Limonada Eléctrica
Tú Serás Mi Baby
Photographs By Rick Perez
Written By Ethan Cowell
On September 15th, some of Southern California’s finest Latinx bands, The McCharmlys, The Hayds, Tetra Collective, and El Segundo, came together at The Paramount to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Reckless Correspondent Ethan Cowell recounts the night, sharing themes of diversity, adoration, and West Coast music styles.
Los Angeles, USA
Returning to The Paramount in Los Angeles for my second visit, I was thrilled to experience a diverse lineup of talented bands. As the streets buzzed with anticipation, concertgoers and protesters filled the surroundings, setting the stage for an exciting evening. The lineup featured El Segundo, Tetra Collective, The Hayds, and The McCharmlys, each bringing their unique style and musical prowess to the stage.
El Segundo took the stage with their blend of catchy riffs reminiscent of The Strokes and early Arctic Monkeys. Maybe it was just the suits they were wearing that made me think that, though. The band's energetic presence and anthemic vocals immediately drew the audience in. As the frontman mentioned that El Segundo was primarily a solo project, there was a sense of rawness and charm in their performance. The songs resonated with fans of all ages, as evidenced by the diverse crowd ranging from young children to older enthusiasts. While El Segundo showed great potential, their performance hinted at room for growth and refinement.
I realized I hadn't yet connected with "Good Time" Rick. He seemed perfectly at ease in his natural habitat, positioned front and center, capturing moments through his lens, while I chose to observe from my vantage point near the back. As El Segundo concluded their set, the crowd began to disperse, each person finding their own destination. Some gravitated towards the restrooms, others sought refuge in the windowed area adjacent to the stage, and a few ventured outside to indulge in a smoke. Navigating through the dwindling crowd, I finally caught sight of "Good Time" Rick. We exchanged a few words before I mentioned my plan to join the other smokers downstairs, bidding him a temporary farewell.
Following El Segundo, Tetra Collective graced the stage, opening their set with captivating dreamy dance hooks. The five-piece band showcased their remarkable musicianship, featuring two keyboardists (one singing and one switching to bass guitar), two drummers (one on the kit and one on auxiliary percussion), and a lead guitarist. Dreamy might be too vague of a description but after losing count of how many songs included chimes, that’s the best word I could think of. The grooves were infectious, inviting listeners to sway along. However, I found myself yearning for more stage presence and audience interaction, as the band's performance could have benefited from a greater sense of engagement.
The Hayds, a rowdy 5-piece band, perfectly embodied what I’ve been expecting from the local Southern California music scene. Their performance was a seamless blend of psychedelic, surf, and punk influences, accompanied by infectious, poppy hooks. The band's generous use of delay effects added an extra layer of intensity that could transport you to the psych ward. One unique aspect was the lead singer belting out all the song titles, which left me with mixed emotions. However, there was no denying the unwavering support and adoration they received from the crowd. As the music carried on, I decided to step outside for a cigarette. I stayed out there until it was time for the main event.
The McCharmlys immediately captured my attention even before they started playing. Just seeing the selection of guitars on stage piqued my curiosity, and I couldn't wait to see what they had in store. And boy, did they deliver! Their music can be best described as oldies doo-wop with a surf punk twist—a unique blend that sets them apart.
While I hesitate to compare one band to another, the closest reference I can make is Shannon and the Clams. However, The McCharmlys bring an extra dose of fun and grit to their performance. The lead vocalist's voice is reminiscent of a simpler time. As an East Coaster, I can't help but notice the pervasive influence of West Coast culture in all the bands performing tonight.
Overall, The McCharmlies left a lasting impression on me with their energetic and distinctive style. Their fusion of old-school do-wop, surf punk, and infectious enthusiasm created an unforgettable experience that perfectly captured the spirit of the West Coast music scene.
