There was a murder last night at the Viper Room- and it wasn’t tragic.  No one was a victim of senseless violence- it was the much needed, highly anticipated killing of summer care of L.A.’s own Fight From Above.  Not that L.A. Kids need yet ANOTHER reason to celebrate, but FFA (our September Artist In Residence!) granted everyone’s wishes with a little rain dance- and song that seems to have not only pleased inhabitants of the City of Angels, but the weather gods as well- who’ve taken refuge on us with a little much needed hydration circa the cumulous cloud collection populating our So Cal skies.

I’ve been a frequent attendee of shows as of late, and as expected, the energy at FFA was pretty awesome, and one I haven’t seen the whole crowd get into in a good few weeks.  Maybe it was the opening song cover of “wipeout” that got the party started, but within minutes people were not only happily jam packed sardine style at the Sunset Strip venue- they were seeking higher elevation in which to have their socks rocked off- namely climbing on booths and dancing on said apparatus.

 

Along with the classics (including the much craved song “Saticoy”) FFA rocked a couple new joints that indicate the next CD will be as awesome and jam worthy as their debut.

Something I found extremely cool, noteworthy, and can honestly say I’ve never found myself witness to before- is that the local L.A. band covered another brand new local L.A. band serving as recipient to a lot of buzz as well, Foster The People.  Fight From Above covered their single “pumped up kicks” and rocked it with a bit of an FFA twist, and the tribute was not only surprising- it was musically magically delicious.  (When I mentioned to one of the FFA-ers how stoked I was on their choice of coverage, and asked if they did it because FTP was playing that night as well, the answer was simple, surprising, and an awesome confession:  no- we just dig the song!)  We need more newly awesome bands spawned from Los Scandalous to join forces and support each other’s endeavors- thumbs up times ten, FFA!

I caught up with FFA drummer Dave Schechtman for a little sneak peek regarding their upcoming album.  Here’s what he had to say post set at the Viper Room!

BNB:  So dave- we chatted earlier about your sponsorship with fivestar- what sponsorship does justin miner have concerning his hair?

DS:  (LOL … he’s talking with vidal sassoon and paul mitchell…jk!) And regarding 5Star, no paperwork has been signed but we are in discussion and I am proudly wearing their clothes!

BNB:  Okay so we’re getting ready to record a new album (I clearly now consider myself an honorary FFA member)- any significant change in style from LA kids?

DS:  Sometimes the songs feel slightly darker to me, however we are still keeping that dance-pop that we love. Look forward to some hand claps!

BNB:  Current influences on the ipod heavy rotation list? (As I have music add- I expect everyone else does)

DS:  Dave Sitek’s ‘MAXIMUM BALLOON’. I am a huge fan of everything Sitek does (TV on the radio guitarist/producer) and I could really use some more! I also dig this indie group called TENNIS — she’s got a very unique voice.

BNB:  Fave part of the recording process?

DS:  The breakfast burritos.  I love being in the studio…it’s stress and bliss mixed into one. Tracking drums is usually not a problem until our producer throws a new beat idea out of left field (ie: Saticoy chorus) and that just adds more time to the process but it also creates a much better song! I look forward to the new and exciting additions that will come for our new songs.

BNB:  Any pre recording vices or rituals?!

DS:  Breathing and meditating. Just kidding: FEELING TIRED.

BNB:  LA kids was pretty dark- which was awesome- Anything change with the new songs?

DS:  Not to be repetitive but I think these songs will juxtapose the dark and pop much like our last album, but we all feel stronger musically and hope that our songs will be another level above last time.

BNB:  When on earth can we expect a little FFA CD action, with hopefully a side of vinyl?!

DS:  SOON! And we hope to def get some vinyl action going this time around!

BNB:  Closing remarks?!

DS:  FIGHT FROM ABOVE: its just something to say…don’t take the name too literally.

BNB:  For sure- these boys are lovers- not fighters.

Fight From Above confessed that last night’s performance would indeed be the last shindig for a while- as they’re heading back into the recording studio to satisfy our FFA cravings with another tasty little musical treat.  If you happened to miss the Hot Hot Heat/ Modest Mouse L.A. based hybrid last night, be sure to check back at www.myspace.com/fightfromabove to keep updated with the latest and greatest.