san diego music

The Greeting Committee and Bombay Bicycle Club at the Observatory North Park

Emerson Redding

The Greeting Committee brought high energy opening for Bombay Bicycle Club at the Observatory North Park on September 27, 2019.

This show was my third time seeing The Greeting Committee, and in the largest venue yet. My favorite thing about The Greeting Committee has always been their stage presence; which has not been lost at all from a 400 capacity venue, to the 1,100 capacity Observatory. Even from the very back of the venue, the band’s energy and movement make you feel as much a part of the action as the members themselves.

Opening with a cover of the intro of Nirvana’s “Aneurysm” leading into powerful “She’s a Gun”; as singer Addie Sartino ran on stage to join guitarist Brandon Yangmi, bassist Pierce Turcotte, drummer Austin Fraser, and touring guitarist Noah Spencer; The Greeting Committee immediately brought the message that the night was going to be an electrifying one. 

Next was “17“, followed by “Dancing To Nothing At All”. “Dancing” is one of my all-time favorite live tracks because it starts out slow and somber before picking up and having a killer saxophone solo by Pierce while Addie takes over on bass. Pierce kept his saxophone for “You’ve Got Me”, which kept the crowd excited and intrigued. New song “What If Tomorrow Never Comes” feels more emotional and raw, similar to older “Birthday Song” and “I Don’t Mind”.

Another favorite thing about The Greeting Committee is their ability to connect.

One of my favorite moments of the night was seeing two friends embrace each other during “Hands Down“, a song about “the joy that comes from unconditional, ever-present loves, whether that takes place in a family or romantic setting”. During this song, I am always reminded of my best friend and feel like they’re right next to me even though they’re on the opposite coast. Between the song itself, the band’s performance of it, and fans’ interactions in the crowd, “Hands Down” evokes some of the sincerest feelings about favorite people. 

During the last song “Don’t Go”, the band took a pause after the bridge while Addie asked “please San Diego, take one giant step forward…please San Diego, this show is going really well, I think we all know what’s about to come” before performing the strong last chorus and rocking out until the very end. 

While The Greeting Committee captured attention, Bombay Bicycle Club held it. 

Compared to opener The Greeting Committee, headliner Bombay Bicycle Club was definitely calmer. Most of the crowd was there for Bombay, and most likely have been established fans of the British indie rock band for many years. Just performing songs that people haven’t heard since their last tour five years ago, or ever, made for an entrancing show from the band. As I looked around the crowd, I saw only 10 cell phones out at once; San Diego was in awe of Bombay Bicycle Club. 

Classics like “Always Like This“, “Luna“, and “Shuffle” had an obvious response of familiarity from the crowd, and new song “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)” and unreleased songs “Is It Real” and “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong” provided a renewed but still familiar feeling of fulfillment within the crowd as Bombay Bicycle Club went on to perform a show that solidified them as one of the best indie rock bands, entering a new era that will further prove that.

The Greeting Committee has a new EP I’m Afraid I’m Not Angry out October 17. Bombay Bicycle Club’s new album Everything Else Has Gone Wrong will be released January 17. 

Check out The Greeting Committee’s current releases here, and Bombay Bicycle Club’s here.

Written by: Emerson Redding
Photos by: Emerson Redding

Neighborhood Jams: Finch

Brianna Avalos

Happy December, readers! It is now officially the holiday season so gather around the decorated fireplace, grab a cup of marshmallows (with just a splash of cocoa), and let’s talk about this week’s neighborhood jam band that is Finch! Now Finch has a lot of projects in the making right now, and it’s pretty exciting to see what’s in store for the next couple of months. But they just released an album that was a complete surprise to fans.

Finch is originally from Temecula, California, not too far from San Diego State University. The members of the band are Nate Barcalow, Randy Strohmeyer, Alex Linares, Daniel Wonacott and Alex Pappas, and together they are releasing a new, but old, album. This post-hardcore band did a surprise release of their album Steel, Wood And Whiskey, an 11-song album featuring acoustic versions of songs from throughout their career. It’s almost like a best of album because you will be able to hear some Finch classics like What It Is To Burn, Letters To You, Fireflies, and my personal favorite, Without You Here. The album just came out, and you can listen to it here for free. The album is a pay-what-you-want digital download. I highly recommend donating a couple of bucks so you can truly appreciate these acoustic tunes.

Now I mentioned that they were cooking up a couple of surprises. Along with the release of Steel, Wood, And Whiskey the band will go on a five-stop promotional tour where they will play both acoustic and a full electric set. Souvenirs and Casey Bolles will join the guys for all five shows – which are actually just around the corner! They are performing at:

Dec 10 – Los Angeles at The Troubadour
Dec 11 – San Diego at The Irenic (Buy tickets here!)
Dec 12 – Bakersfield at B-Ryders
Dec 13 – Las Vegas at Backstage Bar
Dec 14 – Phoenix at The Crescent Ballroom
I am particularly interested in this new album because they are bringing back their classics but in a totally new revamped way. I love acoustic versions of songs, and Finch has got it down. I can only imagine that December 11th’s show here is going to be filled with anticipation as the band plays acoustically, and the audience waits for lead singer Barcalow to start belting out those lyrics. After this mini tour the band will then enter the studio this winter to begin recording their 4th full-length album that will be released in 2016. I can’t wait to hear some brand new tunes – maybe they’ll give us an early holiday gift and play a new song or two at their show. I can only wish!
Photo Credit: Finch

Neighborhood Jams: Paper Days

Brianna Avalos

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope you are all having a good week – I know I am and I think it’s mainly because I have been jamming out to this week’s neighborhood jams which I am featuring Paper Days! This California, dreamy-style, poppy rock band is from Carlsbad, and their tunes are hypnotic and can dance around in your head all day.

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Paper Days consists of Niko Sitars, Jordan Graham, Nate Blake, and Xander Sitars. These guys know how to rock out by singing sweet melodies along with their happy-go-lucky guitar riffs complementing their style so well. I would describe them as a combination of Young the Giant and Best Coast because of their love of the California lifestyle. Now the moment I fell in love with their happy sounds was when I watched their official music video for the song Kind Guidance. The guitar melody in the beginning is like an invitation to a cheerful story, and the melody is infectious throughout the entire song – I couldn’t help but dance around! And let’s talk about Niko Sitars’ voice and ranging pitches – it’s mesmerizing to say the least. Lastly, about their Kind Guidance official music video, the locations are shot all around San Diego like the busy streets of the Gaslamp District. It’s great to see local bands promoting their own city! They have played at venues all over their hometown such as Soma, San Diego Music Thing, Carlsbad Music Festival, and at the legendary Ché Café Collective.

Creature and Golden are also in the running as my new favorite song. These two songs feel a little lower and slower, but the lyrics really bring it together – and the drums are a constant reminder that dancing is encouraged. On their Soundcloud you can listen to their EP titled Playground Dreams EP.

I could only imagine their concerts are full of love and happy respect for everyone around. The moment I heard those infectious heavy rhythms and sweet lyrics, I knew I was in. You guys should give them a like on their Facebook and let’s get them to a 1,000 likes – they’re so close! And check out their songs on Soundcloud below. Good luck, Paper Days, and I can’t wait to see you live!

Photo Credit: Katie Johnson

A State Of Rave: What We’re All About

Sarah Walsh

The Scene:

Welcome fellow ravers and music lovers of all types! A State of Rave is a radio show that we have created specifically for the newest EDM of today. EDM, or electronic dance music, is often criticized and misunderstood in society, which has earned it a bad reputation in the public eye. It is often put down because of false accusations of ‘talentless’ DJs getting famous from just a computer and for its connection to a drug scene.

We are here to prove these misconceptions wrong and reveal to the world why it still continues to grow and prosper. We want to show the positive ideals and experiences that come from this music and encourage others to make these amazing memories as well. Our one-hour show (Mondays at 9pm) will consist of all types of EDM from trance, dance and house to trap, techno and hardstyle. We find our music by surfing various music blogs and websites such as Soundcloud.com and our love for the scene keeps us in the loop.

Your Hosts:

DJ Walsh: A Journalism and Media Studies major and Marketing minor hoping to incorporate her passion for music and writing into a career in the music or media industry.

DJ Shayna: A second year Journalism major with a huge passion for music, entertainment gossip, and sports. Attending concerts and music festivals (especially with her co-host DJ Walsh) are her favorite activities. She hopes to find a career that includes all of her interests, hopefully in the entertainment field.

Our Experience:

We have attended a wide variety of music festivals from resting on the Indio fields as we listen to the subtle beats of the Sahara tent at Coachella to raging until 4am at OMFG NYE in San Diego. We take pride in the music scene and urge to share it with as many people that will listen. We believe there is a certain magic and wonder to these events that just begs to be heard and felt. We want to constantly radiate the passion and positivity that accompanies this scene. We seek to forever be in a State of Rave.

Here’s a mix to start off, by one of our newest obsessions Gorgon City.

Don’t stop dancing! – xoxo DJ Walsh

 

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