Finishing off their North American tour after an intense two night stand at The Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, California, The Murlocs continue to mount themselves as one of the best burgeoning acts in live music. Luckily, we were there front and center to recount the night, so please enjoy our review and full photo gallery below.

Fresh off the release of their sixth studio album Rapscallion, The Murlocs continue to expand their sound and experiment within their niche. While their music certainly has psychedelic elements to it, it’s that full bluesy rock style that keeps us coming back for more. We had the opportunity to witness them open up for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard last month at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, but actually having seeing them headline a show proved to be a world of difference. Additionally if you were unaware, the band actually shares two members with King Gizzard, Ambrose Kenny Smith and Cook Craig. Ambrose being the front man and with Cook on bass, the two continually bring their outrageous edge to the table, along with the rest of the band, delivering an unprecedented energy always.

As for the show, well The Murlocs went out in style, serving up a massive 22 song setlist to end their stint in the USA. For us, our personal favorite record is Manic Candid Episode, and while they definitely played a handful of songs from that record, it was the other standouts that really popped in a live setting. We’ve been waiting to see them play a full set, so it was only right that some hits from Bittersweet Demons came into the mix as well. Through just about an hour and a half of playtime, the band spanned their discography dating back all the way to 2016’s Loopholes. With bands like this that are always creating something new, it’s hard to get your favorites, but at least we can die knowing we got to witness “Rolling On”, “Francesca”, and “The Ballad of Peggy Mae”.

Featuring screaming harmonica, roaring basslines, bombastic drumming, and a constant shredding guitar, it’s really the unbounded enthusiasm of Ambrose that ties their greatness together. Don’t get us wrong, everyone brings us their own glimmers of talent, but damn, that man knows how to command a stage and stir up a crowd. While the tour is over right now, we’ve been proven time and time again that there’s always something being worked on.

If this happens to be your introduction to the band, go ahead and explore their discography below, as well as following them on their social media to stay tuned for all major news. Enjoy!

Listen to The Murlocs

Band Website

Bandcamp

Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:

Photos by: Echo Barrett