When handed an advance copy of The Teeth’s album, You’re My Lover Now, Nancy announced, “This is your new favorite band.”
Last night I arrived at a mostly empty Silverlake Lounge as a singer/songwriter opened on the small stage under a vintage sign composed of light bulbs spelling “SALVATION.” Five of the filaments had burned out. As I watched The Teeth set up, their lead guitarist, Brian, walked over to the bar and then... paid for his beer. Does my potentially new favorite band have to buy their own drinks!? I vowed: if another member steps to the bar, I will pay. 45 seconds later Peter (bassist/vocals) strolled over, and as he sorted through some cash in his micro fanny pack, I intercepted the bartender and made the transaction.
“Thanks a lot, man.” Peter says appreciatively.
“I’m not hitting on you… I’m just really excited about the show.”
“You’re hitting on me.” He says with cool like a Jedi.
“Maybe just a little…”
Though only their first show in LA, the lounge still filled by 10. A friend arrived half way through the set, and though completely unfamiliar with the band he was immediately enthused. “They have incredible energy,” he said as we listened to “It’s Not That Funny.” Indeed, vigor galore, going berserk at moments but not sloppily. Words like ‘charismatic,’ ‘relentless gusto,’ and ‘all out enthusiasm’ come to mind now, but my less than sophisticated reply to friend was, “They could run on giant hamster wheels for the entire show!”
“Anyone seen ‘Rocky’?” Aaron (vocals/guitar/keyboard) says.
A few hoots from the audience.
“Well, that’s where we’re from… It’s not all that dramatic.”
The set ended with a virtuosic cover of Jerry Lee Lewis’s “High School Confidential” sung by Brian, who spiced it up nicely with additional lyrics and expletives. Mind. Blowing. We wanted more. They left the stage politely.
Many of the new songs are immediately likeable, but there’s madness close at hand, and talent. The smart, image-rich, impassioned lyrics are worth paying attention to, though sometimes dark in subject, nothing’s sour--no whining but lots of howls and yelps. (“Even your eyes don’t say what you mean/Watching your dad take down the Christmas tree/You’ve got his nose and his real estate/Just pure as the kitty cats that he threw in the lake…” from “A Flight in the Dark.”)
Listen for “The Trumpets Blair,” “The Coolest Kid in School,” “Ball of the Dead Rat,” “You’re My Lover Now,” “Your Feelings on Life,” and “That Light Always Goes,” from the very soon to be released I’m Your Lover Now. (Sorry, I could not choose fewer.)
You should not miss The Teeth. Touring with Dr. Dog and finding fans in other musicians, they will definitely gain more notice; hopefully, as much as they deserve. Buy them a beer while you still have the chance.
