Whether you're a die-hard fan of Automatic or a Crumb connoisseur, you're not going to want to miss a chance to see these two bands blow you away with their musicianship and talent. This past week, we had the pleasure of witnessing their electrifying performances at The Novo in Los Angeles, and we're excited to share our full review below.

The night kicked off with Automatic, a post-punk band hailing from Los Angeles. As soon as the band stepped onto the stage, the crowd roared with excitement. The trio, consisting of Izzy Glaudini on vocals and synthesizer, Lola Dompé on drums, and Halle Saxon Gaines on bass, began their set with "Skyscraper," a moody and atmospheric track from their 2022 album "Excess." Glaudini's haunting vocals, coupled with Gaines' pulsing bassline and Dompé's dynamic drumming, set the tone for the rest of the set.

As the set progressed, Automatic's energy intensified. The band's stage presence was undeniable, with each member fully immersed in the music. They played a mix of songs from their debut album, as well as some new tracks that had the crowd swaying along. "NGR," a standout track from their album, was a definite highlight of the set. The song's hypnotic beat and Glaudini's dreamy vocals transported the audience to another world.

An unforgettable part of the set was undoubtedly to no surprise, "Too Much Money," the crowd was fully in their grasp. The band's raw energy and impeccable musicianship left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Crumb to take the stage. The band, consisting of Lila Ramani on guitar and vocals, Jesse Brotter on bass, Jonathan Gilad on drums, and Brian Aronow on keys and saxophone, wasted no time diving into their set. They opened with "Nina," setting the psychedelic vibe that the fans had shown up for.

As Crumb progressed through their set, it became clear why they have become one of the most exciting bands in the indie scene. Ramani's vocals were captivating, effortlessly moving from hushed whispers to soaring falsettos. Brotter's basslines were funky and intricate, providing the backbone for the band's sound. Gilad's drumming was precise and dynamic, while Aronow's keys and saxophone added a jazzy element to the mix.

Crumb played a mix of songs from their two albums, as well as some new tracks that had the crowd cheering. "Part III," a fan-favorite from their debut album "Jinx," had the crowd swaying along to its hypnotic groove. "Ice Melt," a newer track from their album…you guessed it, “Ice Melt”, showcased the band's versatility with its dreamy, ethereal sound.

One of the standout moments of the set was when Aronow picked up the sax and added that beautiful woodwind sound we didn’t know we were missing in our lives.

We couldn’t publish this review without mentioning two of our favorite songs performed, "Fall Down" and "Ghostride." The crowd sang along to every word, and Ramani's guitar solos left jaws on the floor. It was a fitting end to an unforgettable night.

As a final thank you to the audience, Crumb kicked off the encore with their hit, “Locket” which gave us chills to see live after listening to it well over 100 times since its debut in 2017.

The performances by Automatic and Crumb at The Novo were nothing short of impressive. Both bands delivered solid sets and kept the audience engaged throughout the night. Automatic's energy and punk rock vibes were contagious, while Crumb's unique blend of indie, jazz, and psychedelic rock created an ethereal atmosphere that was mesmerizing to watch. It felt great being around other fans of Crumb where the vibes were good and everyone was clearly there to have a great (and psychedelic) time.

Overall, the concert was a night to remember, with both Automatic and Crumb delivering standout performances that showcased their unique sounds and talents. The crowd was enthusiastic and engaged, fully appreciating the energy and emotion that the bands brought to the stage. The Novo was the perfect setting for the show, allowing the audience to fully experience the music in a way that felt personal and intimate. It's clear that both Automatic and Crumb are bands to watch, and we can't wait to see what they do next. If you have the chance to catch them live, don't hesitate - it's a concert experience you won't forget.

Review & Photos by: Zak Sender

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