Separate City Sets Sail

We smashed a champagne bottle against the helm of the good ship Separate City this past Tuesday, the First of March, at BV’s favorite subterranean watering hole, The Basement Tavern. With its sails of purpose clearly unfurled, Separate City delivered the cargo: buzzy eastside L.A. bands made a pilgrimage to the west, and brilliance ensued.

Aerial Stereo, The Lonely Wild, and Rumspringa pillaged and ransacked the ears and steers of our sleepy beach town, swashbuckling their way into the hearts of some new fans and continuing to positively plunder the already captive.

The night was all indie but quite the musical lunchable of varying styles. Aerial Stereo cross-pollinated the room with their psychedelic pop and neo-free-love abandon, while The Lonely Wild’s tight, genuine harmonies inspired one to sing or whistle along. Rumspringa’s soulful blues made everyone giddy and forget that they had been packed tight as fish eggs in a steamy basement for 3+ hours…which actually only added to the experience. This overheard remark summed it up: “I feel like I’m at the coolest high school basement rock show.”

 

Aerial Stereo

The Lonely Wild

Rumspringa

If you needed a break from the crowd, the outside wraparound patio and the food truck addled parking lot was a perfect refuge. The Victorian's nether regions were full until the finale of the evening, when The Drakes—fronted by Mark “Pops” Thomas—soaked the drawers of all with a raucous rendition of “It’s Now or Never.”

After that, it was anchors up. The bands set sail on an east bearing wind. But this will not be the last we hear of Separate City. No. Stay tuned for May 3^rd’s lineup. It's a doozy. 

Thanks to the Basement Tavern, Hi Stereo for opening the night and representing the west, and all the BV loyal. We do it for you!