In a city named after angels but filled with just as many demons – good ol’ Los Angeles – it takes something like bravery and heart to accomplish dreams. Formed in 2012, Los Angelics is an indie-rock group (grown locally in the heart of LA) that is not only creating a rift in the local music scene, but is also raising the bar.
Last spring, Sara Coda (vox) and synth players Patrick Campo and Jon Ramirez released their Land of the Brave and Dangerous EP which garnered both local and national recognition. Their sound is complex, yet immediately accessible and familiar with influences that range from Daft Punk to Oingo Boingo to No Doubt. Capable of producing multi-multi layered harmonies in the likeness of Queen, it’s synth-driven indie rock that’s chant-able, dance-able, and stadium-ready.
Thematically, songs on the EP run the range of renewal, second chances and overcoming personal demons while the track “Live Like Kings (Mexico)” could be a novel unto itself as Coda sings, “Let’s go / Start over…the future’s all we have.” Think of an anthem for ditching the mundanities of life, running away from home with your besties and heading south of the border. During the bridge, the drums are frantic, quick, chaotic and soon break down into a percussive clap/snap section that leads into an even more energetic last chorus. There isn’t a moment of fluff in this song or anywhere on the EP.
“Growing Young” catches listeners off-guard with demonic laughter that breaks into a catchy synth-bass hook followed by an anthemic chorus. Halfway through the song, a theremin solo takes the lead, creating an eerie and an almost heroic atmosphere. A vocoder solo finishes the song and chants what every generation can relate to: “I’m not too weak to take critique.”
Los Angelics’ live show not only complements their recordings (they sound as polished as any national touring act) but they’re an unforgettable experience in their own right. As a front woman, Coda fully engages every person in the audience with her raw passion and emotion and there never seems to be a beat where she isn’t in the zone. Working behind custom-built metallic keyboard stands that twist and turn like wild robot arms, Campo and Ramirez provide the heavy instrumental breakdowns and energy.
Laden with hook after hook, pure emotion, and memorable melodies, Land of the Brave and Dangerous could launch Los Angelics into the international spotlight and it’s not hard to imagine Los Angelics as a voice for the next generation.