The Echo is not a very big place, but last night there was a huge line funneling into the front entrance of LA’s favorite underground venues. The tiny club was hosting the premiere Los Angeles performance of electro-rock trio Freeland, lead by one LA transplant, DJ Adam Freeland. Thankfully I was able to bypass it and slip in for a quick drink before they took they stage. They began with a darker brooding set of selections, strangely contrasting the bouncy electro-grooves of the preceding house DJ set. This crowd had actually been having fun. Prior to the performance they’d been dancing, laughing and mingling. Not milling around in a listless daze like most crowds do when waiting for the headlining band to perform. They simmered down once the band went on – like a kindergarten class gathering around for story time. This changed after a few songs though, and once the band jumped into the remix of “Under Control” everyone’s hands were in the air. The energy was back and it was stronger than ever. I stood in the midst of it all, marveling at the rich crisp kick of the drums which sounded fantastic over the PA. Not muddled or overpowering in the least. When the computerized vocal intro to “We Want Your Soul” came droning over the speakers everyone lost it. Adam seemed to be talking directly to the crowd when he bellowed into the mic “you are free to do as we tell you!” He truly had them in the palm of his hand. And they bounced together, waving their hands and chanting the chorus in unison.
Loading ...
Leave A Comment!