w/ Phantom Planet, The Push Kings, Fluf

[review]

(from SHOWDATES)

Wow, we finally have something to write about after a few long weeks sitting at home in front of a computer screen programming websites. Well, as noted, we attended the big 'kid rock' show at the Roxy on 6/1 with PHANTOM PLANET, RILO KILEY, THE PUSH KINGS, and FLUF. Made up of young rockers seemingly just out of high school, the entire lineup still proved to have what it took to pack the venue to its doors. San Diego's Fluf took the stage first, warming up the crowd with their pop/punk stylings. The Push Stars were next, with a solid set of Jackson 5/Motown-flavored rock that had actress Susan May Pratt (Center Stage, Drive Me Crazy) bouncing along to the rhythm (she's apparently good friends with drummer David Benjamin.) Rilo Kiley then took the stage, beginning their set with the anthemic "Always" and then continuing on with crowd favorites "Papillon," "Science Vs. Romance," and "Falling." Although only playing a quick 40 minute set, RK proved once again that they're the best unsigned pop/rock band in Los Angeles. Finally, Phantom Planet, with their all-star lineup that includes lead singer Alex Greenwald (model, actor), bassist Sam Farrar (international model), and drummer Jason Schwartzman (actor), the band had many industry elite giving each other that 'this band has got it' look. Mixing their set with a steady flow of originals and covers (Jackson Browne's "Somebody's Baby," Cyndi Lauper's "Good Enough," and Blur's "Song #2"), the celebrity-filled crowd was theirs for the taking. As they came back on stage after the Roxy security turned on the house lights at the conclusion of their set, they finished off the night with a riotous (well, as riotous as pretty boys can get) version of of The Beastie Boys' "Sabotage." Talia Shire, Devon Sawa, Selma Blair, Paul Walker, Blaine Capatch, Danielle Fishel, Tobey Maguire, and Wynona Ryder were just some of the many that gathered at the Roxy.

Gaining respect from pop purists and teeny-bop fanatics alike, Phantom Planet is a talented group of musicians that can write the kind of songs that some of their elder pop contemporaries simply can't write. Plus the band is undeniably likeable. They're fun to watch and they're talent makes them hard to not like. Watch out for a Phantom Planet record out on their new label Epic Records later this year...