Allah-Las - Allah-Las (Self Titled) - Album Review

Mesmerizing is the first word that comes to mind after listening to this fantastic new album by the Allah-Las. We did a review of their Fingerprints Records in-store performance back in April and have been waiting patiently for the release of their first full length record ever since. The band's self titled album out now on Innovative Leisure Records is well worth the wait and is without a doubt one of the best records of the year.

If you've never heard one of their songs or seen them play live, their psychedelic sound has a direct connection to some of the great garage bands of the 1960's. Early Stones, The Byrds and Love are just a few of the many influences that you can hear in their music. Make no mistake though, the band has managed to weave all of these sounds into something that that is fresh, new and all their own.

As we mentioned in our Fingerprints review, lead singer Miles Michaud possesses a quality and tone to his voice that reminds us of a young Eric Burden. His vocals combined with guitarist Pedrum Siadatian's surf inspired riffs and powerful back beat provided by bassist Spencer Dunham and drummer Matt Correia all add up to a captivating laid-back retro California sound.

Click below to see the video for the song "Busman's Holiday" which is the third track on the new album. This song is an excellent representation of the band's style. They use Beach Boys-like harmonies and excellent musicianship to transport you back to another place and another time.

The new album also includes "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)" and "Sacred Sands" which are an A and B side of a vinyl single that the band released  back in April. The song "Sacred Sands" is a surf rock instrumental that is somewhat reminiscent of the 60's band The Ventures.

Drummer Matt Correia takes over the lead vocal duties on a cover of the Roots song "Long Journey" which is the final track on the album. The song has a haunting dark undertone like something that came right out sleazy B movie.

The band will be going out on tour in September and October playing most of the dates with Nick Waterhouse. If you are lucky enough to have them come to your town DO NOT miss it!

9/26 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
9/27 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall*
9/28 - St. Louis, MO @ Plush
9/29 - Indianapolis, IN @ White Rabbit Cabaret
9/30 - Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
10/2 - Washington, DC @ The Rock and Roll Hotel
10/3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
10/4 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott
10/5 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Union Pool*
10/6 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
10/8 - Toronto, ONT @ The Great Hall
10/10 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
10/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe
10/14 - Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
10/15 - Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo
10/16 - Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore
10/17 - Portland, OR @ Star Theatre
10/20 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
10/21 - Los Angeles, CA El Rey

All dates with Nick Waterhouse except *

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