Due to a last-minute decision beyond the control of all the bands, King Parrot's show this past Monday in Los Angeles was moved from the Echo to Knucklehead. With the doors originally set to open around 10 PM, even though it was closer to 11 by the time things were sorted; Spirit in the Room, Filth is Eternal, and King Parrot all showed the resilience needed in live music.
I had been excited for this show for a few week already since some friends of mine are in Filth is Eternal and this would be my first time seeing the other two bands.
Starting the night was the Los Angeles-based band Spirit in the Room. I'm listening to their latest EP, Flamingo, as I'm writing currently. The first word that came to mind in describing their music would be cinematic. One of my favorite aspects of movies is how they can instantly shift the atmosphere of a room while you're watching a story under considerably normal circumstances.
I've been in bars similar to Knucklehead plenty of times, but Spirit in the Room took over within a few notes and didn't let up until the end of their set. I can see them fitting into the current landscape of rock music at large because sub-genres can be used as descriptive terms for their music, but I can't say I see any particular one being a proper fit.
It's refreshing to encounter a band for the first time and be distinctly struck by their identity as a group. I'm supposed to have a chance to see them again in November, and I look forward to exploring their music more.
Next up was Seattle's Filth is Eternal. Usually, since I know the band, I'd make some disclaimer about aiming for objectivity. You all can decide whether you think I'm being objective or not, but I will always gush in excitement when talking about Filth is Eternal.
This will be even more obvious if you read my upcoming review of their latest LP, Find Out, which is due for release through MNRK Heavy on September 29th.
They played many new songs from Find Out and couldn't have been tighter chemistry wise. Singer Lis Di Angelo is electric in her presence as a performer, they are never shy about getting the entire crowd to feel involved in the performance while also respecting if people prefer to be more on the observant side of life.
Brian, Emily, and Colin (guitarist, drummer, and bassist, respectively) provide the solid foundation that allows Lis to share every bit of frenzied energy that can be felt in their concise songs that are typically around two to three minutes long. It was an ideal shot of adrenaline for a late night show and I don't mind saying I'm proud seeing how they continue to evolve as a band.
As the clock struck midnight, King Parrot nearly left Knucklehead in pieces with the madness that ensued. These road warriors have been away from their home of Australia for over a month with a mix of festival shows, dates with bands like Weedeater, Pantera, and Lamb of God along with their various headlining dates.
I want to express my immense gratitude to them for being as welcoming to be around as their music is brutal. If Filth is Eternal was the adrenaline I needed for the rest of the night, which they were, King Parrot nearly put me in cardiac arrest from their fiery set.
Playing a variety of songs going back to their debut LP in 2012, Bite Your Head Off, to songs from their latest EP, Holed Up in the Lair.
Anyone who made it to Knucklehead the other night won't soon forget that King Parrot set. As I told their singer Matt Young, my night as a photographer couldn't have been easier.
When you shoot bands that play frenetic and grinding music, you're just hoping you can keep track of the chaos and effectively document when lightning struck.
I hope to have the chance to see King Parrot again and would encourage you to get familiar with their music if you aren't already.
Tagged: filth is eternal, king parrot, spirit in the room
