THE DUKE SPIRIT/BAND OF SKULLS / THE EL REY / 8.1.09

The line was down the street for the opening band, Band of Skulls, who have recently gained loads of popularity due to the vocal duelings of Emma Richardson and Russell Marsden. (A mention as "band to watch" in Entertainment Weekly and Vanity Fair, and an exclusive song in the upcoming soundtrack to New Moon). Richardson has been compared to Karen O and Patti Smith, and keeps getting better as the band plays around town.

Leila Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit, kept the energy going with songs like "Into The Fold" and "The Step and the Walk." She jumped barefoot on stage with a sparkly top and leather mini-shorts. Those who did not attend the Mew show at the Troubadour were all at the El Rey to support both Shangri-La Records bands (kudos to the label for throwing a free after party at HMS Bounty). Overall it was a fun concert-going experience.