When I interviewed Bradley Carter and Sean Stentz of NO back in December, the band was still getting its bearings. The quintet had just released its debut EP, Don’t Worry, You’ll be Here Forever, and had admitted that not many people were familiar with the band—including friends and acquaintances—until right before the album release. The band had only played on legitimate show, at Silverlake’s The Satellite, and Carter spoke of hopes and dreams to tour across the country, and eventually the globe, with NO. Well, I’ve got some good news for you, Bradley; your dream may come true sooner than you expected.
In the mere month since I chatted with Carter and Stentz, they have played shows at iconic Los Angeles clubs including Troubadour, The Echoplex, and Bootleg Bar, with a March Monday residency already in the book at The Echo. NO has also been listed as a “band to watch for in 2012” in numerous U.S. and UK publications. After listening to the EP and seeing the five-piece perform, this instant recognition does not surprise me in the slightest. Not only does the indie outfit bring to the table a grandiose brand of anthematic rock similar to The oh-so-amazing National, but the musicians’ onstage chemistry and energy is unbelievable. When I saw them at Bootleg Bar it was only their second performance at a venue, but it felt like these guys had been playing music together for years. Every man knew his role, and executed it perfectly, and Carter is one hell of a front man, making his heartfelt lyrics feel even more genuine as he belts them out to an audience.
If you live in the LA area, a encourage you to come out to The Satellite on Wednesday, January 11, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Doors at 8:30, show starts at 9 pm. 21+. FREE.
