A zephyr of youthful energy wafted through Long Beach in the forms of Kine, Falling Awake, Hearts Like Lions, The Moderates and I’d Rather Be Fishing. Combining musical influences from Queens of the Stone Age to Coldplay to Atreyu these young bands are proving themselves as viable bands in the vast Southern California music scene. With catchy songs and bushels of energy these 5 bands are just on the cusp of something special. The bands joined forces at diPiazza’s for yet another chance at showcasing their talents to the multitudes of music fans in the area.
Kine consisting of Ryan Brown, Brian Leguay, Caden Gruber, Matt Mckinnon and Max Helman opened the show. These young lads from Orange County proved to be better musicians than one would think at their ages. The breakdowns were fantastic at times reminding some of Incubus. Another Orange County band Falling Awake followed and despite coming off a recent tour did not disappoint those who made the trek into Long Beach. Richie Dandan, Adam Brown, Alex Hamilton and Jonathan Haggerty make up this Alternative band. The band had enough get-up-and-go for everyone in the building especially during “Blind” as a small high energy pit formed and set the tone for this MuteMouth Records artist. Long Beach locals Hearts Like Lions followed with a tremendous set. Stephen Ramos, Brendan Fox, Luke Schoepf and Nick Sturz make up what some are calling the next big thing from Long Beach. Saying the band is tight just doesn’t do them justice as this band seems poised to make some major noise in the coming years. The arrangements showcase the high points of the band their bassist and drummer but don’t count the rest of the band out. They all especially the singer know how to capture and captivate an audience. Having been a band since 2011 it seems that Hearts Like Lions know where they want to go and how to get there. The singer has more of a post-punk delivery which fits well with the music this talented band is putting out. There songs “What’s Left of You” and “Wake Up” were highlights of the set and sent every person in a frenzy. The next 2 bands on the bill have acquired more notoriety than their counterparts and did not disappoint in the performances. Up first #14 on the list of top bands in Long Beach in 2011, The Moderates. Josh Taylor, Wes Mathison and Garret Huff combine slow melodic hypnotic vibes similar to the likes of Coldplay to gritty guitar bellowing resembling the Foo Fighters. Their songs “Coma”, “Champagne and Cigarettes” and “You Are Loved” proved why this still young band has been making noise in the area for the past couple of years. But it was there single “Beautiful Darkness” that stole the hearts of everyone in the audience. It’s a wonder KROQ has not picked up this song yet for their locals only show. Closing the show was the ever impressive I’d Rather Be Fishing. While the band is young and has more energy than the Energizer Bunny not many in crowd was prepared for what they were about to witness. Gaby Worsham, Cameron Good, Jerry Valenzuela and Jacob Roberts mix hardcore, metal and funk in complete pandemonium. Right from the start of their set the band tries to collapse any venue and this night was no different. From the writhing during “I’d Rather Be F-ing” to the insanity of “A** Clown” the band shows their youthful intensity better than most. Having been a band for just over a year they are proof of what hard work and determination can achieve.
While The Moderates are the most polished of the bands, Hearts Like Lions proved they are on their way, Falling Awake showed they have enough to keep touring relentlessly, Kine proved that age doesn’t matter in music and I’d Rather Be Fishing left with the building still intact but not an ounce of energy left in anyone. The future of the music in and around Long Beach looks as bright as ever with bands like there coming through the doors.
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