Band of Skulls Unearth High Energy Fans Who Also Dig Mystic Knights

Band of Skulls - All photos by Notes From Vivace for US Rocker
Band of Skulls - All photos by Notes From Vivace

Photos and review by NOTES FROM VIVACE

LOS ANGELES – Band of Skulls did not forget their California fans. After finishing up their tour in support of Jet, the band did a quick two stop headlining tour at the Troubadour in Los Angeles and The Independent in San Francisco. It is always nice seeing bands out there supporting each other and in this case, opening up for Band of Skulls was Mystic Knights fronted by Chris Cester of Jet.

Introducing both bands to the Troubadour crowd was former MTV host Matt Pinfield who is recovering from a stroke suffered earlier this year, “I want you to make a lot of noise please, welcome back to Los Angeles, Band of Skulls.”

Lead singer Russell Marsden led his band out onto the stage, launching into “Sweet Sour” that got the audience singing along to the blues rock driven song. Those opening beats perhaps held the most amusing moment of the set. Marsden started to take some steps off towards his drummer. His guitar cable happened to catch the paper setlist, which started to get dragged across the floor. His bandmate iönä flashed an amused smile and then stopped the setlist from continuing its travel across the stage floor.

Band of Skulls – All photos by Notes From Vivace

Seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd, Marsden yelled out, “This is going to be so much fun.” The band then kept the high energy blues rock going with “You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Goin’ On.” To ease off the pedal just a touch, the band launched into “Love Is All You Love.” “Friends” was dedicated to all the fans who have been with the band from the start. After “Friends,” someone out in the crowd yelled out for “Bruises.” That got a laugh from Marsden as that was indeed the next song on the list.

The night’s performance was highlighted by Marsden’s passionate performance. He would often step to the edge of the stage, showing an intimate connection with both the fans and his guitar. Iönä danced with her tambourine throughout the set, at times balancing like a ballet dancer. She took on brief lead vocals for “Bitter Dreams” that had Marsden in smiles and the two exchanged a hug after the song.

“Fires” got immediately recognized by the crowd who roared in anticipation and was that one song written to be “romantic.” There was a long and loud roar for an encore that shook the Troubadour. The band returned from the green room with the singalong lyrics of “Cold Fame” and then the arm raising “Asleep at the Wheel.”

Mystic Knights – All photos by Notes From Vivace

Mystic Knights opened up the night with earth-shaking, body vibrating rock music. The band wanted the night documented. One of their crew members handed out a disposable camera to someone in the audience. After the set, the camera was recovered with the direct question about whether or not all the photos were taken. The band wasn’t dependent on just a disposable camera as a couple digital photographers were seen in the crowd.

The band also had cigarette lighters to hand out to audience members. Cester had a love-hate relationship going on with his tambourine. It likely ended up on the floor 50 different times during the set. A good way to get your squat exercises done for the day. The set ended with Cester leaving the stage and hanging out in the crowd, letting his band take the spotlight.

Band of Skulls - All photos by Notes From Vivace US Rocker
Band of Skulls – All photos by Notes From Vivace

Band of Skulls Setlist: Sweet Sour, You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Goin’ On, Love Is All You Love, Rip It Up, Friends, Bruises, Himalayan, The Devil Takes Care of His Own, Bitter Dream, Fires, I Know What I Am, Light of the Morning, Death by Diamonds and Pearls. Encore: Cold Fame, Asleep at the Wheel.

Mystic Knights setlist: One Thing, We’re In This Now, NY Knights, Slow Down, Reign, Lea, This High Up, I’m a Man, 50, Club Foot, Count.