endless LA ...Now add to this the music of the group Star Pimp, and you have the makings of another wild night at Spaceland [1]. Star Pimp are a four piece band who have it all. They've got the old beat-to-shit no-name guitars. They've got the skanky old fuzz boxes. They've got the female lead singer. She's got the "Leather Goddesses of Phobos" t-shirt. [2]. The guitar player has the trendy Richard Ramirez shades. They've got the look, the material, and the connections (I'm told that the bass player owns Boner Records) [3]. In short, they've got everything you need to make it in the competitive world of big time alternative independent corporate-sponsored rock music. They even have a really catchy song, something that most bands from San Francisco rarely ever acquire. I should have stolen a set list from them so I could tell you what the title of it is. But the best I can do say that it has something to do with "changing your mind" as this is what she repeats in the chorus over and over. I like another song they do where the guitar player makes sounds like a pigeon cooing through a fuzz box as the singer duels with him warbling in the high fluttery voice of a possessed harpie. Many of the lyrics of Star Pimp have a religious angle and the singer seems proud of it. She takes time in between songs to tell us things like "This next one is called Blood On The Mountain and it's about demons I wrote it about the book of Revelation it's kind of a Christian trilogy oh I don't know maybe you don't understand whatever I don't even care." They don't even CARE!! Wow, yet another selling point! They must have SOOOOO much integrity! Having integrity is a lot easier when you live in Northern California. I'm jealous. If I had any integrity I guess I'd just roll a joint and end today's column right here.
From Pandemonium, at The Off Ramp, April Fool's Day
Sporting horn-rimmed glasses and a nervous demeaner, the quirky geeky Marcelle Poulos led the Pimp through a number of aural affrontals. A packed OffRamp was surprisingly full of Pimpers, most dressed enthusiastically like their indie rock queen. Those unfamiliar with the Pimp were sketchy at first, ...but most hung around like deer in the headlights, interested and somewhat enthralled by the unique sound and unportentious delivery. It was pretty damn cool from beginning to end. Poulos' voice was great throughout, hitting most of the dolphin-like highs and maintaining melody when called for. Guitarist Eric Grotke held court at stage left, becoming one with his guitar twisting and turning it to create a variety of ear-indulging tones. Bassist Tom Flynn took ground on the other side of Poulos, and like Grotke, payed no attention to the crowd at all. While the band immersed itself in its own swill, Poulos stood still at the front, concentrating on her diverse vocals and belting them out like a 7 year-old auditioning for her first role in the school play. The material was a comprehensive journey through Seraphim 280Z, and delved into. the Treasure Trail single as well. Now I know why this band gets so many live reviews. -John Fernandez