Stereolab Prep For Primavera at Wiltern

Stereolab performing at the Wiltern, LA by Jacob Alvarez

CONCERT PART OF “PRIMAVERA IN THE CITY” SERIES

Although I have grown apart from the Wiltern due to its photo policies and unorganized staff, I made my way there to catch indie icons Stereolab for the first time. This marked the band’s return to LA since October of 2019 and many of those who were excited to catch their set at the weekend’s Primavera Sound Los Angeles festival were treated to a solo intimate performance in the city.

Once arrived, the line to get inside was almost wrapped around the neighboring Denny’s, something I have not seen happen the past five or six times I’ve attended shows at the venue. Eager fans took blurry photos of the marquee as their friends waited patiently to get their tickets scanned. My partner Paige and I made it to the merch table with 15 minutes to spare before the band took to the stage. I love when artists take chances on items not typically seen at concerts such as Stereolab did, offering tin mugs that are ideal for camping and the outdoors while also boasting laundry bags in two color ways. I opened the doors to the main room where all tiers of the floor were jammed with people, some opting to stand in the aisles which was a foreseen problem for staff. Paige squished into the back of the room while I went against the current and used my photo pass to gain access to the ADA ramp where photographers are told to take photos from. After about nine minutes of waiting, a blue velvet curtain descended as fans knew it was time. And indeed it was.

Stereolab performing at the Wiltern, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The curtain provided a nice backdrop as the lights faded out and the Stereolab made their way on stage. I noticed the drum set which featured album art known as “Cliff” from their 1992 album Switched On that was a treat for fans. Founding members Tim Gane took to his guitar to the left while singer Lætitia Sadier got her keys in check. Sadier thanked everyone for coming out before beginning with Chemical Chords cut “Neon Beanbag” followed by classic “Low Fi” that had everyone erupt in applause. The elements of bossanova with funk and alternative provided an expansive rhythm for each song, taking up the entire room and then some. Although a rather short set, each song sounded longer than anticipated, with the band even choosing to play 17 minute track “Refractions in the Plastic Pulse” with a quip by Sadier that went along the lines of “now this is the 15 minute song,” (but it was cut short to my knowledge).

The night also featured beloved artists of the music world such as acclaimed photographer and personal hero of mine, Atiba Jefferson, and indie-RnB rising star Steve Lacy, who sneakily made his way into the showroom with his entourage. It’s always a great sight to see your favorite artists supporting each other, and with Stereolab’s hypnotic groovy tracks, it’s easy to see why so many were in attendance. Popular favorites and tracks that introduced many to the band were saved for the latter half of the set such as “Pack Yr Romantic Mind” and “French Disko.” As a warm-up performance for their hour long set at the United States’ first Primavera Sound the following day, Stereolab proved their melodic presence as pioneers of the 90s that are wholeheartedly respected and relevant today.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!