Friday nights in Los Angeles are always exhilarating, and last weekend The Echo transformed from its typical small bar/venue feel into a stadium of sorts with epic performances by L.A. natives TORCHES and UK/New York-based electro-poppers Lovelife.

The night began with TORCHES’ sweeping, anthemic brand of indie rock. Though recorded the band consists of vocalist/guitarist Azad Cheikosman and drummer Eric Fabbro, they added Braeden Henderson to their live performances, and this couldn’t have been a better choice. Henderson and Cheikosman’s energy was electric as the two exchanged banter. “You look cute today,” Henderson said in between songs.

“I don’t look cute every day?” Cheikosman fired back.

“No.”

This type of playful mockery continued though out the set but didn’t interfere with the musical performance. When the trio started a song, the members were in a zone. Their set was a nice mix of buoyant, upbeat songs including the new single “When You Gonna?” and darker, tribal-influenced tracks like their upcoming EP’s title track, “If The People Stare.” As the three-piece’s set progressed, they exemplified their harmonizing skills. All three sang beautiful, lush “oh oh” choruses that resembled those of L.A. indie heavyweights Local Natives, and though they were the opening band of the night, they played as if they were headlining—interacting with their fans and performing a grand finale where all three members pounded tom drums ferociously. At the end of the set, the band announced a well-deserved residency at The Echo for the month of May.

Pumped up from TORCHES’ set, the crowd was eager for Lovelife to play, and the electro duo (quartet live) brought the energy (and the noise). The band disregarded the fact that it was in an intimate venue and turned its amps up to 11. With the crowd’s ears ringing, Lovelife tore through its set. And though this show was on the heels of a rowdy South by Southwest, the four-piece showed no signs of exhaustion.

Frontman Lee Newell did not belong on The Echo’s stage; he belongs in stadiums. As he sang, he stripped the microphone off its stand and sauntered across the small stage, using it more as a prop than a tool. He stood on his amp and reached for his fans’ hands as he crooned, and when the band finished the set with its ‘90s dance/electro pop hybrid single, “Dying To Start Again,” it was clear this band is determined for greatness (or at least stardom).

 

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