work + rock - sleep

This is one of those nights that reminds you that you should alwasy find a way to drag yourself to a show no matter how tired/cranky/stressed/lazy/hungover you may be.  I'd just gotten back from two days in SF with no sleep, was leaving for Portland on a 6am flight the next day, and was borderline delirious.  But I made it out to Echo Park.  And it was totally worth it. Totally.

My superstar girlfriend and I went out for cheap (yet hip) pho at a place in Silverlake beforehand. I remember noticing the guys next to us, but all I saw was standard fare Silverlake hipsters.

Fast forward to the show, which was pretty crowded (and extra loud since MIA was playing below at the Echoplex). Page France was a no-show thanks to car troubles. Bummer.  But opener Castledoor was quirky, high energy, and very very likable.

I hadn't seen Bishop Allen before, so when they came out on stage, I only then recognized them as the dudes sitting next to us at dinner.

Great set. At times much louder (and stronger) than on their 12+ EP's. Technical difficulties (missing guitar straps and such) somehow managed to enhance the set. Instant mood change. Life was good. Almost made my 4am wake-up call bearable.