JEFF The (Almighty) Brotherhood

The Smell, unknown to many, is one of my favorite venues within Los Angeles. Located in the back alleyway on the corner of Main and 6th, Jim (the owner/booker) never ceases to amaze me with his uncanny ear for talent and knowledge of the underground music scene I am so devoted to. The lineup was as follows:

Wounded Lion: A band based in Los Angeles, there influences range from The Equal unto The Eyes. A sound that is both personal and unpredictable with a performance to match.

The Splinters: An all girl group that reigns from Oakland, California. They reminded me of The Shangri-Las.

Jeff The Brotherhood: ****

Charlie & The Moonhearts: I was a bit disappointed with the Moonhearts. My ears were still blown out from both Jamin and Jake, however I expected more from the boys who output tunes like Obliteration and Drop In, Drop out.

Ty Segall: This was the first time I had ever seen Segall live. I couldn’t have asked for a better show. After making a complete fool of myself (I ran up to his van as though he were Jesus and I a disciple with a 45’ and a Sharpie) I began to wonder how someone so uncanny, could also be so at ease. The set was beautiful. He played Standing At the Station, Cents, The Drag, You’re Not Me and a number of others. It was very well one of the best show I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.

**** The Brotherhood. The only band I did not know about or had not heard was the very one that took my breathe away. Yes, I am sure I sound passé and a bit melodramatic, but I can assure you that until you have seen them live you do not understand and will not understand how great they truly are. They sounded like Sabbath (off of War Pigs) and The Strange Boys with a sound all there own. Being from Nashville, the influence of blues was loudly heard but they also had a way of making every chord seem as though it stemmed directly from there inner being. Jake and Jamin Orrall, yes they are brothers, were so in synch the only reason I knew I was alive was because of the continual pinches I awarded my left arm. In short, Jeff The Brotherhood are superb. I would highly recommend checking out Mind Ride, U Got the Look, and Heavy Days- LIVE.