By Dylan Fair
Arts Editor
The Smell, a small music club in the heart of Los Angeles, just celebrated their 14th birthday. This unprecedented success is unheard of in the world of completely self-funded venues. A strong reason for The Smell’s sustained success is the growing popularity of the group No Age, whose musical carreers began at the tiny LA club.
On Jan. 7, No Age along with local LA bands, Heller Keller and Peter Pants provided The Smell with birthday entertainment. $10 tickets and No Age’s loyal and diverse fan base prompted the venue to be filled to capacity. The group did not disappoint, giving an energy filled, powerhouse performance while paying homage to the roots of LA music.
Before the Headliner emerged, Heller Keller and Peter Pants opened the night. However not before a memorable introduction from The Smell’s manager, who dressed himself as Uncle Sam, then spoke comically about all current issues in American politics.
The opening acts barraged the crowd with violent and unrelenting energy. It was doubtful that any members of the crowd could really understand what the bands were screaming about but they did make for a good time. By slamming out power cords and screaming into the mike, Heller Keller and Peter Pants set the stage for No Age’s emergence.
It was close to 12:30 am when No Age finally walked on to the stage and they got off to a quick start by performing fan favorites “Teen Creeps” and “Eraser.” The Smells loyal crowd sang along word for word with the band. The audience also showed charisma with continuous “pogo” dancing and crowd surfing.
No Age followed their early fast paced numbers with the slower, more lyrically driven “Glitter.” At this point the energy of the crowd slowed down slightly as No Age performed slower tempo songs. About half way through the set, lead singer Dean Spunt, took a break between tracks to wish The Smell a happy birthday.
This mellowed attitude was quickly broken with the performance of “Fever Dreaming.” An double-bass heavy punk track epitomizing No Age’s blend of noise rock and old school punk. Spunt screamed over the microphone to a slamming guitar as the crowd went wild.
At the end of their set No Age made the decision to honor the punk rock roots that shaped the duo. . No Age has attributed so-cal punk as one of their major influences. Both Spunt and guitarist Richard Randell sport Black Fag tattoos, the legendary punk band from Hermosa Beach. The last two songs of the night were Black Flag’s “Revenge” and the all time classic “6 pack.”
By far the most memorable part of the night came during No Age’s rendition of “Revenge.” The group loves to involve the audience in their performances, with this in mind, Randell called out for the biggest Black Flag fan in the audience to come on stage and sing “Revenge.”
Out emerged a young 15 year old punk rocker, sporting a mohawk, studs and a black flag tee. While nervous at times, this teen’s performance was one he and the rest of The Smell will always remember.
These final songs capped off a powerful performance by No Age and closed out the night in spectacular style. The Smell was given a great birthday present, one that could be enjoyed by all who love the free, fun loving environment that is, The Smell.
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