On April 7th, Modern Color headlined a sold out show at Northside Vinyl in Long Beach along with openers I’m Glad It’s You, Quiet, Ridgeway, and SHEER. I don’t usually go to many shows in Long Beach so I was excited to check out Northside Vinyl for the first time. I didn’t know what to expected, but after walking around aimlessly, I found the little music and art space right next to Black Ring Coffee. When I walked in through the back entrance I saw some local artists’ pieces hung on the walls, a mural with the words “Stay Juicy” over some charming wooden shelves filled with records, and the main stage placed at the front of the shop.
Simi Valley based band SHEER started off the show and filled the space with heavy dream pop influenced by 90s alternative. Towards the end of their set they played my favorite song of theirs, “Uneasy” which is one of their more upbeat tracks off of their last album .
Second was local shoegaze/emo band Ridgeway. They played most of their newer songs and there was so much energy in their stage presence. I’ve seen Ridgeway many times before and this was definitely my favorite performance of theirs so far.
Next was Quiet, a heavy alternative four piece band from Orange County. I was blown away by their raw screaming vocals over eery guitar riffs. I’m Glad It’s You took on the stage and played as a full band for the first time since late last year. Between one of their songs they took the time to talk to the audience about dealing with loss of a close friend of theirs. Headliners Modern Color played the heaviest fuzz driven set to a crowd that immediately started a circle pit.
Overall, this was one of my favorite shoegaze/post rock shows and I’m excited to go back to Northside Vinyl in the future.
Links to Their Music:
https://quietband.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-regress
https://ridgewayca.bandcamp.com/
https://imgladitsyou.bandcamp.com/album/the-things-i-never-say
https://moderncolor.bandcamp.com/
Follow Northside Vinyl @northsidelb
http://www.northsidevinyl.com/
