Photo by Rocco Guarino
Babylon Saints
- LolaGOLB@gmail.com
“It’s 11:30 somewhere in the world, right? Cuz that’s the time we were supposed to go on.” That’s what lead singer, Matt Gerovac, said at the opening of their headlining set that ended up starting closer to 1 a.m.
With a handful of loyal fans grooving to the music, the band played to the post-1 a.m. crowd; and even though they went on an hour and a half late, the Babylon Saints were worth the wait—and a welcome change from acts prior. This eclectic set of musicians comes complete with vocals, guitar, bass and drums that weave rock guitar solos in and out of perhaps one of the more appealing and unique aspects of this reggae ensemble—steel drums.
Not having been acquainted with the band prior to seeing them, I wasn’t expecting to see steel drums. In fact, I wasn’t expecting a reggae band at all. Instead, I expected to see a rock band, based on the somewhat formal attire and goatees that graced their flyer of upcoming shows. I guess that’s what makes them different.
These four reggae-rock musicians come from various backgrounds around the country and list influences, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Marvin Gaye and Fela Kuti. These same influences can be heard in their soulful and flowing sounds, especially in songs like “Looking in the Mirror.”
In addition to the music, the Babylon Saints have a stage presence that consists of both positive energy and a driving groove that might not be captured by anything other than a live viewing. For instance, if I hadn’t been there, I would have missed Matt’s charming, jivey dancing through the bar during one of the opening band’s sets, acquainting himself with a couple girls who were waiting for them to take the stage.
Near the end of their set, Gerovac left the audience with a few words before they played on: “Make each other feel good, don’t litter and stop doing shitty things to the earth.”
I can’t really argue with that.
Definitely file the Babylon Saints under the music-that-makes-you-feel-good section of your library.
It would benefit you to go see them at one of their many upcoming shows, which can also be found on their website (www.babylonsaints.com):
Nov. 20 – Mickie Finnz – Redondo Beach, CA
Nov. 21 – The Press – Claremont, CA
Dec. 5 – The Lighthouse Café – Hermosa Beach, CA
Dec. 11 – Mickie Finnz – Redondo Beach, CA
Dec. 12 – The Vault – Redlands, CA
Dec. 18 – The Frog & Peach – San Luis Obispo, CA
Dec. 19 – Johnny’s Cathouse – Redding, CA
Dec. 20 – Grant & Green – San Francisco, CA
Dec. 22 – Sandbar – Santa Barbara, CA
Dec. 29 – Dragonfly – Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 5, 2010 – The Frog & Peach, San Luis Obispo, CA
With a handful of loyal fans grooving to the music, the band played to the post-1 a.m. crowd; and even though they went on an hour and a half late, the Babylon Saints were worth the wait—and a welcome change from acts prior. This eclectic set of musicians comes complete with vocals, guitar, bass and drums that weave rock guitar solos in and out of perhaps one of the more appealing and unique aspects of this reggae ensemble—steel drums.
Not having been acquainted with the band prior to seeing them, I wasn’t expecting to see steel drums. In fact, I wasn’t expecting a reggae band at all. Instead, I expected to see a rock band, based on the somewhat formal attire and goatees that graced their flyer of upcoming shows. I guess that’s what makes them different.
These four reggae-rock musicians come from various backgrounds around the country and list influences, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Marvin Gaye and Fela Kuti. These same influences can be heard in their soulful and flowing sounds, especially in songs like “Looking in the Mirror.”
In addition to the music, the Babylon Saints have a stage presence that consists of both positive energy and a driving groove that might not be captured by anything other than a live viewing. For instance, if I hadn’t been there, I would have missed Matt’s charming, jivey dancing through the bar during one of the opening band’s sets, acquainting himself with a couple girls who were waiting for them to take the stage.
Near the end of their set, Gerovac left the audience with a few words before they played on: “Make each other feel good, don’t litter and stop doing shitty things to the earth.”
I can’t really argue with that.
Definitely file the Babylon Saints under the music-that-makes-you-feel-good section of your library.
It would benefit you to go see them at one of their many upcoming shows, which can also be found on their website (www.babylonsaints.com):
Nov. 20 – Mickie Finnz – Redondo Beach, CA
Nov. 21 – The Press – Claremont, CA
Dec. 5 – The Lighthouse Café – Hermosa Beach, CA
Dec. 11 – Mickie Finnz – Redondo Beach, CA
Dec. 12 – The Vault – Redlands, CA
Dec. 18 – The Frog & Peach – San Luis Obispo, CA
Dec. 19 – Johnny’s Cathouse – Redding, CA
Dec. 20 – Grant & Green – San Francisco, CA
Dec. 22 – Sandbar – Santa Barbara, CA
Dec. 29 – Dragonfly – Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 5, 2010 – The Frog & Peach, San Luis Obispo, CA
