Its a summer night, and the sunset strip is calling me in 20 different directions. Tonight I choose to make my way to The Echo Curio to watch Seasons perform. Its been a long time since I’ve seen this band live and I’m quite anxious to see what’s in store for the night. The small room is hot, humid, and crowded. Someone walking by would look in and see a collection of instruments draped with Christmas lights . I look in and see a familiar stage set up to present one of the best bands to come out of HLP, Seasons. 



If you aren’t familiar with the name i suggest you quickly go see this rock orchestra live, immediately. Not only will you be in for a performance as unique as the band itself, you will tingle and tantalize your senses with their music as these artists are seasoned (no pun intended) musicians who know how to conjure a great performance at the drop of a hat. 

Their set starts off with songs that i am not familiar with but and as far as i can tell they have progressed in a big way since the last time i saw them. I hear Orbison-esque tones and psychedelic hints throughout their songs. The haunting vocals, the wailing guitars,and the adept drumming all come together to make for one incredible live set. Without a doubt Seasons belong in a genre all their own. From the first song to the grand finale you can feel the electric energy these guys so effortlessly emit through their music. Each and every song is a testament to their skill as musicians. They end the night with “The Sea” an all out explosion of instrumental build ups and break downs that leaves you craving more. Its an oldie but goodie. Oh but how I wish they would have played “India” though!



Seasons are currently recording and preparing to release “Summer” an EP that is the follow up to their “Spring” appropriately. You can get your hands on one at the Triple EP Release Party Extravaganza at Pehrspace on August 22nd. A night of truly great talent is guaranteed for all. Odd Modern are debuting their “Sweet Release” EP and Manhattan Murder Mystery is launching their new EP as well making this night a must see. Until then keep cool on these hot summer nights with the chill sound of seasons.

Published 07.09 for Isgoodmusic.com

Music is an instrument of change. When music has the power to move you both physically and emotionally, that’s something truly beautiful and worth appreciating. Now, there is a very short list of bands that can inspire me to jump up and dance or sing along. BoxViolet is one band that is a constant. No matter where or when the music hits my ears, I’m compelled to sing along and tap my feet. Even so, I’ve caught myself off guard a time or two dancing and singing at the top of my lungs. I can (and have) get lost in their music for hours on end. This is a band that will forever have a place in my heart (not to mention my iPod).

I remember meeting Margot and Luke around the time “Sad Sad Girl” was about to be released. At that time was trapped in a sad state of mind, so this EP was chicken soup for the heartbroken soul. “Obvious Mistake” was one of the first songs to grab me. After going to a few shows I started noticing that every single time Margot would sing, “Oh how I’m glued to what comes next, once you’ve put your hands upon my dress,” she would delicately lift up the hem of her dress. It’s the little details like this, the subtle aspect of stage presence that keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what she does next. I love that she’s not begging for attention by throwing herself on the ground crying and instead she lets her music and lyrics command the attention they deserve.



“Had I Known” is one of my favorite songs. The title says it all. It touches on the feeling most of us get after a failed relationship. Kicking your self, thinking, “had I known, I never would have let you.” Margot has a real gift for crafting these powerful and honest thoughts into a vivid and intimate boxViolet experience.

Luke has to be one of the most versatile musicians I know. He went from playing lead guitar to drums, which is like going from a raw vegan to a chili-dog lover overnight. Yet Luke makes it seem so effortless. He’s also the brains behind the bass and keyboards on the backing tracks you hear on all of their songs. This band can be addictive live. I often find myself looking at their isgood page (www.isgoodmusic.com/boxviolet) to find my next live fix of sound, shrieking with excitement when I find something close or at an especially cool venue.

I love the new material that boxViolet has been releasing. The songs “Portable” and “Star Stuff” in particular make me feel like I’m hearing boxViolet for the first time all over again. I am eagerly awaiting the new EP, which is in the process of being recorded and due for release in the next few months. My suggestion; quickly go check this band out if you have not already. Only then can you say, “I saw them before they were big.”

Published 5.09 for Isgoodmusic.com

I’m addicted to two things; the written word and music. Lyrics are and have always been a love of mine. I love analyzing every word in a song and trying to get a sense of what its author was feeling or trying to say when they wrote it. Needless to say it takes something pretty extraordinary like Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana or Puccini to really keep me listening to a song in which the words play second in command to the music. One of these rare awesome bands is Ninja Academy. I remember the first time I saw them, I was blown away by the high level of musicianship that this drum and bass duo has. Indo Ninja and Outdo Ninja are truly masters of their craft and have set the standard for playing instrumental very high for anyone attempting to follow in their silent but deadly ninja steps. 

This band has showed me nothing but stellar performance after stellar performance. For example; their performance at the Mormons’ 10 year anniversary show August 15, 2008. During the last song the power went out just after one of Indo Ninja’s incendiary bass lines. Rather than call it quits, Outdo Ninja finished the song with a captivating drum solo that would have convinced you it was planned.

Another example of this would be at The Woven CD release party December 6, 2008. That night I witnessed a performance unlike any I have seen from the ninjas in the past. The “guest ninjas” (who range anywhere from 1-4 on a given night) really made that performance shine. Ninja Mamalickum who does vocal stylings of all sorts on select songs, had me with my jaw dropped to the floor, making me believe she must be a classically trained soprano. Tai Kwon Dan manipulates his “fiddle of destruction” with serene dexterity that really adds to the mystique we have grown to love and expect from Ninja Academy. This is also probably one of the only bands who incorporates a taiko drummer (High Priestess Gongis Khan ) in their set. The cherry on this night had to be Ninja Shogun (a.k.a. Steve Abagon of Woven) on guest guitar that night. You wouldn’t believe the speed and skill coming out of this guy and his impressive pedal board unless you witnessed it yourself. That just goes to show you’ll never know what to expect at a Ninja Academy show. The element of surprise is just a small part of what keeps me going back for more. 

On Monday April 6th, the kick-off show for their national tour across 34 different cities and 19 states took place at Juanita’s in Highland park. They played some material off the new forthcoming self-titled album as well as some ninja favorites I haven’t heard live in a while like “your kung fu sucks”. It was a little bittersweet to know that this would be the last time I would see the ninjas for about 2 months. At the same time it’s truly awesome that one of our family of ISGOOD Bands is going out in the world and making it happen. 

So good luck, Indo Ninja! Good luck, Outdo Ninja! Have a blast and document everything. As for the rest of us, we will be sure to welcome you back on May 21st at The Smell for the Ninja Academy homecoming.

published on 4.09 for Isgoodmusic.com

Initially the name Hello From Reno threw me off, as I was somehow under the logical impression that they were an out of town band from Reno , NV .  I know what you’re thinking, because I thought it too; nothing good comes out of Reno , music or otherwise. Thankfully, this band has roots in the four corners of the US , not Reno . The name came from Matt. “I kind of lost my mind, and was telling people I lived in Reno ,” explains Matt.  “I didn’t want people to know where I lived so I was saying ‘Hello from Reno ’ [and] it became a catch phrase”. He tells me they went through a list of names (among them unmentionables like Butter and 1919) but thankfully Hello From Reno stuck.

Hello From Reno is fronted by Jerry Streeter (guitar, vox),Todd O’Keefe  (bass and vox) and Matt Roveto (guitar),.  Matt and Jerry met in ‘99 when the two were in a band together. Todd had met the two in Silverlake at Spaceland shows “back-in-the-day”. There they discussed their love for bands like bands like The Replacements, REM, The Afghan Whigs, Swimming Pool Cues, The Clash, Husker Du, The Beatles, The Smiths, Hoodoo Gurus, and Bob Dylan, just to name a few.  Rounding out the band is David “Jones” Henderson on drums.Now, Jones doesn’t say much, however, He speaks volumes on his Pearl Drum set. The four became a close group of friends, and spontaneously decided to go to San Diego and make a CD just for fun.  Matt explains:  “Once it was done, we decided to do this (start a band) because we love each other, and we love each other’s company and we’re making some magic.” The friends officially became a band in April of 2008 and had their first show at Biacci’s in Upland on July of 2008.

For being a band such a short time these boys have been rather busy. With a west coast tour under their belt, and another one in the works.

With the first self-titled album Hello From Reno got together a week before they were set to record. .

I really dig Hello From Reno’s first album; the lyrics are melodious and memorable. Their cool sound could be described as having element of Brit pop with classic rock fundamentals.  The harmonies in the vocals contrast the melody of the guitars and bass in a very Beatles-esque manner.  There is undoubtedly a dose of indie with a hint of blues integrated into certain songs along the lines of Honeybee and Roy Orbison.  In general, it’s just feel good music that is perfect for any occasion. From a mellow night with friends, next to a ice cold sixer of Stella, to the parking lot of  Mr.Ts Bowl (Stella optional) .

The lyrics are another thing I really love about this band. They touch on everything from love to life experiences. send positive messages out to its listeners.  ”It’s the same ‘be yourself and do what you want’ message that no one is saying anymore,” explains Todd.

Hello From Reno has since recorded another album called Mind Operator. The recording for this album vastly differs from their first album. It has a very mellow undertone that I’m really into. It also has a lot more “je ne sais quoi” than the last one, with more passion and a slight whisper of darkness on certain tracks like the title track “Mind Operator.”  That song sticks out a lot compared to the rest of the tracks. It was a song that I skimmed through at first, but when I revisited it, was blown away by how intricate and incredible it really is. (Not to mention that the killer ending of the song reminds me of The Who.)  The same can be said about “Wasting time.”   It truly is a darkly beautiful song, mellow but the lyrics and harmony in which they are sung really sets a melancholy tone to the track. However dont be under the assumption that this is a monotonous album.  Not all the songs are mellow.  There are a few tracks that totally make me want to jump around and dance, like “It Comes and Goes” or my favorite track of the new album, “Little Johnny.”  It’s about your typical seditious classic American rebel who wants a change.

Little Johnny is a rebel, oh boy/He wants to make a change/He hears you talking nice and level/He gets so bored/He wants to rearrange

I know that we all have identified with Johnny at one point in our lives; that feeling that comes when you feel like what you’re currently doing isn’t going anywhere or just isn’t working for you anymore. Its the point you come to when you just want to say “fuck it,” and really make a change, whether it be with your scenery, your look, your ways, or (if you want to go deeper) your life.  As I have said before, music is art and is therefore open to interpretation. While I may see it in this philosophical light someone else might see it as a coming-of-age, finding-your-way kind of song.  Whatever the case, it rocks.

. They genuinely enjoy what they are doing and it completely shines through their music and projects onto their audience. They have the courage to be themselves, which among Los Angeles bands is a rarity. Or check out samples of their music at www.myspace.com/TheRealHelloFromReno. Until Next month keep your eyes closed and your ears open.

Published 12.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal

when i want to get some new vinyl , I look no further than Dons music on Eagle Rock Blvd. Its only here that you can find great deals on every record you didn’t know you were looking for. This is a great place for collectors to Buy Sell and Trade your old wax. I could spend all my time and money here, This Place has everything from $1 singles,select $3 records,books, Random Vintage, Miscellaneous memorabilia,and electric Guitars. So what is the most expensive item offered at dons? Its a rare northern soul “45 priced at $42,000. This place definitely has a mom and pop shop feel to it. Don even has a herbs growing in their garden. “whether you want to make a potion or eggplant Parmesan, its all there” exclaims Don. New York native,Don relocated to Los Angeles in August 2004, established Dons Music November 13th and is celebrating 4 years of business this month.



Not only can you find fresh basil but you can also find Husker Du,from The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan, from Surf Rock to Roxy music. Ella Fitzgerald to Zappa, James Brown to Conway Twitty and everything up and in between. Now thats just a few of the awesome things about dons. Not only does he know about every record thats in the place. He’ll tell you exactly what he thinks about everyone of them. He’s not one of the soulless zombies at Tower or Circuit City. Don is a real person who knows his shit when it comes to music. I can (and have )sit in there for hours just talking about music, not to mention when I’m not talking to don, I’m browsing every piece of vinyl in the place.


Don doesnt stop at his shop, he takes his love for music with him as-well. select nights you can catch him spinning records at shows, or out in the crowd savoring the sounds. “Die Rockers Die, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and The Health Club are among my favorite bands” says Don Who will be spinning between sets at the the American Legion located 227 N Avenue 55, 90042 on Saturday November 15th.Its a 21+ show and no cover!

Now with the Christmas season quickly approaching some of you may be wondering what yo get the music addict in your life. I think that giving someone the gift of music is a beautiful thing. but even better when its in the form of vinyl. There is nothing that compares the raw unrestrained sound you hear with vinyl. not to mention that the first time you hear a new record is magical. Its like a tattoo, once you get one, soon you’ll want another one, and another one, and so on. They call it “Itch for the ink” . I think that vinyl has a similar effect, Once i pick one out, three more call my name. So the next time you decide to do some vinyl hunting forget amoeba, and make your way to Dons Music in Eagle Rock. where the only thing that will disappoint you is that you didn’t bring enough cash.



Dons Music
Www.Myspace.Com/donsmusiceaglerock 
4871 Eagle Rock Blvd.
323.255.3551
Monday - Saturday
12- 8
Sunday
12-6

published 10.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal

The word Spontaneous by definition is something performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.I find that the unknown, unplanned little occurrences in life often lead to something new, exciting and ultimately great,Last week i made the spontaneous decision to go to the San Diego Street Scene. For starters I know that San Diego doesn’t even come close to the North East Los Angeles area that we here at the Arroyo Seco Journal exclusively cover. But when i found out that the street scene had Beck, Spoon, and MGMT i jumped at the chance to go. All the artists I wanted to see at a sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday were playing the night before in San Diego. Not only did it have the three big headliners but, Justice, Tv on The Radio,Hot Chip,Chester French, Devotchka were just a few more who launched the first of two Festive nights down in san diego. I’ve really never been partial to the Hollywood Bowl. That whole “Heres your seat” deal restricts my need to jump up and down, or dance along.although, you still get great sound quality anywhere you sit at the bowl.Personaly, Im a real fight-my-way-to-the-front kind of person.Knowing that you had to push and shove your way up a couple hundred peculiar looking people just to get to the front makes the show that much sweeter when you watch the band. I think it really completes the experience and makes it more memorable.It adds that physical aspect you just don’t get in an arranged seating venue. Id rather have that kind of experience that the one where i forgot where i was sitting in a big area. So heres here we start. My Friend and Photographer Joel,our friend Givran and I went down to San Diego on a whim, hopeful somehow that we would get in.We had no idea what to expect, we also didn’t have tickets, any response about press passes, or the slightest clue about what to do once we got there.However we did have hope, some burritos, and three hours of driving to get us through the day.



The San Diego Street Scene celebrated its 24th annual 2 night street festival in Downtown San Diego. With the little hope we had, and a bit of quick thinking somehow we managed to get in. The first plan of action was to get the schedule and location of the bands playing. Once we coordinated which bands we all wanted to see( in a very Coachella like manner) we set off to the first stage. The band we were there to see was MGMT ,however being a little early we got to catch the last few songs of Chester French’s set.They were ok but not memorable, or maybe it was just that i was so eager to see MGMT i wasn’t really paying attention.most likely the latter. 
(pictured: Chester French….i think.lol)



As MGMT took the stage the crowd went wild.They started with a song off their new album “Oracular Spectacular” and followed with my favorite “Electric Feel”. It was also a treat to see the straight up rock and roll material they have live.Watching their stage performance up close i perceived that the electro indie sound they are known or is just a glimpse of what MGMT is truly capable of and i am excited to wait and see what they do next.(pictured:MGMT)


Next stop was TV on the Radio, This was my first time hearing about them or seeing them live and i thought that their performance was not only energetic but also very first-time-listener friendly. It wasn’t hard for me to get into he groove of their style.
(pictured: Tv on the Radio)

“We are your friends, you will never be alone again, so common” will play itself over and over in my head for weeks to come.I saw Justice for about 5 minutes when i went to Coachella ‘08. I had decided not to stick around, a decision i came to regret later and even more so when i did stick around in San Diego.They have a very Electric sound and vibe.I’ve noticed lately how, ill go to a concert and everyone just stands around and watches the bands, almost like hawks eyeing their prey. Its like no one starts mosh pits or stage dives or crowd surfs anymore.mostly because of all those stupid signs that tell us not to.Now with Justice that was not the case, anyone within a 30 foot reach of the stage was either singing along, dancing or crowd surfing. It really warmed my heart to see this much movement in the crowd. Justice definitely was one of the bigger highlights of the night, at least for me.I cant wait to see what they churn out on Halloween night when they are just one of the acts headlining Hard Haunted Mansion in Downtown Los Angeles.
(pictured:Justice!)


Now Beck stole my heart when he created “Midnight Vultures” and his latest album “Modern Guilt” harmonizes with his offbeat style that we love him for. He played all of his new material but also alot of the hits as well, like .”Where Its At”,and “Loser”. Oddly enough for a hour and a half long performance that i had initially hoped would never end, i found my self watching the clock more intently than i was watching Beck. I found his set lacking energy , there was no dancing or prancing here.Dont get me wrong, the guy is a musical genius who has created a style all his own, perhaps all his dancing and prancing fans were unable to get to Sand Diego. Maybe he was saving his energy for the Hollywood Bowl. Whatever the case, his performance in San Diego was slow and made one hour seem like two.I still love you though Beck!




Although we were unable to stick around for Saturday, i was quite impressed at the line up which included X, The Hives, Cold War Kids, The Mother Hips,Does it Offend You, Yeah?, and Tokyo Police Club to name a few. I think that this festival will be in my line up of “must Attend”s next year.Coachella in April, Lumis Day and Electric Daisy Carnival in June, San Diego Street Scene in September and the Eagle Rock Music Festival in October. Id Much rather go to a festival and have the option of choosing between 20 bands as opposed to going to a show and just seeing one or two. Unless that one or two bands were particularly special, for example Primus , Cafe Tacuba , Cornelius or The Adicts. I would pay just those bands alone. Now if all those bands played at a festival id certainly be down for that!Luckily there’s still some really great (and free) Festivals. Like Lumis Day, and the Eagle Rock Music Festival.

Last year the eagle rock music festival was amazing. I spent most of my time walking around ( in high heels no less) taking in the sights and sounds. My Talented young friends in Seasons and I claimed our patch of grass in front of the American Tire Depot while awaiting their set. We ate, drank and were definitely merry.I Fondly look back at the moment when all of us were Dancing on Colorado Blvd, to Billie Jean and starting a pit to another random song. The free cheese and Wine we enjoyed at the Welcome Inn added to this truly magical night that i will never forget. Needless to say, i really hope this years festival lives up or even comes close to last year. Although i wont lie. Im a tad disappointed that there isn’t more Local bands in the line up. I like The Parson Redheads but have never seen them play in Highland Park or Eagle Rock prior to this night. Im still eager to catch Pizza! who I have heard so much buzz about. I am certain The Beeters will put on an Amazing performance for all ho choose to watch them.So before you hit their stage really ask yourself, are you ready to rock? I also suggest hat anyone with ears go and check out The Evangenitals who go on at 11:25- Midnight at the Emerging stage on Shearin and Colorado.Sing along and do what they tell you .This band kicks ass and takes names and other information(like your email). Definitely hit up The Cobra Lillies, whose members are also in The Monolators.Huge congratulations go out to The Monolators for wining a spot on the Detour Festival Downtown and on the same day as the one in Eagle Rock. Congratulations Mary, Eli , Tom and Ashley, you guys deserve it! If you get the chance also try to catch Nu-Tra, Downtown/Union,Stab City,One Trick Pony, Le Switch and Crystal Antlers, all those bands are really good and should be seen and heard at least once. So give it a chance you never know where you’ll spontaneously end up

published 09.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal

Remember the good old punk days? A pleasant time before Avril Lavine and Fall Out bag? When bands like Husker Du, The Germs, and The vandals ruled the scene? Before words like “poser”, “emo”, and “sellout” were carelessly tossed around by those who knew nothing about the music itself? These day’s its rare to find a good punk band, and I really think that The Mormons are one of the last really good punk bands left in Highland Park. Back when I was in High school there was nothing but good local punk bands Disrott, Pissed Youth, Informal Society, and lastly my old favorite band the Gimps. Most if not all of those bands no longer exists. Life happened I suppose. Thinking back I remember seeing the Mormons around, at random shows and events. The first thought in my mind was “Are these guys really, Mormons?” They were attired with complete Mormon garb; the helmet, white short sleeve shirt with a black tie, and they even had backpacks! These guys had it all, everything except the darn bicycle. I remember when I saw their mobile unit playing at Coachella’s parking lot once, “These guys are nuts!” I thought. It was amazing that in a sea of strange people id see a band from my hood. I clearly remember another time at Tommy’s. A couple friends and I were eating when we spotted the Mormons, they were still dressed up so we naturally yelled “Hey Mormons!” they knew us and we knew them and we didn’t see it as a big deal. Right away, this girl behind us says” I thought that too, but why did you yell that out?” I explain to her that they are the band, but she just gives me a blank and puzzled stare. “So wait they’re not actual Mormons? I don’t get it.” some people are too close minded to get it. But wow that girl was a real dingbat.SO After Ten years of Trials, Broken plates, mistaken identity, and the highs and lows of being in a band, what is in store for their future? “Another ten years.” Patrick assures me.

The Mormons are Patrick Jones on Vocals, Vince O’Campo on Guitar and backup vocals, Johnny Mesa on Drums and the newest Mormon to convert Pete Tintle on Bass. Patrick and Vince are the only two original members of the Mormons left. The two met at Eagle Rock High school. They started their first band The Dyslexics
with friend Jimmy Castillo (a future ex- mormon) on guitar, Patrick on vocals, and Vince on drums. The band broke up in 96 when Jimmy joined the army. Saddened but determined to keep playing music, Patrick and Vince decided to start another band. They asked friends Mike Lopez and Ryan Weik (of Madcap) to be a part of the line up, and in August of 1998 they had their first show at Al’s Bar. The biggest question on my mind is where did the idea to dress like Mormons come in? “I really liked this band called the Leeches” explains Patrick. I recently saw the leeches play at T’s, they wore black plastic bags when they were performing. “I thought it would be cool to dress like Mormons and play punk music.” The idea however was not immediately accepted by Vince. “I didn’t like the idea at first. I had worked hard to learn guitar and create songs and I didn’t want to be a gimmick band.” says Vince .who admits that at the time he didn’t know much about the religion but figured they probably weren’t into heavy metal or punk. “Once I visualized them rocking out on guitar and drums it seemed pretty cool. So we had a dress rehearsal and tried it out one day.I knew we would be called The Mormons so that became our band name.” now lets fast forward to 2006 when johnny came into the picture.”These guys have always been heroes of mine.” says Johnny; who met the Mormons through Louie Rodriguez (their Guitarist at the time). “As luck would have it their drummer at that time (Joey Welcher; also of The Beeters) was preparing to step down and that’s when I came in.” “we’ve been really lucky to have a lot of really good drummers throughout the years” adds Vince.



When the band had a blowout, Johnny left. “I always knew id come back. Even when they found another drummer. I wasn’t settled I knew this would be the only band for me.” Explains Johnny. The newest member Pete tells me how he always idolized the Mormons . It wasn’t until he was at a party with Kevin from Midway that the idea came up. The two were talking about bands they liked, that were still playing and Kevin mentioned that the Mormons were looking for a new bassist. “I always thought that the Mormons were one of the best bands playing in LA so I jumped at the chance to audition” says Pete. Now, having seen a few line ups through the Mormons history, I feel like this line up is really strong. I notice when they aren’t playing together they seem to have a good friendship with each other. That’s something that is really important when it comes being in a band. Personally I find it hard to start a band with someone I’m not at least friends with.



The Mormons sound is inspired by all the punk staples. Everything from Screeching Weasel, bad brains youth Brigade and the Vindictives to Frank Black ,Devo and The Pixies. Patrick (who I personally believe is a closet genius) writes all the lyrics. “I’m inspired by everything throughout the day like work, paper bags ,and shoes.” He tells me how the song “Mattress Medium” is based on one of his dads roommates. The song idea comes from the thought of eventually ending up like him. Alone and divorced. His room was practically empty except for a squeaky mattress with no sheets he slept on. “It was like he was already dead” explains Patrick.

“Communicate with the spirits of the dead by creaking the springs in your bed” -“Mattress Medium”

The lyrics are one thing, but watching The Mormons play, well, that’s a horse of a different color. Watching them play is always a surprise experience.After watching them, i understand why Patrick uses elbow and knee pads. Each set is filled with Patrick’s Almost Demoniacal Possessed Antics- Flinging his body to the floor in a fit of shakes, or laying on the floor in the fetal position all while singing his borderline demented lyrics makes this band a must see. They not only have an amazing energy about them but their overall sound brings me back to the days of Punk shows.

I start to see the similarities between the Mormons and actual Mormon Missionaries. The Mormon’s go from club to club –venue to venue striving to showcase their musical talents. Whereas Missionaries go door to door spreading the good word of their religion. The Mormons Plays music for people to get them to relate or connect to their music in one way or another. In the same way missionaries talk to people to get them to buy in and convert to their religion. Its all relative because both require Sacrifice, Devotion, and Faith. ” its hard to keep a band together for 1 year let alone 10.” Says vince. He tells me a story about a guy on the Johnny Carson show who was spinning plates on sticks. Although the plates would fall and break the guy would just replace that plate and keep the rest of them spinning. “Basically a band is like those plates. We just got to keep spinning and along the way there’s going to be some broken plates.” 14 people can say they are playing in the Mormons currently or have played in the Mormons at one time.


” I’m proud to be in a band that’s lasted that long, it’s a huge acomplishment..We couldn’t have done it alone. There are so many specific people I cant even start naming names. Everyone who was in the band, all the bands we played with,all of our fans and everyone who supported us are to thank.” Says Vince “Our ten year show was amazing, it was everything I thought it would be and so much more.” Says Patrick. As I predicted it was a really tight squeeze at Mr.T’s “We got comments from friends on our myspace page telling us they went and left early because it was so packed.” Adds Johnny. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Thinking back there was probably as many people outside as there was inside.


The night was overflowing with some of Highland Parks truly great bands, including, Scientists, Ninjas ,Wolves, Robots, Midway and Mormons, someone would’ve thought that it was a costume party had they not known better. Unfortunately The Beeters were unable to take part in the festive night, so Nourishing the Wolves went on first. By the end of their set it was already getting pretty crowded. Next to go on were The Bolides who did a great job pumping up the crowd. Once Midway came on, there were no seats. It was at that point that Mr.T’s became standing room only.. Trying to get a drink at the bar, however was ridiculous. Serious Props go out to Manny for handling the crowd in such a professional and calm manner. After Midways Killer set, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed that there was a line to get into Mr.T’s . No joke, in all my time there I’ve never seen a line. Up next was Ninja Academy who introduced their latest addition to the academy -Tai Kwan Dan who operated the fiddle of destruction.This already intricate band which also incorporates taiko drums has a new element of mystery to it.Just as their set was closing, these clever ninjas blew out the power just in time for Outdo Ninjas Drum Solo. How ninja is that? I noticed that after they finished playing no one dared move fearing they would lose their spot for 8-Bit. As the robots prepared to go on I remember hearing the fans shouting out requests for their favorite songs. As an 8-bit fan I was most definitely satisfied with their show, especially with “HLP” where the crowd joined 8-Bit on stage for the remainder of their show. I sincerely hope this won’t be the last time I see them play.When the Mormons finally took the stage it was still packed.As usual they delivered a great set that really “In all my time here I’ve only seen these many people just one other time , and this is coming pretty close to blowing that out the water.” Says Arlo. In my opinion this show should go down in ts history of Mr.T’s as one of the greatest shows ever. The celebration was topped of with Cake and a few after parties. 
Unfortunately with all the good must come the bad as well.Obviously the bar made a fortune that night and a little bird told me that anticipating a large crowd, the current owner raised prices on all drinks.Naturally one would expect that because of this increase the bands would be paid for once, Not the case. Please don’t think that this is something new. The owner never gives drink tickets or pays anyone who plays. The only reason bands even consider playing there is one man, Arlo. I was unable to contact The current owner Jonathan for a comment on the matter.I also heard that there is a possibility that Sundays will be rental only, starting this month. That would suck….

The Mormons plan to release Vinyl with all new material,which i am very eager to get my hands on . So until then check them out, i promise you wont be disappointed. You can get more info on them at Myspace.com/Mormons.OR you can catch the Mormons at The Legion on Ave. 55 on the 27th when they play with The Thingz, Million Kids, Bastidas, Johnny Sixpack . Also I highly suggest /insist that you Check out Saccharine Trust, Carnage Asada, Chuck Dukowski Sextet, Ollin, & more when they play at the Legion on the 20th. Both shows start at 9 and are 21+.What else does the future hold for the Mormons? “Another 10 years” Patrick reassures me.







current members:

Patrick Jones (vocals) 1998-present (2008)
Vince O’Campo (guitar/[drums*]/[bass**]) 1998-present (2008)
Johnny Mesa (drums) 2006-2007 & rejoined 2008
Pete Tintle (bass) 2008
——————————————-

former members:

Ryan Weik (drums/[guitar*]) 1998-2004
Mike Lopez (bass) 1998-1999
John Magaha (guitar) 1999-2000
Richard Dominguez (bass) 1999-2001
Louie Rodriguez (guitar) 1999-2003 & rejoined 2005-2007
Jimmy Castillo (bass/[guitar**]) 2001-2007
Aaron Friscia (guitar) 2003-2004
Joey Welcher (drums) 2004-2005
Josh Latham (guitar) 2004-2005
Kelly Kusomoto (drums) 2007

(*)until Ryan’s departure in 2004, Vince and Ryan would switch positions on certain songs.

(**)until Jimmy’s departure in 2007, Vince and Jimmy would switch positions on certain songs.

Published 09.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal