Performance: Kalikazoo Band at The Prospector Long Beach
Seafoam. That's the color behind these words in this article and a color that Kali Kazoo, (name not given at birth) of Kalikazoo Band is deeply connected to. Why? Who the fuck knows, but, it's everything to her. Tonight she is draped in it from head to toe. Now Seafoam can be green or blue, and seems to be a feeling more than an exact color. If you stare at it long enough, it will hurt your mind.
Seafoam shades. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff
In talking to Kalikazoo for too long, the same effect is bound to happen (I mean that in the best of ways). This animator, musician, and all-around weirdo, became my digital friend on Instagram after I witnessed how hard she harassed all the members of one of my favorite local bands, The Manx. However, she didn't stop there. Speaking of the Manx, The Manx's up-right bass player, Adam had a gig with one of his many other bands 2 blocks away and stopped by for Kali's show. As I watched her Instagram stories, I became addicted to these on going drawings she would make that involved a co-animator that, I assume, always seemed to be highly inappropriate for any work environment. I wish I had one to share. Kali, put one in the comments, ya son of a bitch!
Adam of the Manx temped to pluck a tasty cord. Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff
So, between those amazing drawings, and Kalikazoo begging me to see one of her shows, I finally caved. Hahaha, J/K. I finally had the pleasure to see her and her band. The show was at one place, and got changed to another place, and after going to 2 other Long Beach bars and paying 2 separate covers, I finally arrived at the correct one, and payed a 3rd cover. Fuck! This venue was a family steak restaurant and bar called "The Prospector." I didn't try the steak, but, I hear good things. I like this place because it's small and I could basically do whatever the hell I wanted, photographically speaking.
Example of Photographic Freedom. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff
Before Kalikazooband played, a band called... (ah shit I forgot), but they played a Rage Against the Machine cover of "Testify" which I went fucking nuts for! (Like brazilnuts, nuts.) After them was the Kalikazooband, and although they didn't have a RAGE cover, (which in my eyes could never hurt) their live show was still exciting. But, maybe they should think about adding a RATM cover to the next show. Kalikazooband played old and new tracks, and had just enough edge for me to jump around, scream, and even mosh a bit.
The band has a great chemistry together. In between guitar tuning, the band played the intro to Santana's "Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas) about 6 times. By the 2 time, they had the crowd chanting for another smooth intro. Personally, I've always hated that song, but, because these guys made me laugh at it, they have changed the way I look at that song. From now on I'm gonna have to laugh whenever I hear it. I'm glad it was only the into to that song... Jesus Christ. I might have to blow my brains out if they played just a few more seconds into that fuck-sauce track.
It was great to meet the band, meet Kali, and especially to meet Kali's Dad, who was also celebrating his birthday that night. Man, I think his name was Steve, but one thing's for sure, he told me all sorts of interesting things about his daughter. Funny, embracing, and odd stories of her. Hahaha. Good times. Kali sang happy birthday and I ran back and snapped a couple pics of my dude partying the night away.
I think it's Steve.
The band's music previous to their new album was a bit soft for my taste. A few tracks on the new album have solved that issue for me and their live performance is fun, engaging, and has a good amount of showmanship... and flare, I love flare... I need that shit. I need a show, not just the music. Kalikazooband has a show March 4th at The Silver Lake Lounge and hopefully they will have some merchandise, or I'm not going. Also, they need to be working on a Rage cover. I'm telling you, it will kill! Also look for their new album coming out on cassette some time in the near future and my guess is it just might be some shade of Seafoam. Also, where's my fucking shirt drawing?
Shades of Sea foam Photo By Anthony Mehlhaff
Seafoam paradise. Photos by Anthony Mehlhaff
For more show reviews, artist profiles, and pictures, go to fuqt.com and follow @betahal9000 and @fuqt_ on the Instagram.
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