Naked Lights at The Hideout in San Diego, CA.

B&W Photos by Mycul Davis - Words and Color Photos by FuzzTrash

I was excited to see GØGGS at The Echo because it was sure to be magic being the same stage I first saw them on. Their live debut was at the In The Red Records 25th Anniversary festival, and it was so mind-blowing the whole crowd seemed stunned. When I saw this show announcement, I immediately jumped on it. I knew it was gonna be a doozy. 

The first band, Naked Lights, hailed from Oakland. A 5 piece band that is more than a generic label like no wave punk, they drew me in right away. Listen to em for yourself, but I liked em so much I bought their cassette tape “Brow Beat” released by Sanity Muffin. 

Next up was Warm Drag an LA based sound duo. Paul Quattrone makes cool noisy beats using a drum machine, sampler, and various effects pedals while Vashti Windish sings with her haunting vocals. It definitely is unique and intriguing! At this time I was not able to locate any recordings of their music, so try to catch them live or keep an eye out for any future releases!

Then Flat Worms LA rock super trio took the stage with a huge burst of energy and sound, and all while making it look effortless. I have seen them play before, but this was by far my favorite performance. 

Will Ivy (Dream Boys, Wet Illustrated, Bridez) shreds like fine parmesan and sings catchy yet, too true lyrics like: “Alarm bells toll for the human race as we're crushed by our own self hatred.” 

Justin Sullivan (Kevin Morby, the Babies) drums like a calculated machine with the coolest head bobs making it look easy. 

Tim Hellman (Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Sic Alps) plays sweeping bass lines that help make the driving rhythm so intricate. 

I hope they release a full length album soon cuz I can’t get enough! Until then, get their debut 7 inch “Red Hot Sand” released on Volar Records. 

Finally, GØGGS a supergroup of sorts with Chris Shaw (Ex-Cult) and Charles Mootheart (Fuzz, CFM, etc.) Ty Segall and other various rotating members setup. They left the stage while letting guitar and bass feedback in their signature style, causing a lot of anticipation in the crowd. Just when you thought maybe they escaped through the green room and weren’t playing after all, they came on stage. 

Chris Shaw passed out the set list to the members while they played the intro and then instantly got into punk mode on the mic. The crowd went fuckin’ nuts and kids were pushing everyone forward and everyone was trying to get a piece of the action. I tried to hold my ground, but helplessly drifted in a sea of a domino mosh pit along with everyone else. Just like a good punk show should, crowd chaos ensued. 

The heavy bass and guitar riffs and punching drums Ty Segall and Charles Mootheart switched back and forth between sent everyone into maniac mode. These two can do it all! 

Chris Shaw continued to entertain and has a way with mic stands and stances that is just so badass and anything but boring. He jumped in the pit and did some crowd surfing, keeping everyone going with high intense energy. 

The set ended and the band once again disappeared into the greenroom. At this point we were all addicted and started to have withdrawals and stood around, in hopes of an encore. 

Just when you were starting to accept that it might truly be over, they jumped back on stage and played a few songs I hadn’t heard before. Presumably, from the upcoming new album they’re to release sometime this year. Who knows? GØGGS keeps you guessing. I’m hooked. 

NAKED LIGHTS - “Blue Ink”

RED LIPS: Coming soon

RED LIPS: Coming soon