WORDS & PHOTOS BY FIESTABAN PHOTOGRAPHY!
The Bootleg Theater is going to be Grand Central Station for local indie rock and punk this month with a free month-long Monday residency by Kate Clover, along with newer featured artists. This Monday’s rock-solid lineup included openers Vaguess and Jordan Jones, along with closer Nice.
Vaguess (pronounced like “Vegas”) is the minimalist, half-jokingly angsty brainchild of Vinny Vaguess, who brought late-70s punk vibes that were equal parts garage rock and punk, sounding like an even split between Buzzcocks and Jonathan Richman (including his almost unrecognizably jangly cover of “Roadrunner”). The tall, mustachioed Vaguess is no-nonsense and to-the-point, blasting through his 25 minute set with the sole purpose of loosening the screws of this new residency and laying the groundwork of what’s to come.
Jordan Jones is a gem. Backed by five musicians who all seemed to be time travelers from different points in rock history, Jones has a clever, pop-sensible way of songwriting that’s somewhat akin to Jackson Browne, Dire Straits, Pete Townsend or Cheap Trick, but with far more tongue-in-cheek naiveté. It’s Southern roots rock with a twist of lemon. The melodies are infectious and upbeat, albeit tinged with a bluesy loneliness and self-awareness that really puts you in your musical happy place.
Nice really is pretty nice for a hardcore band. A local favorite in the indie-metal/hardcore scene, this band was the thrashy palate cleanser for the night. Lead singer Emily gave a wild performance à la Henry Rollins, but instead of a machismo attitude, hit every beat with her lovely Cheshire Cat grin, wild hair and gold-melting stare.
The headliner Kate Clover, backed by members of the band Crocodiles, Brandon Welchez and Zeh Monstro, is a local favorite with a flair for mixing her vintage style with a sound that’s one part Wanda Jackson, one part Chrissie Hynde and two parts The Cramps. It’s the spirit of 1976 CBGB’s wherever she goes. From the opening notes to their final riff, this ingénue gives a balls-to-the-wall performance that will not be reigned in by smaller clubs for long. Her latest single “Channel Zero” is out now. You have three more weeks to check her out at The Bootleg (it’s free people!), along with her ongoing rotation of opening bands, so put on your best band tee and start to love Mondays again!
KATE CLOVER
VAGUESS
JORDAN JONES
NICE
JANUARY 6TH, 2020
BOOTLEG THEATER, LOS ANGELES, CA
PHOTOS BY FIESTABAN PHOTOGRAPHY!
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