CHICAGO TRIO MADE LA DEBUT AT ZEBULON CAFE

The last time I stepped foot into Zebulon Cafe (a great bar that features a 300-capacity venue in the back), I was with my friend Luis watching Kim Gordon shred at a solo gig. We waited for Gordon after the show and were lucky enough to meet her and she signed a few things, personalized of course. Matador newbies Horsegirl’s first show in LA acted similar to the events of that night in the best way possible.

Horsegirl caught my attention with their debut record Versions of Modern Performance. Not only the songs but the cover as well, generating a very Sonic Youth/Yo La Tengo feel which are both up my alley. With all this in mind, it was easy to see how difficult it would be to get to the front of the stage as crowds of fans swarmed the tiny corner pocket. I eventually got there while Luis became stranded at the merch table. The previous opener, Dummy, were offloading their gear while members of Horsegirl came on and started tuning up.

I recognized each of them due to the many articles and posts that have come my way this year. Singer and guitarist Penelope Lowenstein had this strength to her bravado, commanding the stage and playing like a veteran. I watched the show from directly in front of her, and when vocalist/guitarist Nora Cheng began shouting delicately to “Electrolocation 2,” I was sold. Drummer Gigi Reece played with grit and calculation, leading the band on most tracks. Lots of fans were constantly jumping in unison with not much of a pit opening. From behind me, a group of friends chatted about what songs the band would and wouldn’t play, having been following their tour from San Francisco.

They breezed through favorites “Anti-Glory” and “Option 8” while Lowenstein commented that it was the band’s first show ever in Los Angeles and her first time there period. It was interesting to see the shift in demeanor of her musicianship then personality play off one another. Sadly, Horsegirl ran out of zines they had been giving away to fans on tour, but I snagged a set times sheet which Luis was able to get me signed. The show went on for around 45 minutes, yet songs that were two minutes in length soldiered on in my eyes, with the droning sensation taking hold for the duration of the set. This band is doing everything right in my opinion and they will become alternative heroes of their time in years. It was a great experience to witness Horsegirl’s shoegaze-like LA debut.