CONCERT
Hello Stranger
Touning behind their self-titled debut CD, Hello Stranger invaded the Replay Lounge on Wednesday, Feb. 21, playing to a small group of people ready to hear some dance-rock mixed with new wave and disco. But unlike several bands in the genre, Hello Stranger didn't fill their set with dirty dance-punk, and lead singer Juliette Commagere didn't try to sound British.
Instead, their smartly crafted pop songs (reminiscent of The Cardigans, Fleetwood Mac and The Sounds) demanded attention, with their killer hooks and solid grooves anchored by
drummer Joachim Cooder and bassist Ben Messelbeck.
"Her in These Lights" featured soaring keys and a strong halftime groove, while "Dancing For No One" had a mysterious disco feel. Guitarist Jared Smith lost his guitar strap during the song, but never stopped giving his all as the band continued to put energy into every beat.
On "We Used to Talk" the band got quiet for a few minutes and showcased a great bluesy lead from Smith. It was great to see a dance-rock band play a laidback song without having to explode at the end.
"On "Es Tu Vida," Hello Stranger showcased one of its neatest talents — playing a song completely in Spanish and actually pulling it off without sounding like a cheap gimmick.
They closed the powerful set with "Which Side Is Mine," which showed the band truly focused with the locked-in rhythm section and clapping assistance from the audience.
Since you missed your chance to see them, your best bet is to pick up their self-titled debut and fall in love, because simply put, every song is good.
Chris Brower
CONCERT
Midnight Movies
Los Angeles' Midnight Movies brought their psychedelic rock to the Bottleneck on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Playing in a good-sized audience, they meandered through a set full of driving anthems and droning vocals.
The set opened with"Lion Song," which started with subtle tambourine and a low and steady feel before building to a quicker tempo with fiery
guitar leads from Larry Schemel subtle background vocals from drummer Sandra Vu, and thumping bass.
From there, the set continued in a similar fashion of slow, quiet intros building to fast tempos, with driving guitar and somewhat off-key vocals.
Throughout the set, the band looked awkward and aloof, as if they were jamming on
the material for the first time. Though this hurt them in some ways, it matched the imagery of the songs: mysterious, confusing art rock with a heavy low end. Yet it did little to liven up their repetitive set.
Midnight Movies' new album, Lion The Girl, comes out April 24.
Chris Brower
The Number 23
MOVIE
Jim Carrey and director Joel Schumacher make a terrible duo. They last teamed up on 1995's Batman Forever, with disastrous results, and don't fare much better in The Number 23.
Jim Carrey plays Walter Sparrow, a dog-catcher who receives a book from his wife (Virginia Madsen) on his birthday. The book is titled *The Number 23*.
The book revolves around suicide and murder, which seem to be related to the number 23. As Walter reads, he starts to notice that his life parallels the book in many ways, and that the most important events in his life relate to the number 23. Digging into the past, Walter discovers a mysterious murder and realizes that the number 23 may be more than just a coincidence.
This is the classic case of the movie that tries too hard. Throughout, The Number 23 tries to be creepy, but comes off as
extremely dull and unintentionally humorous.
For example, a mysterious, all- knowing dog shows up at the scene of coincidences, but instead of looking menacing, he challenges viewers to hold back their laughter.
There's also the parallel book universe, filmed in mellow blacks, whites and reds. Here, it's evident that Schumacher tries to evoke 1950s and 60s noir but fails miserably, as the scenes come across as cheesy.
But the film's biggest flaw is in the title. It turns out that the number 23 is neither a curse nor a blessing, but a gimmick. The movie isn't very frightening in the first place, but take away that number and it just doesn't add up.
Rated R 95 minutes
Jared Duncan
ALL RATINGS ARE OUT OF A POSSIBLE FIVE STARS.
18➤ JAYPLAY 03.01.2007
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