Photos and review by NOTES FROM VIVACE
LOS ANGELES – Is there anyone in the Los Angeles indie pop scene that sings about heartbreak like Sophie Negrini of Janelane? On a Monday night at Zebulon, Janelane had reason to celebrate those romantic breakups and disappointments as there was a record release called Love Letters. The band played the album from start to finish (with the exception of two songs being flipped) – as any album release party should done, especially when it is your first album release.
The band took the stage and mingled around for a few moments as the last sounds of the DJ drifted off. Negrini eyed the crowd, reached for the microphone and was greeted with yells of approval. Long time band mate, drummer Shelly Schimek, started off the beat to “Band Aid.” The song is beautifully composed with the lyrics of accepting disappointment: “I’m not gonna be your band aid. Know you didn’t mean to fool me. Dreamer, much too gullible.”
As the song ended, another look was given to the audience, which responded with a second round of cheers.
Along with Schimek, the band included Austin Hayman on guitar, Nic Hessler on guitar, and Brian Sigala on bass. Those names might ring a bell for some as Hayman is in Dear Boy, Hessler has a solo act, and Sigala also plays in one of the openers, Mo Dotti. Basically, an all-star line-up for the night. The audience was also an all-star, “I’m super grateful for all you all.”
“One Way Streets” highlights Negrini’s vocals at peak lullaby form, though don’t be fooled by the pleasantness, “What can I say, I’m better off alone.” If one wants to stroll along the beach on a summer evening, “Clean” should be a go-to song. For those who have followed the band for a few years, a “goodie, but oldie” was played in “Your Own Ride Home” that honestly has the most tear inducing lyrics, “When you say. Baby come over to my place . . . We’ll be alone and I’ll make you feel special for a moment. As long as you know. That you’ve got to find your own ride home. Your … own ride home.”
To close out the album part of the set, the band got the crowd dancing to the enthusiastically upbeat rocker sounds of “Think I’d Be Fine Without You” and then the steel guitar pangs of “Since I Lost You.”
Opening up the night was Magnolia. The band thanked long time friend Sophie Negrini for allowing them to play the night and then wasted no time in blasting everyone back a foot with their punk infused “Accelerated Living.”
Their music is heavy on the beats with a hard hitting punch. They’re not going to play their music with rapid speed, no, they’re just going to let you watch as you get lifted off your feet.
Next up was Mo Dotti fronted by Gina Negrini. Does that last name sound familiar? Gina and Sophie are sisters. In fact, the two bands also share band members. On occasion, Gina has played in Janelane. Schimek and Sigala have been known to play in Mo Dotti.
Mo Dotti’s sound excels in turning shoegaze on its head.
And what was noticed during the night: Bouquets of flowers were presented to Gina Negrini, Sophie Negrini, and Shelly Schimek.
Janelane setlist: Band Aid, Dance Floor, Useless, One Way Streets, Love Letters, Clean, Crush Me, Your Own Ride Home, Think I’d Be Fine Without You, Since I Lost You, Lovefool (The Cardigans cover)
Magnolia setlist: Accelerated Living, Bastille Day, West, Self Portrait, Heaven Metal, Falling Star, Teenage Kicks (The Undertones cover), Heat in a Jar.
Mo Dotti setlist: For Anyone And You, Waiting for You, Loser Smile, Dead To Me, Pale Blue Afternoon, Lucky Boy.
