Darkwave Rolls Through L.A. Courtesy Of Felte

PUBLIC MEMORY; photo James Christopher

PUBLIC MEMORY; photo James Christopher

Nestled among the dark, quiet residential neighborhood just west of the 110 freeway in downtown L.A. lies the Pico Union Project and scene of Felte Records two-day celebration of live music featuring bands on their roster.

The historical synagogue was the perfect setting both architecturally and atmospherically for the music that was performed.

DEVON CHURCH; photo James Christopher

DEVON CHURCH; photo James Christopher

I got there early to catch all four bands on Day 2 and found a spot in one of the pews to kick back and watch Devon Church. His haunting, sexy, heartfelt songs were the perfect way to start the evening. Their minimal sound was full, hypnotic, easing you to drift away while nodding to the dirge-like rhythm. Offsetting the lead singer/guitarist was the keyboardist dressed in striking red from head to toe.

PUBLIC MEMORY; photo James Christopher

PUBLIC MEMORY; photo James Christopher

A DJ took over the music during a quick set change while people got up off their pews and began to fill the floor in front of the stage for Public Memory. They were rewarded with a surprisingly energetic set albeit too short.

Always in constant motion, it was hard to take your eyes off Robert Toher as he moved between his keyboard and the microphone simultaneously jumping and dancing as he sang. Holding the mic with one hand and gesturing with the other or playing a tambourine or shaking the hell out of a maraca he frantically moved around the stage, giving his all to the music.

The addition of a live drummer truly added another dimension to this dark, comforting, weird, unusual music. His tight rhythm patterns absolutely complimented the songs I knew so well. I appreciate a drummer that doesn’t hide behind the splashing of symbols.

PUBLIC MEMORY; photo James Christopher

PUBLIC MEMORY; photo James Christopher

There was another keyboardist who was often mouthing the words while he energetically danced and played, head bobbing, body bowing adding yet another dimension to the effects and noises, odd patterns and overall strangeness.

This was one of the bands I particularly came to see and clearly, I was not alone. Shouts of “yes” and screams of recognition could be heard as the first note of nearly every song began.

Speaking to a fan after their set she said, “These guys are like me.” She completely connects to their music.

They left us wanting more.

RITUAL HOWLS; photo James Christopher

RITUAL HOWLS; photo James Christopher

Ritual Howls was the other band I was looking forward to seeing. The floor was still packed which told me that they were also highly anticipated by the rest of the crowd.

RITUAL HOWLS; photo James Christopher

RITUAL HOWLS; photo James Christopher

Right from the start the band seemed to have sound issues on stage but from the audience side of the stage it was a joy to hear so many of the songs live after hearing them through car speakers for a couple of years!

RITUAL HOWLS; photo James Christopher

RITUAL HOWLS; photo James Christopher

Paul Bancell’s familiar guitar hooks and melodies were clear as a bell as were his deep vocals. Ben Saginaw’s pulsating basslines and Chris Samuels’ synth samples and drum machine drove the songs, at times there was a distinct dance groove. Somehow the melancholy feel of the music often makes me think of a spooky Joy Division and yet Ritual Howls has their own very recognizable sound.

ODONIS ODONIS; photo James Christopher

ODONIS ODONIS; photo James Christopher

Odonis Odonis closed the night with their hypnotic, industrial trance music. Synth-driven by Constantin Tzenos and Denholm Whale. Drummer Jarod Gibson stood between them banging out rhythms on an electronic drumkit and/or snare drum. I wasn’t familiar with the group, but their deliberate mesmerizing beats and synth sounds won me over, at times reminiscent of Nitzer Ebb.

ODONIS ODONIS; photo James Christopher

ODONIS ODONIS; photo James Christopher

Felte Records is the rare type of label that if you like one, or even two bands on their roster, chances are you’re going to like more. I wish I could have made it to both nights because I’m sure I would have discovered a lot more!