Los Angeles – LA-by-way-of-DC “brat-pop” specialists Holychild put on an energetic set last Monday, the second appearance in their month-long “Money, Money, Mondays” residency at The Echo. You may be asking yourself: “What exactly is this ‘brat-pop?’” The term is essentially a meaningless label the band has concocted to categorize their infectiously contagious songs, though the songs do have some “bratty” elements in the vocal delivery. Perhaps this is oversimplifying things, but Holychild’s sound falls somewhere between the avant-garde Euro pop of Robyn and the tongue-in-cheek, ironic brainlessness of Ke$ha.
The band consists of songwriting duo Liz Nistico and Louie Diller, with Nistico commanding the stage behind the microphone and Diller playing an array of instruments that created the backbone of the songs. (Ed., for more about how the two met, read Best New Bands’ review from last fall.)
Joining the pair onstage were four other members: the band predictably featured a live drummer and guitarist, but the male percussionists/vocalists/dancers (one of which was dressed in what appeared to be beach attire) were what gave the band an added element of the bizarre. As if that was not enough people to fill up the relatively small stage of The Echo, Holychild brought up two more back-up dancers (these ones female) who were dressed like cheerleader-extras from the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video.
While on a first listen, Holychild’s set may come across as typical pop music, there is something a bit deeper about each of the songs. From the surprising vocal samples executed on stage, to choruses that find unexpected melodies, to the propulsive drum work (all six members of the band banged on some drums at one point or another) – Holychild prove they are radio-friendly pop for the music enthusiast who hates radio-friendly pop.
Holychild has received a healthy amount of underground buzz from their initial EP release, Mindspeak, as well as its plethora of accompanying self-produced videos. However, they chose to forego the majority of that album’s tracks in favor of a hearty helping of new material. With their debut full-length album slated for release later this year on Glassnote Records (Chvrches, Childish Gambino, Phoenix), Holychild showed that their new songs are every bit as catchy and entertaining as the EPs.
One song from Mindspeak that Holychild did choose to perform on Monday night was “Playboy Girl,” perhaps their best-known track. Kicking off with a jagged, disco-inspired guitar riff, the song dives into the objectification of females – fairly substantive subject matter considering the bubblegum pop riffs and hooks in the background.
Among the new tracks that Holychild showcased, the standout was clearly their new single “Running Behind.” Stylistically, the song continues to tread its predecessor’s tweaked out radio-ready format, leaning heavily on its strong percussion work and an array of diverse musical interludes. Like all of their singles, “Running Behind” features a manic music video that perfectly complements the track.
Holychild will continue their “Money, Money, Mondays” residency throughout the month of January, with two more dates remaining. Their only other scheduled dates are for New York City’s The Governor’s Ball. Check their website for more tour information and for updates on their upcoming full length release.
Top Photo By Matt Matasci
Matt Matasci
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