CARAVELS COMEBACK

Caravels is one of those bands whose legend holds—even eight years after their announced hiatus. Their prominence and success in the local music scene marked a distinct era, and although the scene has since undergone countless change and growth, one thing that has stood the test of time is the fandom for this progressive-hardcore quintet.

Before the band’s December 22 set at Dive Bar, vocalist Michael Roeslein told the Weekly, “I’m feeling overwhelmed because it feels like a reunion in more ways than one.”

While the initial draw to Dive Bar was the prospect of witnessing these local legends, it swiftly transformed into a heartwarming reunion of old friends. Consequently, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement even before anyone had a chance to plug into an amp.

Local post-hardcore outfit Lords of Death were first up and quickly stimulated bystanders with a heavy-hitting setlist of covers. (They were kidding with that.) We briefly considered this crowd might be too old—or mature—to mosh, but that theory was quickly shot down once the pit opened and unsuspecting audience members quickly scurried out of the line of fire.

King of Heck followed and served as a fun palate cleanser; the indie rockers pronounced their love for Vegas and flexed their years-long musical expertise with a casual flair.

In a 2015 “exit interview” with the Weekly, members of Caravels were asked if their hiatus status hinted at a future return. Guitarist Matt Frantom noted the trend of bands taking a break and coming back to a larger fanbase. He joked, “We’re just waiting five years so we can get more fans.”

His words not only poked fun at the phenomenon, but also predicted the turnout of this gig. The crowd packed in tight as the band set up to play their 2013 album Lacuna in its entirety. And as we traversed the venue, we observed a prevalent theme of lyrical chanting resonating from every corner.

On stage, each member of Caravels, seemingly lost in his own world, remained in sonic harmony, reminiscent of the fresh-faced 18-year-olds who embarked on this project years ago—creating an illusion that all that time never passed. --Gabriela Rodriguez

Spin This

New year, new sounds, right? Not so fast. There’s a ton of new music from 2023 you might’ve missed. Let’s get you up to speed.

After a record-breaking run of shows this past year, alt-rock quintet Elevated Undergrounds released its grungey debut, Drowning Spree, on all major streaming platforms and—to our delight—vinyl. White Noise, the indie rock trio newly rebranded as Twist Off, composed of Kaesen Samson (vocals/guitar), Nicholas Lacy (bass) and Austin Mansfield (drums), also juggled multiple gigs while dropping the Immaculate EP, a rollicking followup to February’s Neapolitan, featuring fresh tunes from the current lineup. A recent batch of kick-ass singles—“Halloween 1987,” “Black Cherries” and “Neon Graveyard”—has also heralded the return of psychedelic rock band The Acid Sisters, who have teased their first new album in five years. The Historic Westside’s Dimples Music also staged a comeback this December, surprising fans with Sin City Diaries, a four-track EP of vibrant R&B jams. Meanwhile, neo-soul siren AKASHAA (formerly Ami Divine) has delivered another lushly trippy single called “Skyline Dr.,” and has hinted on her Instagram that the song is part of a larger series of episodic releases. --Amber Sampson

We initially introduced you to the genre-hopping outfit Pudgel back in September, and in the interim, they’ve been deeply engaged in perfecting their self-titled debut album. Pudgel catapults listeners into a frantic yet tight exploration of sound. Local screamo band Abbeys Garden has emerged as a wellspring of musical innovation and emotion. Latest EP Pebble Beach embodies a distinct spirit that has cultivated a faithful crowd of lyric chanters at their live gigs. When we last caught up with melodic hardcore band Echoes of Amara, they’d just played their inaugural set in the dining room of a Henderson IHOP—a few months later they released The Abyss, a five-track cathartic experience that is driven by the band’s instrumentation and raw vocals. King of Heck proudly embraces their identity as West Coast indie rockers and their latest single “Army of OK,” seamlessly aligns with that description—the jangly tune is a promising precursor to their upcoming album drop in February. --GR

VENUE HAPPENINGS

The Beverly Theater has quickly become the go-to for big indie film screenings, Halloween creature features and now … Las Vegas residencies? The Downtown film house recently announced it’ll host Australian indie folk-pop singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin for three nights during her Vegas residency on April 18, 25 and May 2. Known for her intimately introspective and brooding style, Jacklin has become a breakout following 2019’s Crushing. The Bev snapping up such an indie darling when she could have easily clinched a Strip venue speaks volumes.  --AS

Hard Hat’s jazz is making a comeback. Lead by bassist Edoardo Lacala, experience the resurgence of Monday jazz night, now more vibrant and melodious than before. The divey institution may seem like an unlikely place to indulge in the rich and expressive sounds of jazz, but once the music begins the bar effortlessly transforms the atmosphere, weaving a tapestry of sophistication and rhythm within. --GR

For a vibrant blend of charisma and dynamic musical energy, visit Downtown’s latest jazz and blues joint, Fat Cat. It regularly showcases the lively jazzy tropicalia band Los Plátanos, an ensemble that fuses strings, congos and keys and finds its stride in jivey improvisational showdowns that will leave you thinking, that was bananas. --GR

Breakups and Changes

In case you missed it, classic psych-rock four-piece Rose Levee has called it quits, but in happier news, it’s leaving us with a parting gift. The band’s EP, Daybreak, will soon be available to stream. “We poured our hearts, we were vulnerable, and even performed at times when it was the hardest. We can’t wait for you all to hear,” the band posted on its Instagram page. --AS

After an EP release and tour to California, rumors circulated that hardcore band Dreaming Maria had dissolved, but thankfully we can save the tears for another breakup. Lead vocalist Donovan Mingarelli confirmed via Instagram correspondence that the band will only be undergoing a lineup change. --GR

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