The Bellrays: Live In Los Angeles

The Bellrays tore it up at Zebulon on a hot Friday night in Los Angeles, but that should not be news because The Bellrays tear it up with every performance. If you did not know that, consider yourself now informed. The band is doing quite a few shows throughout California as they gear up for their tour supporting Social Distortion throughout the US and parts of Canada. The opening act Space Horse was a wonderful surprise as I had never heard of this band before and I am now an avid fan of their straightforward, dirty guitar, rock ‘n’ roll. Lisa, the vocalist of The Bellrays was kind enough to put me on the guest list plus one, but I could not find anyone to go with me this evening, so I went alone. The last time I went alone to a concert was sometime in the late ‘80s when I went to a Grateful Dead show and that time, I turned into an eagle that flew through space for a few eternities…but that is a different story. Amazingly, I was on time, because the show was listed as starting at 7:00 pm, but Space Horse did not go on until 7:45. Bands, keep doing that so I can get there on time. Thanks.

Zebulon is a nice bar with a spacious club in the back that has a decent medium-sized stage and great sound. The ambient music is not too loud to hold a conversation and the patio area is spacious and clean. I rarely drink, so I spent a bit of time in the bar by watching some of the film being projected on the wall. It was “Night of the Hunter,” the 1955 film starring Robert Mitchum. He plays Harry Powell, a serial killer and religious fanatic/fraud who is trying to find $10,000 of stolen, hidden money. It was riveting, but it was putting my mind in the wrong place, so I walked away. Fortunately, Space Horse had just taken the stage, so I walked up to the front and center of the stage. 

I loved Space Horse within the first few chords. I immediately thought of Melvins, Motorhead and Black Sabbath. As the band’s set progressed, I noticed a bit of southern fried rock in there and a bit of enjoyable wah pedal and spacey echo. I did not get any song names or any of the three band member’s names, because I was content to lose myself in the resonating buzz and visceral sensations created by the music. The band members did not move around much but that did not matter. The music was great and their stage presence was comfortable, friendly, and casually-focused. Another thing that caught my attention was how some of the songs ended unexpectedly. It is usually easy to anticipate when a song is going to end, but that is not always the case with Space Horse. Check out this band if you ever get the chance, but be careful if you look for it online. There are a lot of garbage bands out there was the same name, so go here instead.

Before The Bellrays took the stage, I walked outside to stand on the patio and enjoy the cool breeze. As I passed by people, I noticed this was an older, well-washed crowd. I could smell the various perfumes and colognes people wore. I went outside the club and crossed the street to take a picture of a building with “THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT” painted on it. I was right that it was a reference to the song of the same name by The Who. Somebody told me it was a youth center by day and a band rehearsal studio by night. A woman nearby was grilling hot dogs and various Mexican dishes for sale.

Walking back into Zebulon, I noticed the merchandise line for The Bellrays goods was considerably long. Golden-voiced vocalist Lisa was very busy doing a brisk business of selling the few merch items being offered. There was a vinyl single, the new album on vinyl, two styles of screen printed T-shirts, and a cool tote bag. I took my place front and center of the stage and waited. I estimated only about 100 people in the club, but when the band mounted the stage, the audience magically increased to about 300. The first song was “Revolution Get Down” and I immediately got the chills up my spine as Lisa belted it out right in my face. This song came out in 2003 on the “Red, White and Black” album and I still have no idea what Lisa means when she sings “99 ain’t no number.” It sounds great though. I noticed Bob seemed more animated as usual as he arched and bobbed about (get it?) He clearly felt every note he played. Bob was jamming as usual.

I turned my attention to the new bassist Nico Miles as the second song “Changing Colors” began. (That song is heavy.) Before the set, I watched him happily and energetically set up his gear with a big smile on his face. The first song sounded great, so I already knew that he knew what he was doing. Right away, I detected a strong hint of the early Black Flag bass tone. Soon, I saw the Black Flag bars on Nico’s right upper arm as he bounced around. This tone and Nico’s personal style fit perfectly with The Bellrays’ blend of punk, rock, and soul. He noticed me watching him, so he mugged it up a bit for my camera and occasionally patted me on the back while he played and I sat on the edge of the stage. Nico has other musical projects and they are definitely worth a listen. His other stuff is deep, energetic, and uplifting. Give it a listen here.

The next two songs, “I Fall Down” and “California” were from the new album “Heavy Steady Go!” Both songs are straight up, blues-rooted, evocative rock ‘n’ roll tunes that spotlight Lisa’s alluring voice. Well, all The Bellrays’ songs do that, but the new stuff shines all the more. I went to the back of the room and climbed up the bleachers-type wooden seating against the back wall and smiled as I watched the room full of people just dancing. Not slamming, but really dancing…lost in the sonic reverie. Pressing my way back to the front, I delighted in closing my eyes and losing myself in the music.

I then decided I would attempt to achieve the almost impossible; to get a good photo of the drummer. Craig Waters is back on drum duty, and of course, the man was a solid beast for this show. I cannot imagine him doing otherwise. It is hard for me to get a good shot of drummers because they sit at the back of the stage, so I sneakily went behind the curtain at the rear of the stage and crawled up behind Craig. He gave me a quick “What are you doing?” look as he pounded away. Success! I got the shot by reaching my arm around to the side and snapping a few shots until I got what I wanted. Craig’s flying sweat often fell on my arms and head. It was awesome to sit right next to him and watch him jam.

I went back to the front and watched an older black woman delight like she was at a black church revival. She would shout: “Sing it sista!” “That’s right!” “Tell it!” along with call-back repetition of some of the song lyrics. To me, music is a spiritual thing, and I felt a deep connection with this woman I had never met. The night went on, and I estimate The Bellrays played about two hours or more. We heard a great mix of songs both old and new. We were treated to the lively “On Top,” the driving “Psychotic Hate Man,” the nostalgic “Pinball City,” the jazzy and chaotic “Strange Fruit,” and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed another new one, the bluesy and emotional “Down On My Knees.” The set ended with “Voodoo Train” and what else? “Black Lightning!” Has this band ever created a bad song? No.

After the show, the stage area becomes a dance club with a DJ playing techno music and a bunch of young 20-somethings (and two creepy older guys) quickly filled the room. I hate techno music. I  watched fascinated as people danced in segregated groups of three to five with the occasional loner moving about here and there. A young, voluptuous black woman danced over and asked me what was going on as Lisa busily tended to the long merch line. I told her what was happening and started to tell her how great The Bellrays are and how she should listen to the band sometime, but she just nodded politely as she danced backward, returning to her bubble of emptiness.

The Bellrays‘ new album Heavy Steady Go! is now available via digital platforms and through the band’s own Sweet Gee Records imprint. The Bellrays are currently on tour in North America with Social Distortion.