THIS WEEKEND IN LA: Don’t Miss Bands at Culture Collide Festival

Phantogram

Seductive and unpredictable. Two adjectives that best describe Saratoga Springs, NY band, Phantogram, performing at Filter Magazine’s first ever Culture Collide Festival this weekend in Los Angeles. The trip-hop duo, comprised of Joshua Carter and Sarah Barthel, released their debut album, Eyelid Movies, this past spring. In support of their album Phantogram has spent 2010 touring all over the U.S., Canada and the UK, casting a bewitching spell on all those that attend. Their diverse sounds range from street-beats to psych-rock to sexy chill-wave and is undeniably kick-ass. You can catch their set on the main stage during Sunday’s Toyota Antics FREE (das right, I said FREE!) Block Party show just before Tokyo Police Club and Jenny and Johnny close out the festival.

Gold Lake

I’m always stunned when I discover that an artist only has double-digit listeners on Last.fm. Especially when that band is Gold Lake, a duo originally from Madrid, Spain that has recently relocated to Buffalo, NY and was showcased at this year’s SXSW Festival. Gold Lake is Lua and Carlos (formerly of We Are Balboa), and with the support of drummer Dave Burnett and bassist Dave Wyss create a melodic lo-fi yet lush sound with Lua’s sassy vocals and their collective story-telling guitars. They recorded their first EP with producer Gus Oberg (Albert Hammond Jr.) which is yet to be released. This weekend Gold Lake will be performing two shows. Their first performance was on opening night, last night at Taix French Cuisine, and they will be playing again tonight at Spaceland opening for Spain’s own El Guincho.

Tokyo Police Club

Even if you arrive sans clothes be sure to wear your jumping shoes for Tokyo Police Club. You won’t be able to help yourself as the Canadians take the main stage at 7PM Sunday night just prior to headliners, Jenny and Johnny. The band out of Ontario has been working feverishly since they formed in 2005. Their most recent album, Champ, released in June, is comprised of catchy, upbeat, toe-tapping tunes that’ll get you moving. Make sure to take in these guys before they get back on tour with bands like The New Pornographers and Phoenix! —by Vanessa Anton

Sea Wolf

Many folk-rock artists have made an imprint in the Los Angeles music scene (Elliot Smith, Shon Sullivan of Golden Boy) but few continue to inspire and jolt the senses with music that is full of melody and profound style. Sea Wolf falls among the few that effectively dive into a contemporary side of folk rock, delivering multifaceted songs that are unique and playful – lyrically and musically.

Call it what you will; indie-rock-folk-pop-country, Sea Wolf combines passion and enthusiasm with an eclectic mix of sound and vocal structure that resonates throughout songs like “You’re A Wolf ”, ”Wicked Blood” and “The Violet Hour”. Sea Wolf’s Alex Brown Church is a visionary with incomparable verve. He, along with his pack, will conclude the 4-day rock bender with an acoustic set you definitely won’t want to miss! —by Liz Ortega

Mariachi El Bronx

As a mariachi enthusiast myself, I can easily embrace the horny culture clash that is Mariachi El Bronx. However, if you so happen to be a fan of the punk rock entity, The Bronx, you might be a little perplexed with what they have to offer. Mariachi El Bronx delves into the original rhythms of Mexico – horns, guitars, more guitars and even the flashy traditional garb. The lyrics are heartfelt and soulful – the perfect combo for a tear-jerking, heart-clenching tequila induced night. And the best part is that they sing in Ingles, Amigos.

Spaceland will be showcasing Mariachi El Bronx Saturday October 9th. Leave the trucker hats at home, compadres. This is a sombrero affair.—by Liz Ortega