Live music preview: L.A. Witch and Blushing to rock Parish August 17
There’s nothing we love more at The Cosmic Clash than a great all-girl rock band that can really bring it. That is why when Resound Presents asked us to co-present some upcoming shows, the L.A. Witch bill with Blushing jumped out at us. Not only are the West Coast garage rockers great live performers, Austin act, Blushing falls right into that same category of mesmerizing live band. The two groups sharing the bill together at the Parish on August 17 is too perfect for us to pass up. Austin music fans would be wise not to sleep on this show either.
After listening the most recent L.A. Witch record, Play with Fire again (and again) it’s apparent the trio based in Los Angeles has something special going on. The driving, rock beat underpinning some fantastic, fuzzed out guitar work and adept vocal harmonies employed make the group stand out among garage rock acts. These ladies know how to rock out but they also have an appreciation for the finer details. You’ll understand after you give tracks like “I Wanna Lose” and “Gen-Z” a few spins.
Shades of Courtney Love’s 90’s Grunge act, Hole come apparent. Sonic Youth and Pavement also come to mind. These women are powerful artists. There’s not a shrinking violet in the bunch. All this makes for a wildly entertaining live performance. The dreamy, echo-y chords bounce around the room as drums rattle the cage, compelling fans to move their bodies to the music.
The group was founded by Los Angeles natives, Sadie Sanchez and Irita Pai. Ellie English rounds out the trio. The dream-pop element to their sound is what sets apart this dark, introspective act. L.A. Witch has a sound that acknowledges their debt to Iggy and the Stooges as much as Black Sabbath and Los Angeles punk icons, X. Their vibe will draw you in. Their music will make you stay.
Austin foursome Blushing are no slouches either. The shoegaze / dream pop act brings to mind the better indie rock acts of the 1990s and beyond while presenting fresh, original takes on that theme. Lead vocalist and bassist, Christina Carmona is classically trained.
The experience shows in her apparent ease on stage. The woman can bring it as can her band mates, Michelle Soto (guitar, vocals), Jacob Soto (drums) and her partner, Noe Carmona (guitar). As you may have guessed, they’re two couples who make up Blushing. The quartet has been making some exceptional music. The band embarks on tour mid-October, returning to Austin to play LEVITATION Festival Halloween weekend.
If you make it out early, check out the Parish’s back bar, My Oh My which features a delicious cocktail menu and a custom DJ booth. We couldn’t help notice all the subs underneath the seating along the interior of the bar the first time inside. It’s a nice place to catch up with friends before a big night of rock n roll. Advance tickets to the show can be purchased here.
