STS9, Eliot Lipp And Big Gigantic Brought The Dance Party To Los Angeles, CA 2/12/10

STS9 came through Los Angeles for one night at the Wiltern Theatre on Friday, February 12th. Also at the Wiltern was a sold-out crowd of extremely dedicated STS9 fans, all interested in dancing until the break of dawn.

STS9 has gained most of their popularity from the Jamband music crowd (ie. Phish, String Cheese Incident). However, they have gained a lot of attention for their energy enthused performances at music festivals; such as, Austin City Limits, Rothbury, Bonarroo , Mile High Festival and Vegoose Festival.

The artistic components to a STS9 show is always an added bonus, to the already innovative sound they are electronically producing through their keyboards, drums and basses. On the stage left and stage right, STS9 has 2 artists developing their own paintings under the influence of the music being performed. STS9's light show makes for a remarkable visible experience. And the band just looks good on stage together, dressed in all black, lots of smiles and high energy.

It was nice to see STS9 again, it sort of came as a reunion show to me, as they are a band I feel like I watched develop when I went to college.

Upcoming STS9 Tour Dates:

2-18-10 – The Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
2-19-10 – The Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
2-20-10 – Showbox at the Market – Seattle, WA
2-21-10 – Showbox at the Market – Seattle, WA
3-7-10 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
3-13-10 – 930 Club – Washington, DC
3-14-10 – 930 Club – Washington, DC

STS9 label mate Eliot Lipp played the STS9 after party at The Roxy, along with Big Gigantic, St. Andrew and Devonwho. STS9 fans interested in keeping the dance party going, went to The Roxy, where various artists brought the moves late night style. St. Andrew kicked off the night and he was jaw-dropping impressive.

Devinwho was the sleeper of the evening. He stayed on way to long and he brought no sort of enthusiasm to the afterparty.

I was extremely excited about catching Big Gigantic, I knew nothing about this group, but now they have my full concentration. And it was a pleasant suprise to here that they are from Boulder, CO (where I went to college and lived for 5 years). You can give Big Gigantic some love and attention too, by downloading their free music. Be prepared for Big Gigantic (Dominic Lalli & Jeremy Sulken) to blow your mind with the overlay of drums and the sax on some really tight-niche beats.

It came as no surprise that I would love Eliot Lipp's show. I have been non-stop listening to Eliot Lipps's EP, Peace, Love And Weed 3D, as well as his album City Synthesis. Lipp's music is a combination of psychedelic trance, funk, glitch hop and afrobeat. I was blown away by Eliot Lipp's performance. It was so very gratifying to hear his music in a live atmosphere. Eliot Lipp creates exotic sounds and samples through his laptop and produces killer sounds on the synths. His music resonates pleasantly with the audience's ears in a spontaneous and unpredictable way. He is even worth staying up until 3:30 a.m. to see!

I would strongly suggest checking out Eliot Lipp's album The Outside. I think this album has the potential to reach the masses. Let me beg you a little more, so you check out Eliot Lipp.

For the last 5 or 6 years, I have just ignored almost everything in the music world that was associated with jambands and patchouli oil (which meant I ruled out any STS9 shows). My lesson has been learned. Just because a band like STS9 brings in a crowd of dreadies, druggies and hippies, that does not mean that the band itself has to be a bad experience. In fact, I say, us non-patchouli oil wearing people - should take over this STS9, Eliot Lipp and Big Gigantic scene and create our own party environment.

What artist gets your dance party started?