Pianos Become The Teeth
The Coachella season madness has now subsided but you can still get your music fix as we head into May. As the temperature outside increases so does the number of hot live music shows to attend. We’ve got old school garage-punk comebacks The Sonics and new school wild kids Twin Peaks stirring things up this month. There’s also plenty of head-banging opportunities awaiting you from Pianos Become The Teeth to Dead Sara to Deftones, just to name a few. If you feel like shaking your booty instead, Dan Deacon and Tanlines got you covered. Wanna get down to some hip-hop groove? Slick Rick is headed to SoCal and Peanut Butter Wolf is hittin’ the decks, coupled with a screening of the cult classic Breakin’. May is certainly shaping up to be a helluva scorcher, so check out our concert calendar and get a jump on those tickets!
May 1 — Sleater-Kinney at Hollywood Palladium
Indie rock trio Sleater Kinney have reunited and are currently touring in support of their thrilling new album (and first studio effort in 10 years!) No Cities to Love. With Theesatisfaction and Ian Rubbish rounding out the bill, you’ll want to make sure you get there early and stay late.
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May 1 — Kinky at Natural History Museum
First Fridays at the Natural History Museum is popping off this month with Mexican alt-rockers Kinky. The band is on tour in support of their critically acclaimed MTV Unplugged album which features acoustic versions of their hits. Tropical surf rock collective Salt Petal support.
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May 1 — They Might Be Giants at The Regent
With their unique, cross-genre sound and highly entertaining live shows, Brooklyn’s They Might Be Giants are poised to knock your socks off at their headlining show at The Regent this month. The band is hitting the road in support of their new album Glean. Hear the new tunes first!
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May 1 — Dan Deacon at Echoplex
Electronic artist Dan Deacon is no stranger when it comes to crafting a ridiculously fun, dance-inducing live performance as evidenced by the last time we caught him opening for Arcade Fire. Deacon is touring in support of his new album Gliss Riffer so expect to get down on the dance floor to new jams. Opening acts Prince Rama and comedian/filmmaker Ben O’Brien get the party started.
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May 2 — Pianos Become The Teeth at The Roxy
Baltimore rock group Pianos Become The Teeth kick ass and now you can witness their wild live show up close and personal when they headline The Roxy this month. Rock hard and fast to songs off their new album Keep You (Epitaph Records). Supporting acts are Loma Prieta and Gates.
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May 3 — Lightning Bolt at The Echo
Expect nothing short of an electrifying show when underground rock duo Lightning Bolt strike The Echo this month with their wall of noise and sound. Lightning Bolt are touring in support of their sixth album Fantasy Empire, available now via Thrill Jockey. Get there early to catch opening acts Liturgy and Baby Aspirin.
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May 5 — Los Lobos at The Regent
Ain’t no party like a Los Lobos party! East LA blues rock legends and Grammy Award winners Los Lobos are scheduled to jam at The Regent right here in DTLA. Joining them are fellow LA roots music icons Dave and Phil Alvin (The Blasters) with the Guilty Ones. Mighty Echoes support.
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May 6 — Gurrumul at El Rey Theatre
Internationally acclaimed indigenous Australian musician Gurrumul is bringing his unique, spiritual acoustic/folk sound to the El Rey Theatre. He has performed at Buckingham Palace and for President Barack Obama. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see him live right here in L.A.!
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May 7 — Esperanza Spalding at El Rey Theatre
Renowned vocalist/bassist/composer Esperanza Spalding’s immense musical chops and unique style blows the doors wide open in the world of jazz and instrumental music. She embarks on her playful, experimental Emily’s D+Evolution Tour this Spring – don’t miss it! Opening act is Laleh.
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The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
May 7 — The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion at Echoplex
NYC’s The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion serve up hot guitar licks and battering beats. The band’s new album Freedom Tower is out now. The band suggests that you play the album at all-night rent parties, picnics, discotheques, and protests but we suggest you hear it live. So get on it! Opening act is We Are Hex.
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May 7 — Other Lives at Club Bahia
Portland by way of Oklahoma alternative trio Other Lives have opened for the likes of Radiohead and Bon Iver. Now they’re touring in support of their new album Rituals, which is due out May 4th and features captivating singles like “Easy Way Out” and “Reconfiguration.” Riothorse Royale support.
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May 8 — Purity Ring at Fonda Theatre
Canadian duo Purity Ring are blowing our socks off with their sophomore album Another Eternity, which made our 16 Highly Anticipated Albums to be Excited for in 2015. Be of the first to hear new tracks such as “Begin Again” live! Supporting act is Born Gold.
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May 8 — Deftones at The Observatory
Before Deftones head out on a Summer stadium tour with Incubus, Death From Above 1979 and The Bots, get up close and personal with the epic rock group at The Observatory. Headbang to old-school hits and tunes from their 2014 album Koi No Yokan. Lucky attendees may even get a preview of songs from their forthcoming new album, tentatively scheduled for a late September release. Fingers crossed!
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May 9 — The Sonics at The Regent
Garage rock outfit The Sonics are back together after 48 years! The band’s forthcoming release, This Is the Sonics features all original members, plus Freddie Dennis (the Kingsmen/Liverpool Five) and Dusty Watson (Dick Dale/Agent Orange) and was produced by Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Dirtbombs). The Two Tens and Barrence Whitfield open. It’s time to shake, rattle and roll!
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May 9 — Dead Men Walking at Troubadour
Dead Men Walking is the ultimate supergroup, featuring a killer line up with Captain Sensible of The Damned, Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats, Chris Cheney of The Living End and Mike Peters of The Alarm. Special guests joining them for this one-of-a-kind night of rock and roll include Duff (Guns & Roses & Velvet Revolver); Rami Jeffe (Foo Fighters) and James Freanley (Pogues) and more! Opening act is Barb Wire Dolls.
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May 11 & 12 — The Bird and The Bee at Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
Los Angeles indie pop duo The Bird and The Bee aka Greg Kurstin and Inara George will be taking over the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever for two special back-to-back night performances. Don’t miss your chance to see this fantastic duo in an intimate setting! Supporting acts are Samantha Sidley and Alex Lilly.
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The Wombats
May 12 — The Wombats at Fonda Theatre
We’ve experienced the mind-blowing, house-party style live set that Liverpool pop-rockers The Wombats have been known to put on and we couldn’t be more stoked that they’re back in Los Angeles to do it all again. Let loose to songs off their new album Glitterbug! Opening acts are Life in Film and Cheerleader.
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May 12 & 13 — Dead Sara at Troubadour
Los Angeles quartet Dead Sara are a reminder that rock n’ roll ain’t dead. The band is touring in support of their sophomore album, Pleasure to Meet You, which slays from beginning to end. Don’t miss your chance to witness their radical and breathtaking performance live! Walker Lukens and The Wans support.
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May 13 — Thrice at The Glass House
OC quartet Thrice have been turning heads since the late ’90s and there’s no stopping them now. The rock chameleons, who employ a variety of genres from thrash to experimental and grunge, will have you headbanging in seconds. Get caught in the rock storm that is Thrice!
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May 14 — Fool’s Gold at Troubadour
Los Angeles afro-pop infused indie band Fool’s Gold recently released their dynamite new album, Flying Lessons, on limited edition orange vinyl for Record Store Day, followed by a wide release on May 19th (ORG Music). The band always turns up the heat with their live performance and we bet the Troubadour floor will be shaking with dancing bodies as soon as they step to the stage. Opening act is The Happy Hollows.
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May 14 — Melody’s Echo Chamber at The Roxy
Paris based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Melody Prochet is the heart and soul behind the psych-infused dream-pop of Melody’s Echo Chamber. MEC is set to release a new album later this year. Treat your ears to enchanting single “Shirim” then experience a preview of it, along with other new tunes, live. Art-rock quartet Corridor supports.
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May 14 — Bombino at The Regent
Internationally acclaimed guitarist/singer-songwriter Bombino hails from Agadez, Niger but this month he’ll be wowing audiences in Los Angeles with sweet tunes off his newest album, Nomad (produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys!). Feel the chill and wondrous vibes of his psychedelic blues!
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May 14 — James Bay at Fonda Theatre
We recently caught UK guitarist/singer-songwriter James Bay rockin’ SXSW and there’s no doubt he knows how to give one helluva soulful performance. His debut album Chaos and the Calm is out now. Be sure to catch him live before he heads back across the pond! Elle King supports.
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Woods
May 14 — Woods at The Echo
Woods are back in Los Angeles with a headlining show at The Echo and you can hear jams off their newest album With Love and Light live. Jump right in and trip out to their twisted psychedelic pop, and you will most certainly come out the other side quite pleased. Supporting acts are Alex Bleeker and The Freaks and Simon Joyner.
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May 15 — Muse at The Mayan
UK rock trio Muse are hitting the road in anticipation of their forthcoming release, Drones, due out June 8th. Get down to new tracks such as single “Dead Inside” at The Mayan and live to tell the tale to all your jealous friends who didn’t jump on getting tickets.
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May 15 — The Vitals at Silverlake Lounge
Last time we caught The Vitals live, they were serving up pure rock n’ roll for the soul. Now the trio is back to their old stomping grounds at Silverlake Lounge before they begin their mini-tour headed North. Spirits and the Melchizedek Children and The Burning of Rome support.
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May 15 — Ex Hex at The Roxy
Power trio Ex Hex are ready to tear shit up at The Roxy with songs off their debut album Rips, released late last year on Merge Records. The album impressed us so much that we here at Grimy Goods ran a Hot Band Alert and listened to it on repeat. With supporting acts Shivas and Go Betty Go rounding out the bill, this will no doubt be a smokin’ show!
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May 15 — Lenny Kravitz at Fonda Theatre
Grammy Award winning rock star Lenny Kravitz is currently touring in support of his new album Strut. Enjoy new songs and classics alike when he makes a much anticipated stop in Los Angeles at the Fonda Theatre this month. Peace, love & Lenny Kravitz!
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Lord Huron
May 16 — Lord Huron at Wiltern
L.A.’s Lord Huron have been packing venues since the release of their 2012 album Lonesome Dreams. Now the band is on the road again, touring in support of their 2015 follow up release Strange Trails. Get movin’ to the sweet indie folk of Lord Huron! Family of the Year supports.
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May 16 — The Juan Maclean at The Regent
The Juan Maclean know how to impress us and inspire us to get our dance on. We were diggin’ so hard on them that they made our Grimy Goods Best Albums of 2014 list with their fantastic record In A Dream (DFA). Opening acts are Secret Circuit and Cooper Saver.
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May 17 — Peanut Butter Wolf with Egyptian Lover at The Regent
Are you ready for the ultimate double feature? Los Angeles DJ and founder of Stones Throw Records Peanut Butter Wolf is hitting the decks following a screening of the hip-hop, breakdancing cult classic Breakin’. Bust out your best ’80s streetwear and get down! Joining PBW is Egyptian Lover and Boogaloo Shrimp.
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May 18 — Wolf Alice at The Roxy
U.K. four piece Wolf Alice sure know how to get a crowd to headbang with their grunge fueled rock and roll. The band is touring in support of their forthcoming, full-length debut, My Love is Cool. Gateway Drugs supports. Be there for this must-see show!
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May 18 — Tanlines at Echoplex
Experimental electro-pop duo Tanlines wowed us with their debut Mixed Emotions back in 2012. Now the band is back with brand spanking new songs from Highlights, their sophomore effort due out May 19th. Peep the singles “Slipping Away” and “Invisible Ways” now, then shake it to it live!
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May 19 — Courtney Love at Ventura Theater
Despite all the controversial hullabaloo we see in the media about Courtney Love, famed wife of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, there’s no doubt that she, on her own, remains a long-standing staple in the alternative rock world. Now’s your chance to hear her side of the story through her music. Synth-pop/rock hometown heroes Kitten will be kicking things off.
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May 20 — Shakey Graves at Fonda Theatre
Texan singer-songwriter Shakey Graves aka Alejandro Rose-Garcia always sings his heart out and his musical passion is infectious. He also made our The 20 Hottest Men in Indie Music and Then Some list and we’re stoked he’s back in town to headline the Fonda. The Barr Brothers open.
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GBH
May 21 — GBH at The Roxy
English hardcore punks GBH have been channeling pure punk rock fury and angst since their inception in the early ’80s, and years later they still got it, kicking ass and taking names on stage. This sick night of punk rock kicks off with D.I. and Bad Samaritans.
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May 22 — Crocodiles at The Satellite
San Diego’s Crocodiles new album, Boys, drops May 12th on Zoo Music and features some psych and latin infused garage punk jammers. Weird out to their trippy new animated video for single, “Foolin’ Around,” and then go see them live! Girl Tears and The Wallburds support.
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May 22 — The Rezillos at The Roxy
Edinburgh’s punk-garage-glam trailblazers The Rezillos burst onto the scene in the ’70s with their cult classic Can’t Stand The Rezillos. 37 years later the band is back together with their follow up album Zero (Metropolis Records). Get weird to new songs and classics alike. Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds join them for this must see show. Time to pogo!
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May 23 — Ceremony at Echoplex
San Francisco hardcore punk/post-punk upstarts Ceremony are gearing up to stir things up when they take to The Echoplex stage this month. Expect to hear songs off their fifth studio album The L Shaped Man, which explores themes of loneliness and heartbreak, and hits the streets May 19th via Matador Records. Negative Approach will be jump starting the evening.
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May 26 — Refused at The Roxy
Swedish hardcore punks Refused are headlining Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas this year but if you can’t make that show, don’t fret. Catch them up close and personal for a night of absolute musical mayhem at The Roxy. Get in the pit or go home!
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May 26 — Slick Rick at Constellation Room
Grammy nominated classic hip-hop icon Slick Rick’s The Eye Patch Spring Tour is coming to the Constellation Room this month. Well known and well-sampled by others, Slick Rick is one of the great golden age of hip-hop storytellers and primarily known for hits such as “La Di Da Di” and “Children’s Story.” Get ready for big beats and smooth flows!
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May 27 — Neutral Milk Hotel at Warner Grand Theatre
Indie-pop darlings Neutral Milk Hotel, led by frontman Jeff Magnum, are well known for pitch perfect performances and fervent fans. Be sure to catch them at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro now, as per the band, this will be their last tour for the foreseeable future. Witness the magic of NMH live before it’s too late!
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May 27 — Will Butler at Troubadour
Will Butler, of Arcade Fire fame, is branching out on his own and sharing solo material in the intimate Troubadour setting. The multi-instrumentalist and composer released his excellent solo LP Policy back in March via Merge Records, which features quirky, catchy tracks like “Anna.” Experience the music (and awesome dance moves) of Will Butler up close and personal! Jo Firestone supports.
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Twin Peaks
May 30 — Twin Peaks at Jewels Catch One
Last time Twin Peaks rolled through town they put on a debaucherous set, intoxicating the crowd with their raucous rock n’ roll. These Chicago dudes are hitting the road, in support of their new album Wild Onion. Strap in because it’s gonna be a wild ride! Modern Vices and Ferbus open.
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May 30 — Spoon at Wiltern
Last time we saw Spoon they impressed fans with a healthy mix of old school hits and new songs alike. The Austin indie rockers’ new album They Want My Soul is out now and what we at Grimy Goods have dubbed “a refreshing return to form.” We highly recommend you take a listen, then hear it live! Sweet Spirit open.
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May 30 — Rocket From The Crypt with The Bronx at Observatory
San Diego rockers Rocket From The Crypt will be stirring up a musical storm with a bone-rattling performance alongside Los Angeles hardcore punk heavyweights The Bronx at The Observatory. Opening act Dead Heavens get the circle pit into gear – now let the mayhem commence!
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May 30 — Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga at Hollywood Bowl
Multi-generational artists, classic crooner Tony Bennett and pop diva Lady Gaga have joined forces to celebrate and perform both duets and solos of various jazz standards. Don’t miss out on this memorable performance under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl!
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May 30 — Wire at Echoplex
From their debut album Pink Flag (1977) all the way through to their new album, simply titled Wire (2015) there’s no doubt that post-punk/art punks Wire have been going strong since their early heyday. Don’t miss your chance to see these living legends live! Mild High Club supports.
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May 30/31 — Courtney Barnett at The Roxy
Melbourne alt-indie rocker Courtney Barnett is on a roll these days – having performed some stellar shows at SXSW and touring in support of her debut full-length, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit which just dropped this past March on Mom + Pop Music. Chastity Belt and Darren Hanlon support.
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