The Birth Defects, Sand Babes, Sad Robot and more rule Grimy Goods stage at Echo Park Rising

The Birth Defects, photo by Wes Marsala

This past Sunday at Echo Park Rising, the Grimy Goods stage was in full effect! We all know that the third day of a music festival—especially a music festival in 100-degree zone—can be a bit lackluster with crowds. The was not the case at the Grimy Goods stage at the Echoplex for the final day of Echo Park Rising. Sweat, sunglasses and all—fans came out to catch some sensational performances by The Birth Defects, Sand Babes, Crown Plaza, Sad Robot and Two Sheds.

Kicking off the festivities was Two Sheds. As fans trickled in to get their fix of the mellow vibes that Two Sheds were giving off, within minutes they all seemed to be captivated by the lovely music vibrating off the stage. Lost in their own transcendental moments of bliss, Two Sheds gave the crowd a much needed dose of soothing calm-before-the-storm.

Turning up the heat on an already sweltering hot day were Sad Robot. Leading lady Kat Pawlak enamored a packed house as she danced across the stage full of infectious energy and alluring vocals. I couldn’t help but notice two potent-smelling hippies dancing endlessly to Sad Robot’s set. They were definitely enjoying the dark indie pop that Sad Robot was giving off, and due to their au naturel fragrance, the crowd was giving them more than enough space to dance the day away.

Sad Robot, photo by Danielle Gornbein

Dropping a sexy dose of slow-moving indie pop fused with tantalizing synths and other electronic delights, Crown Plaza charmed the pants right off us. Front-man Nima Kazerouni has an inviting voice that you just want to serenade you to sleep every night.

Up next were Sand Babes. Man, did these guys pull in a large crowd that went generously past the soundboard. Their groovy psychedelic surf-rock sounds were both mellow and upbeat, creating a deliciously hazy ambiance. For being a fairly new band, Sand Babes throughly impressed us.

Closing out the Grimy Goods stage at Echo Park Rising were The Birth Defects. These guys unleashed a rogue wave of hardcore punk. With lightening fast guitar riffs and drums that pummeled your face, The Birth Defects were a hurricane of energy. Singer Jason Finazzo draws you in with a manic stage presence that commands your attention. Between his unique voice and those perky ringlets bouncing off his head, he won’t soon be forgotten. Altogether, The Birth Defects shred the Echoplex a new one!

A big thanks to all the incredible bands that performed at the Grimy Goods stage at the Echoplex, all the show-goers that came out , all the motorcycles that rode out, and a big thank you to the Echoplex and Echo Park Rising. That was damn good time.

Words: Sandra Burciaga

Photography: Wes Marsala and Danielle Gornbein

The Birth Defects, photo by Danielle Gornbein