Every show at the legendary Knitting Factory had anticipation written all over it. While the venue's current incarnation is a long shot from its pre-COVID predecessor, it felt like old times as The Paranoyds put on a show worthy of the venue's rich history.

Anchored by driving guitars, commanding drums and synthesizer solos, the LA based group put on an absolutely raucous Friday night show. What’s truly noteworthy off the bat about The Paranoyds is their unexpectedly refreshing song structure in a garage rock outfit. What begins as your average four chord pop punk ditty, evolves into unexpected breakdowns and switch ups that routinely deviate from the standard 4/4 time signature. The resulting product is full warm waves of sonic bliss, made possible because of the deeply ingrained syncopated nature The Paranoyds share.

As any reputable music outlet must mention, Laila Hashemi (keys/vocals) and Lexi Funston (guitar/vocals) met in pre-school and were instant muses to each other. They then met Staz Lindes (bass/vocals) in ninth grade who filled out their core trio seamlessly. Their battle- tested chemistry shines through on stage. The audience was greeted with three part harmonies and Lexi and Staz trading instruments effortlessly. The full power of this band is indelibly captured in a live format.

The group is riding high on their recent releases on Jack White’s Third Man Records. Last year’s LP, Talk Talk Talk as well as this year’s EP, I Like it Here, are offerings that have received praise online, and major bands have taken note. The Paranoyds have recently opened for Julian Casablancas’ The Voidz, and The Joy Formidable. If their opening sets are anything like their headlining shows, they will surely inspire a wellspring of energy early in the night.

The same can not be said for this night’s show opener, Josephine Network. The 8 piece group was having a pleasant time playing Beach Boys style ditty’s that harkened back to a “golden age of rock and roll” sound. The kind of Grease style bops that the 2 am infomercial for the 6 CD box set reminded you about incessantly. Josephine Network’s saccharine demeanor was felt throughout the set, and further exemplified by one vocalist, armed with banana shaped shakers and an accompanying belt holster. Not to say that Josephine Network was bad by any stretch, in fact Josephine (guitar/vocals) makes her stratocaster absolutely wail and churn out riffs that have lo-fi college radio hit potential. However, the energy of these songs didn’t seem to properly energize the crowd for the fire The Paranoyds were about to bring. It took the crowd longer to launch into a frenzy than it would have with a more high octane opening act.

That did not stop The Paranoyds from putting on an unforgettable show. The crowd really started kicking with 20 minutes left in the set. The small venue became 70% mosh pit in the blink of an eye. Nothing but smiles all around in this barrage of bodies. Bassist Staz took the opportunity to take a lap; crowd surfing to the delight of the adoring audience. Standout tracks, “Freak Out”, “Maldito”, “Bear” and “I’m JK” wrapped up the incredibly tight set. You can get a taste ofThe Paranoyds on Audiotree Live (Full Session)or check them out when they're back in New York on February 26th opening for The Kills at Webster Hall.

Review & Photos by: Jay Bartell

The Paranoyds Buck the Punk Pop Paradigm at The Knitting Factory