It’s impossible to separate LA LOM — short for The Los Angeles League of Musicians — from Los Angeles. Track titles such as “Angels Point” and “Santee Alley,” both of which draw their names from locations in LA, repeatedly reaffirm the love guitarist Zac Sokolow, bassist Jake Faulkner, and percussionist Nicholas Baker have for the city.
LA LOM has several upcoming show dates in Southern California, including an L.A. area date at the Glass House (Dec. 30), a Pappy and Harriet’s show near Joshua Tree (Jan. 12), and a Los Angeles show at the Wiltern on Feb. 24, and more.
LA LOM, despite being formed in 2021, gained quick attention after releasing their self-titled debut EP in the following year. Their biggest song, “El Sueno”, which features a dusty sound, showcases their retro and Peruvian influences. On their most recent single, “Llorar”, a cover of the hit song by Los Socios del Ritmo, LA LOM tastefully pays homage to the cumbia music that played a significant role in shaping their upbringing in LA.
“Llorar” tosses out the sorrowful, lovesick lyrics and lets the instruments do all the singing. The crisp recording stands out immediately, placing you in the middle of a crowded venue as the percussion’s echoes bounce off the walls. Any disappointment over the absent vocals is quickly forgotten for how well the band updates the cumbia classic without losing its charm.
Uniquely, almost all of their released songs so far have been accompanied by live versions on their YouTube channel, and “Llorar” was no different. The ultra-saturated and intimate visuals make the brightly lit room seem as though it’s over 100 degrees, pairing well with Sokolow’s charged guitar playing. There’s also little interaction between the band due to how locked in each member is in the music, something that can be seen in every other video on their channel.
LA LOM is an LA band through and through, so it should be no surprise that the three members are LA natives who met through high school and college. Since their formation, they’ve been playing shows nonstop in California and elsewhere, with dates lined up through the winter. But through the cold weather, no matter where the trio might find themselves next, there’s a guarantee they will effortlessly harness the nostalgia of cumbia music.
Words: David Sosa
“Llorar” by LA LOM is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and live shows, including an LA date for Cory Wong on Feb. 23 at The Wiltern and multiple CA dates, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and their website.
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