Allah-Las Concert Review-Fingerprints Record Store-Long Beach, CA 4/18/12

Randy Leasure once said about the band The Posies, "They wear their influences on their sleeve, but what a great shirt." The same can be said about the Allah-Las. Their psychedelic sound has a direct lineage to some of the great garage bands of the 60's. The obvious comparison would be the early Stones but listen closely and you'll also hear a little of The Beach Boys, Love and for those that like to dig a little deeper, The 13th Floor Elevators.

The band was playing at Fingerprints Record Store tonight to celebrate the Innovative Leisure Records' release of their new 7" single "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)" with the flip side "Sacred Sands." The A side being a an excellent representation of the band's atmospheric sound and the B-side being an instrumental reminiscent of many of the great California surf bands of the past. Click below to view their recently released video for the new single to get a taste of what this band is all about.

I got the sense from the sizable crowd that was assembled at Fingerprints tonight that this band already has a large local following. The store was packed with several hundred eager fans. I had heard (and loved) a few of the band's songs before the show, but the real test is if a band can deliver the goods live. Once they stepped on stage any doubt that I had was put to rest. To be frank, I was completely mesmerized by the Allah-Las. Individually they are all excellent musicians but collectively the music that they produce is otherworldly. You can not help but be drawn in by the hypnotic sound of this band.

Drummer Matt Correia, Singer Miles Michaud, Bassist Spencer Dunham-Allah-Las at Fingerprints Records

Lead singer Miles Michaud has a vocal style that reminds me of a young Eric Burdon when he was a member of The Animals. It's laid back but intense in just the right spots. He has an undeniable charisma that hooked the crowd throughout the show. Lead guitarist Pedrum Siadatian's Byrd's inspired jangly riffs complemented Michaud's vocals perfectly. The back beat provided by bassist Spencer Dunham and drummer Matt Correia completed the retro-cool sound.

Gutarist Pedrum Siadatian and drummer Matt Correia - Allah-Las at Fingerprints Records

The band played a 13 song, hour long set which included the infectious new single "Tell Me (What's on Your Mind)" as well as the B-side instrumental  "Sacred Sands." They also played their 2011 single "Catamaran" and the B-side "Long Journey," a Roots cover with drummer Matt Correia taking over the vocals while lead singer Miles took over the drumming duties. Another cover the band performed was an obscure Ariel Pink song called "I Don't Need Enemies" which fit perfectly into their set.

View from backstage

 After watching the show tonight my faith in the power of music was renewed. I had just seen something magical that I would remember for a long time. I have seen a lot of great bands over the years but the Allah-Las are by far one of the best. If you have a chance to see one of their shows or buy one of their records don't hesitate. Trust me you won't regret it.

After the show the band stuck around to sign some autographs and take some pictures. Here's a picture of me meeting my favorite new band.

Me (Jody) with singer Miles Michaud