CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE ACTS WE COVERED AT BLEACHED FEST
ECHO PARK CA- The Echo, a venue known for its myriad of eclectic performances, witnessed the birth of Dum Dum Fest late last June. Curated by the multi-talented Taleen Kali, the festival, named after her own publication, Dum Dum Zine, came alive in a buzz of creativity, music, and culture.
Exploring the venue, one was greeted by a delightful array of vendors selling an intriguing mix of music and sweets – an apt representation of the harmony of indulgence that was to come. An artist’s corner beckoned the inner Picasso in all attendees, whilst a photo booth captured the essence of this novel experience.
It’s crucial to speak about the careful curation of a festival lineup. There’s an art to selecting acts that resonate on the same frequency, making the experience seamless and the vibe harmonious. With Dum Dum Fest, Kali showcased her sharp knack for this. Each act on the bill was not just a performance but a chapter in a larger musical narrative, one that swept the audience on a journey of rising emotional and musical crescendo.
Nightjacket, with their haunting melodies, initiated the attendees into an ethereal ambiance, a perfect appetizer for what was to come. Lauren Lakis, up next, brought in a tad more intensity, her sonic canvas painting images of dark romance and urban nightscape. Then came Iress, adding more layers of mystery and allure with their sultry, atmospheric soundscapes.The evening’s penultimate act, Taleen Kali’s own band, manifested as a sonic bridge between all that had passed and the grand finale. Then, as the clock ticked and the anticipation grew, Patriarchy ascended. If the evening was a steadily rising wave, Patriarchy was its crashing crescendo.
Witnessing Nightjacket live for the first time was akin to unearthing a forgotten vinyl from the golden age of dream pop. The unmistakable echoes of Mazzy Star permeated the venue, with lead singer Andrea Wasse channeling the enigmatic aura of Hope Sandoval. Yet, Nightjacket isn’t just a reflection of the past; they’ve injected their own pulse into the genre, running a few RPM faster and giving it a contemporary edge.
The band seamlessly blended introspective lyricism with an ethereal soundscape, wrapping the audience in a comforting, yet mysteriously intriguing embrace. If Mazzy Star’s allure was a languid, starlit waltz, Nightjacket’s is a spirited nocturnal dance on the same cosmic floor.
Their performance was a hauntingly beautiful reminder of dream pop’s timeless charm, with a refreshing twist. One leaves with a sense of anticipation – Nightjacket is definitely a band to keep a close watch on. The horizon looks promising.
Some things are worth waiting for, and seeing Lauren Lakis live at Dum Dum Fest was one of them. Though our digital paths had crossed back in 2018, this was my first real-life encounter with her sonic force, and I wasn’t disappointed.
It’s intriguing to trace an artist’s evolution over the years. From LA to Austin and back again (at least for this evening), Lakis’ geographical journey mirrors the shift in her musical landscape. Once encapsulated by the ethereal vibes of “Lead Us On”, her sound has developed a grittier edge, perfectly evidenced in her latest seismic single “Terror Tears”.
Despite the majority of her set seeing her tethered to her guitar, it’s when she unhitched from it that magic happened. Free from its constraints, Lakis roamed the stage, injecting a wild and untamed energy into her performance. The sight was electrifying and really got the adrenaline pumping through my veins.
It’s a testament to an artist’s growth when you can track their progression not just by albums, but by the very essence they bring to a live performance. I’m glad I finally caught Lauren Lakis live; it was every bit the wait. Hopefully, I’ll catch her again sooner rather than later. Until then, I’ll be reliving this night with “Terror Tears” on repeat.
In an upcoming feature, I’ll dive deep into my latest encounter with Iress at Resident LA. But for now, let’s keep the suspense alive. A sneak peek into my thoughts? Michelle Malley of Iress is, without a doubt, dominating my list of top female rock vocalists at the moment. If you haven’t given them a listen, now’s the time.
And, for a visual treat, tap on the accompanying photo above for a curated photo gallery and some gripping video snippets.
In the realm of live music, few bands electrify the space quite like Patriarchy. At their most recent performance at Dum Dum Fest, they yet again proved that their on-stage magnetism is peerless. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, a communal recognition of the rarity of the evening.
Actually Huizenga isn’t just a performer; she’s an elemental force. Watching her on stage isn’t about seeing an artist belt out tracks; it’s a transcendental experience. It’s no exaggeration to say it feels like witnessing a possession, a merging of spirit and sound, darkness and light… especially darkness. Every movement, every note seems not just performed, but channelled. I found myself, camera in hand, almost compelled to drop the device and simply immerse myself in the tempestuous maelstrom of their dark wave sound.
The evening’s bittersweet undercurrent was the announcement that this was one of Patriarchy’s final live gigs in Los Angeles of the year (they just announced that they are performing in Downtown Riverside on October 20th). However, with the pain of farewell came the promise of evolution, as the band will retreat to the sacred confines of the studio. New music beckons on the horizon, and while we’ll miss their live aura, the notion of new tracks to spin is an exciting consolation. My vinyl collection, already rich with Patriarchy’s “snuff-metal” soundscapes, eagerly awaits its next treasure.
The evening’s penultimate act, Taleen Kali’s own band, manifested as a sonic bridge between all that had passed and the grand finale. Their set was a masterclass in control and release, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats, hearts racing. I’m a fan of Taleen’s Music and if you haven’t peeped her 2023 album Flower of Life, do it.
In an age of fleeting attention and erratic musical fests, Dum Dum Fest stood out, not just because of its fantastic lineup but because of its thoughtfulness. The importance of a coherent lineup can’t be overstated – it ensures that the music moves in harmony, each act elevating the mood until the final note rings out. Taleen Kali’s Dum Dum Fest didn’t just showcase music; it celebrated the art of musical storytelling.
Now … the following… it’s all just conjecture. I have no real idea of what was on anybody’s mind… but…
It’s often said that in the vast and ever-changing universe of music, it’s not just the notes that tell a story but the spaces in between. Traditionally, a curator, especially one with the artistic calibre of Kali, would be tempted to close the night with their act, capitalising on the heightened emotions and euphoria of the concluding set. It’s the headline slot, the grand finale, the moment the audience is thirsting for. Yet, in a move that perfectly encapsulates her spirit, Taleen decided against it.
Instead of assuming the limelight, she magnanimously yielded it to another deserving band. This isn’t merely a logistical decision; it’s a testament to her respect for the art and her peers. There’s a purity to such an act; a gesture that says, “It’s about the music, not me.” In a musical landscape dominated by ego trips and fierce competition, Taleen’s humility stands out like a beacon.
By allowing another band to close the Dum Dum Fest, Taleen didn’t just give them a platform; she shared a philosophy. A philosophy that tells the world that music is a collective experience, not just an individual one. Her integrity, both as an artist and curator, shines through in every choice she made. In eschewing the spotlight for herself at the Dum Dum Fest, she didn’t diminish her presence. Instead, she amplified her legacy.
As the evening came to a close, The Echo echoed with applause, resonating with the collective consciousness of a captivated audience. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Dum Dum Fest.
For those interested in checking out Taleen Kali live, she will be playing every Wednesday at Harvard and Stone throughout the month September and then will be heading out on your in October. Give her a follow and catch a gig!
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CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE ACTS WE COVERED AT BLEACHED FEST
LIVE CLIPS
