Apollo Sunshine Lays Down a Blazing Set at Spaceland in LA

Not knowing what to expect live, I was pleasantly surprised at Apollo Sunshine’s blazing set at Spaceland in LA on June 27. Apollo Sunshine translates well live, as their self-titled and ‘Katonah’ album have a live feel. On the Spaceland stage where bands from all over the world hit when they hit LA, it was great to see a band from the US! Their sound and style is not your typical hard –edged New Yorkers, I can picture them in Northern California or from the mid west, and I mean that in the good way! They have heart and soul and it comes through in their performance. Their clean arrangements are balanced by the just-enough tough guitar distortion to give them an edge.

Their set was a balance between their two albums.

Flip’ has the Killers sound, the most Brit pop of their songs. Searing guitars ring into hooky pop, blazing impassioned vocals, jarring spiky tempo changes keep it lively

Phoney Marony’ hit with a fast paced Indy acoustic sound. The insistent vocals are its highlight and they grab you and don’t let go.

I was on the Moon’ is my favorite of their songs! This is a catchy sing along that sticks in my head like glue. Upbeat glorious good old fashioned fun, I noticed people bopping and singing along who had never heard it before!

Magnolia’ has that country American twang that I just am not used to hearing from New York, makes you kick back and throw down another beer.

Lord’ was a more dark edgy song featuring the vocals nicely.

Today is the Day’ made me see the Flaming Lips comparison! This is a happy twang song, that you cannot keep from dancing to.

All together, not a bad way to spend an LA heat wave night!