Ariel Pink and group are worth keeping an eye on.

Last Friday night began with Harlem at The Echo. I like these guys. Their "Friendly Ghost" was a fave track earlier this year but I'd heard their live shows don't match their studio output. I'm afraid that was the case for me. They probably wanted to emulate major influences Nirvana in that band's loud punk early stages, but it was hard to hear anything and the vocals seemed way off. To be fair, they said they were enduring major technical issues, so I might have gotten them on an extremely bad night.

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti were playing downstairs at the sold-out Echoplex. This was a hot ticket and the band has a developed a newfound buzz on their current album. Ariel's response to their growing fame? "If this is your first time seeing us, shame on you!" This band has traditionally been lo-fi, and that was certainly the sound of their set. They've got some great musical ideas, and Pink has the potential to become a star over time. The fans were into the show, but I expected a little more excitement in the air. Definitely a band to keep an eye and ear on.

Philadelphia Grand Jury moved to London from Sydney following their blowout Musexpo LA performance in April. They're heading back to Australia for some major gigs. The band is doing well down under, and their positive vibes appeal to everyone from metalheads to art rockers. They absolutely deliver live and have a number of strong tunes in the arsenal. Last night's show was at the Silverlake Lounge, which is a funky club without much of a stage. These guys need to be elevated higher so that their energy projects over the crowd. Still, a good time was had by all.