Stop Me if You’ve Heard this One Before: The Smell Scene

Coverage of “The Smell scene” in Los Angeles generally focuses on two bands with amazing live shows: Health and No Age. Much like a lot of the music press, we do love Health (heck, check out the interview above), but judging from all the hype, you’d think those two bands play The Smell every night. Of course, they’re just the tip of an expansive, diverse iceberg. This diversity sets the LA scene apart from many in the past (punk in NYC, grunge in Seattle) as there is not a cohesive stylistic sound. Bands range from pop to noise, electronic to acoustic and everywhere in between. Somehow, it’s the respect for the differences that sort of hold the scene together. So, if you’ve been digging on Health recently, here are some other bands that are worth checking out from the Smell scene. The list below is still far from complete, and be prepared for something completely different: CAPTAIN AHAB Slip Health’s remix CD into your computer. Notice a few more songs on the disc? One of the tracks was remixed by the self-proclaimed ravesploitation act Captain Ahab. In a live setting (which includes many performances at The Smell), one half of the duo makes music that takes everything lovable and despicable about pop songs and mixes the two perfectly. The other half strips down to a Speedo and dances. KEVIN SHIELDS NOT the guy from My Bloody Valentine. Kevin Shields wasn’t even intentionally named after MBV. The sole member of the band, Eva Aguila, chose the name after she overheard it in conversation and decided to adopt it as it seemed like the whitest name she had ever heard. Kevin Shields is a pretty noisy project, so don’t forget to bring your earplugs. FOOT VILLAGE With four drummers–all of whom participated in the 88BoaDrums event this year–and a megaphone or two, the band doesn’t need any amplifiers to make a lot of noise. They’re an indie supergroup of sorts (and I use the term loosely), featuring Brian Miller (Gang Wizard, founder of Deathbomb Arc), Grace Lee (Gang Wizard, A++), Josh Taylor (Friends Forever), and Dan Rowan (International Voice of Reason). Despite the resume, Foot Village could stand their own without it. ANAVAN This electro-punk trio’s live energy can often be a hazard to their health. One particularly intense night, Aaron Buckley (lead vocals, drums) jumps up from behind the drums and proceeds to exit the venue. The remaining two members, not quite sure where Buckley had disappeared to, decided to end the set. When he finally returned (still in somewhat of a haze), he wasn’t even aware that he had left and wondered why his band mates were packing up equipment. ABE VIGODA Hey! Look! Another band we interviewed! So, okay, maybe not ALL of the music media’s attention is on Health and No Age, or (more likely) Uncensored Interview is just a little ahead of the curve. These punks with a boyish charm are even signed to No Ager Dean Spunt’s record label, Post Present Medium. If you STILL aren’t sure of the diversity of the LA scene, take Abe Vigoda’s word for it: