Radio Free Silver Lake's Rock Against HD

Sunday night, February 1, 2009, was a night of tough choices, concert-wise, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to support Joe Fielder and the benefit he'd put together. The proceeds went to help fight Huntington's Disease and a stellar line up of local bands played.

For the night of the Super Bowl and a flurry of other shows, the turn out was surprisingly good and whatever the size, it was a great bunch of people.

Light FM started things off with a rousing set of their pretty indie pop songs. A different drummer added some urgency and propulsive beats that served the band well. I'm almost always impressed by this band's live performances.

Fol Chen were up next and it was a lesson on how important the proper sound mix can be to a band. Especially for a band whose sound is so precise and carefully arranged. This night they seemed to have begun the set with a generic rock and roll sound mix, and this is anything but a generic rock and roll band. They are Fol Chen and they require a particular mix where even the most off-hand plinkity-plink needs to stand on its own. As the set progressed the sound improved and by the time they got to "Cbl TV" I was happy. Particularly so, because that's one of my favorite songs, and they don't perform it live often enough.

I have to say, I love when they cover songs by empty-headed divas... and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Fol Chen's record release is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Pehrspace.

Radars To the Sky were last and capped off the night with a terrific set showcasing their unique song-craft and featuring a riveting performance by Andrew Spitzer. This was the first time I've seen them without Seamus and I was relieved to hear a full, rich sound which was quintessential Radars. Kate seemed to have more of a vocal presence as well, and that pleased me too.

It was a nice evening with friends and everyone extended warm wishes to Joe Fielder, who was unable to attend due to a family emergency that called him out of town. I wish him well and hope he's pleased by the results of his most worthy benefit.

whrabbit