LOS ANGELES, CA- As the crisp October night descended upon the city, music enthusiasts and Halloween aficionados alike gathered at the iconic Paramount venue for a pre-Halloween extravaganza like no other. Hosted by Coconut Spaceship, the event, aptly named “Galactic Graveyard,” promised a lineup that was out of this world. I couldn’t have been more excited. The anticipation was palpable, as I was about to witness a diverse array of acts, some old favorites and some eagerly anticipated new-to me-comers.
The evening kicked off with the enigmatic Iress, a band that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live four times in 2023 alone. Their “doom gaze” music has always captivated me, and this performance was no exception. With a penchant for crafting hauntingly beautiful sonic landscapes, Iress had the audience spellbound from the first note.
Iress, known for their mesmerizing live shows, effortlessly transported the crowd to a realm where shadows danced to the eerie melodies. The ethereal vocals of Michelle Malley seemed to echo through the Paramount, casting a bewitching spell upon all in attendance. Their setlist, a mixture of new tracks and fan favorites, showcased their ability to evoke deep emotions with each chord progression and lyrical delivery.
In a year of remarkable performances, Iress undoubtedly earned the title of “Band I’ve Seen The Most.” Their sonic sorcery left the audience yearning for more, setting the stage for a night filled with musical wonders.
Following Iress, the spaceman-costumed rockers of Satellite Citi took the stage with an energy that could rival a supernova. Known for their electrifying live presence, the duo, comprised of vocalist/drummer Anna Gevorkian and guitarist Shante Sulahian, unleashed a sonic onslaught that reverberated through the venue.
Their latest single, “Trouble Flower,” had already piqued my interest, and experiencing it live was nothing short of exhilarating. Anna’s vocals soared to celestial heights, her piercing clarity cutting through the musical maelstrom like a comet blazing through the night sky. The undeniable guitar riffs provided by Shante were complemented by Anna’s thunderous drumming, creating a sonic vortex that left us all in awe.
As a delightful surprise, Seth Perez of Chasing Desolation joined them on stage for a cover of My Chemical Romance’s “Helena,” turning the Paramount into a cosmic arena of rock ‘n’ roll ecstasy. Satellite Citi’s set was a testament to their undeniable talent and the raw power of their music, leaving us all with ears ringing and hearts pounding.
One of the evening’s most anticipated- for me- acts was Dolly Dagger, who I had longed to see perform live with a full band for years. Dolly was celebrating the release of her latest EP, “Nightmare,” and I couldn’t have picked a better show to attend. Her music, with its hard rocking and grunge-rock qualities, hinted at a deep emotional reservoir from which her lyrics and stories poured forth.
“Swerve,” a standout track from the EP, was a slow-burning alt rock jam that kept me on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the cathartic release of its heavy, resonant climax. Dolly’s stage presence was magnetic, but some flowers need to go to her guitarist who was equally captivating, providing a visual and auditory feast for the senses.
The symbiotic relationship between Dolly and her band members was solid and each note, each lyric, was imbued with a sense of authenticity that resonated with the audience on a profound level. Dolly Dagger’s performance was well worth the wait.
The moment we had all been waiting for had arrived – the headliner of the evening, Annabel Lee. My friends had been singing her praises for years, and it wasn’t until I delved into her latest album, “Mother’s Hammer,” that I realized what I had been missing. Her music possessed a visceral quality that was difficult to put into words, and it was evident that this was a performance to remember.
Annabel’s stage presence was nothing short of electrifying. Whether she was perched behind her keyboard or sprawled on the stage floor, belting out her lyrics with unrestrained passion, she commanded the audience’s attention with a fiery intensity that left us all breathless. The titles of her songs, all in capital letters on Spotify, felt like a statement, a declaration of the emotional turmoil and raw power that lay within her music.
The songs from “Mother’s Hammer” were brought to life with a ferocity that sent shivers down our spines. Annabel Lee’s vocal prowess was matched only by her ability to connect with the audience on a deeply emotional level. It was a performance that transcended the boundaries of music, becoming a visceral experience that left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
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In the end, “Galactic Graveyard” was a night to remember, a sonic journey through the far reaches of the alternative music scene. Each artist brought their unique flavor to the stage, leaving the audience in a state of musical bliss. Coconut Spaceship, the visionary architects of this cosmic event, had curated a lineup that showcased the diversity and innovation within the alternative music world.
From the haunting melodies of Iress to the explosive energy of Satellite Citi, the night was a testament to the power of live music to transport us to otherworldly realms. Dolly Dagger’s rock-solid performance and Annabel Lee’s fiery revelation served as the perfect bookends to an unforgettable evening. It was a night where the boundaries between reality and the cosmic unknown blurred, leaving us all with a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of music.
As I left the Paramount that night, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a stellar lineup of artists. “Galactic Graveyard” had indeed lived up to its name, taking us on a celestial journey through the boundless expanse of musical creativity. It was a night that would linger in our memories, a reminder that in the world of music, the possibilities are endless, and the stars are never out of reach.
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