andrew. "An Awesome Wave" is a diverse alt-pop album which has received great reviews from NME, BBC, The New York Times, and Brooklyn Vegan. I am excited to see how their electronic/psychedelic/pop/folk sound translates from album to live concert. Click the link and give a listen to Alt-J's An Awesome Wave before checking them out before Grouplove.
Photo by Jory Cordy
Again make sure to get your tickets in advance here
