the Lower Echelon

the Lower Echelon are Mr. Mike: Drums - Ehlert: Vocals / Guitar - Chris Prison: Bass / Vocals -- Bringing Punk Rock to the Streets of Los Angeles Since 2008 The story of the Lower Echelon is the story of Los Angeles itself. As the name suggests, the L.A.-based trio is dedicated to that invisible class of displaced, underserved and angry Angelenos left behind in the face of financial destruction. The trio’s original blend of rock styles bears witness to the daily struggle between the gentrified newness and the real Los Angeles. the Lower Echelon delivers garage rock clarity with thoughtful lyrics, driving energy and punk enthusiasm. “If you skateboarded in the suburbs in the early 1980s (ahem), or have stood around in a basement with a red cup of something watching people thrash around on stage with energy neck-and-neck with talent heading into the final turn, or have ever felt a crazy mix of energy and emotions that added up mostly to anti-construction, use your imagination to map those experiences onto a Superfund site, and that's what this song is like.” - Molly Petersen of KPCC, on lead track off of the Descent of... EP, “Superfund”

[thelowerechelonband]

Like most kids who grew up in and around Los Angeles in the 80s/90s, we listened to “Rodney on the ROQ”... So it’s our great honor to announce that he played a song from our new EP on his NEW SHOW during the Underground Garage on SiriusXM last night (Feb 7, 2021)!! We were mixed in with some rad musicians before and after!

[thelowerechelonband]

Our full length was delayed due to personal issues in 2019. It was delayed again due to fucking Covid in 2020. So we decided to put out what we had recored as an EP. We’re stoked that “Lion’s Den” is now available. Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Be Hussey at comp-ny in Los Angeles, CA.

Listen in full on BandCamp & watch the video for Drogas on YouTube. Link to both from here. Cheers.

[thelowerechelonband]

Had to take the second half of 2019 off to tend to random family matters but we’re back and have been practicing again on a regular basis. Getting ready for some studio time... more news about that soon!

[thelowerechelonband]

Then on Friday, 6/28, our own Chris Prison’s main band, Prison For Kids, is having a record release party! They spent some time with the great Steve Albini and put together a really great fucking record so swing by, pick up a copy of the vinyl, and party with all the rad bands we have lined up!  Cheers.

[thelowerechelonband]

Hey Kids. We haven’t been around much bc we’ve been busy writing new songs and now we’re back… with back-to-back shows! First up is an “In Fuzz We Trust” gig at the Redwood Bar on 6/17. That’s on Father’s Day, so, if you’re a “dad” looking for something cool to do after you put the kids to bed… come rock the fuck out on “your day.”  Let’s do this!!

[thelowerechelonband]

Yo. An interview we conducted last month just went live this morning. Go check it out...  http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-mike-estano-erik-ehlert-lower-echelon-los-angeles/

[thelowerechelonband]

No Edge Records is up to no good and they've assemble another kickass collection of bands and we’re one of them!!  2/22 at the 5 Star Bar in DTLA. 

[thelowerechelonband]

We’re going on at 10PM this Thurs, 1/17 at CafeNELA.  It’s FREE.  See you there.

[thelowerechelonband]

Hey kids. It’s time we rocked a (late) afternoon show… cuz Sunday’s the new Thursday. We’re honored to be opening for the legendary Jean Caffeine!! We go on at 5PM she goes on at 6PM. Come hang out with a part of rock history.

[thelowerechelonband]

What up Rockers?!? Come check this out. Chris is pulling double duty and playing in two bands on 9/27! He’ll be kicking’ ass with (us) theLowerEchelon first then fronting the wicked awesome Prison For Kids!! 2 other bands will joining us. tLE at 9:15 followed by PFK. 8pm, $6. See you there. Cheers.

[thelowerechelonband]

Hey kids! We’ll be playing a FREE show at the Lot 1 Cafe in Echo Park on Friday Aug 10th. Our friends Warren Teagarden & the Good Grief are down from San Fran and LA locals Tiny Peloton will be there too! So stop in and rock out! See you soon. Cheers!!

[thelowerechelonband]

The past couple months have been rad!  Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting us!  But we have some “bad news”... we're takin’ a little summer break.  We do however have more gigs lined up, so don’t fret, we just need some R&R (rest and relaxation) from our R&R (rockin’n’rollin)!!  We’ll keep you posted and see you soon. Cheers!

[thelowerechelonband]

Hey! We’ll be rocking out at the 5 Star Bar in DTLA w/ 4 other bands and hanging w/ 18 artist who are all paying tribute to one of the greatest bands ever… THE CLASH!!  So if you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss it… Get your tix before this thing sells out. http://holdmyticket.com/event/311624-the-clash-art-exhibit-

[thelowerechelonband]

FREE show on May 12th!!! Cobraside Distribution is opening its doors to the public from 12-5 and there will be free food, free beers, and live music to boot! We’ll be playing after the always awesome Marriage Material and the action-packed 40 Proof!!! It’s gonna be sick… and did we mention it’s FREE!?!?!  So come hang, shop, and rock the fuck out!! Cheers.

[thelowerechelonband]

Hey Ventura.  Come out to the Garage on Friday the 13th.  We’ll be in town playing with Malice Thoughts, JERK! and the legendary Guilty by Association… it’s gonna be sick.  8PM doors and it’s FREE.

[thelowerechelonband]

Hey kids. It’s been awhile but we’ll finally be back on 3/15... Yeah, it’s a “school night” but come out anyway.  It’ll be good to see you after so long.  And since Courtney’s out killing it with his new project, Black Adidas, we’ve been working with our friend Chris Prison and we're stoked to introduce you to him.  So stop by the Other Door Bar to say what’s up and grab a beer or two.  We go on at 9.

[thelowerechelonband]

Echelytes! This Saturday Dec 10th will be our last show of the year. Don't miss what will surely be an epic night of punk rock mayhem. Plan A had to cancel, but taking their place is a local Eagle Rock band called Rainbow, who are sure to kill it. And those who know us, know how much we freak out over Ventura/Oxnard punks Mother of Dissension. They are old school masters of their craft and good friends. And topping off the evening is last but not least Maadwest. They will raise the energy to it's peak and bring our amazing year to and end. We can't wait to see you all there and let you buy us a beer...