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Fishboy (Round 1) 8/23/2009 @ Tribal Cafe

My friend Justin is the Bassist in the seriously rad band “Fishboy.”

It was no surprise, then, that when they arrived in LA for a set at the Tribal Cafe that they’d have at least one “superfan” in the wings waiting for it.

I show up at 7, to watch the end of a Jazz set, before the night’s festivities acts arrived. Hilight was this sweet Jazz guitar solo:

After that ended, the night’s scheduled festivities began.
Some local acts would precede the touring lineup of Fishboy, Iji, and Watercolor paintings.

First up were local industrial folk trio “Black Sparrow Press.” One of the guitarists had a Woody Guthrie homage on his guitar… “This Machine Kills Six-Packs.” Fitting, as at times the trio did have a very Guthrie-referencing repertoire, their Folk ravings inspired in equal parts by the Dust Bowl Troubadour and their home roots of San Pedro.

After Black Sparrow Press’ Screamy Folky goodness, the drummer/uke-ist stayed on to assist local singer songwriter Sean Arenas, or “Sean Homemade” if you prefer. His acoustic set was really subdued in comparison, but he made up for that with meaning, and emotion. He is a talented songwriter that I am looking forward to following.

Sean’s set was too short, but with many bands to run through, time was of the essence. Next up was a spirited duo who I think called themselves the Bromantics. They announced that they’d started the band last Thursday (!!) and so the name wasn’t totally finalized. They do power poppy jams, and the guy and girl swapped instruments (guitar/drums) halfway through the set. Slight edge to the guy on guitar, girl on drums, but it was a fun set nonetheless.

After the dancing subsided, fishboy were to take the stage. In between the other sets I got a good chance to get to talk with the guys, who were really appreciative of the fact that I’d showed up in their t-shirt.

They tore into the set with gusto, and I got some great video footage… The hilight being the final set where Justin handed the final song selection over to yours truly! Between Taqueria girl and Proper Name Spelling Bee, the choice was clear: Spelling. They ended with it and it was a rip roarer… The crowd seemed equally into it, and I’d made the right choice!

It was hard to see them leave the stage. They looked and sounded so comfortable up there!

Next up, Iji, who Justin described as “Calypso Fishboy.” Excellent. I met their singer, Zach who seemed really enthusiastic. Their set really took me by surprise. It was phenomenal, and I remarked to him after that performing looked cathartic, and a relief for him. He agreed. His enthusiasm and love of music is infectious and shone through his performance. Amazing.

After Iji, local (Santa Barbara) favorites Watercolor paintings quietly took the stage. A Sister (harp) Brother (Uke) duo that had to compete with the refrigerator sounds in the Cafe during their blissfully serene and warm set. Beautiful stuff. Contemplative.

Having lulled the crowd into contemplative relaxation, the curtain call band, Local act “Big Whoop” ended things with a bang. Fun orchestral pop rock made an impression. I look forward to big things from them.

After some goodbyes, the Fishboy gang pressed me into coming up with them tomorrow to see the show at Biko Garage in Santa Barbara. Who was I to turn down that kind of offer? I will report on it, assuming I am not rocked into oblivion!