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Photo by Tim Saccenti
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Flying Lotus is at the Wiltern this Friday.
Be sure to check out our constantly updated concert calendar!
Friday, November 14
Slayer
THE FORUM
Slayer remains the heaviest of the “Big Four” of thrash metal — out-shredding Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax — more than 30 years into their career. Their seminal 1986 release
Reign in Blood is 29 minutes of scorching thrash that still inspires some of the most violent headbanging anywhere. But fans would have understood if the SoCal metal greats called it quits after a tumultuous 2013. Weathering a storm that included the acrimonious departure of drummer Dave Lombardo and the tragic death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman, remaining band founders Tom Araya and Kerry King are moving forward with a new as-yet-untitled album in 2015, alongside returning ’90s Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt. This show – shockingly, the band’s first-ever performance at the Forum — should be a good indicator of what the future holds for the veteran act. — Jason Roche
Flying Lotus, Thundercat
THE WILTERN
As overheard at a recent record swap, when the subject of Flying Lotus’ new album came up: “Fuck all those new guitar bands,
this is psychedelic!” And you know what? That guy was right. Producer and L.A. beat music visionary Lotus’ latest,
You’re Dead!, goes beyond the beyond both musically and philosophically, with world-class guests like Herbie Hancock, Snoop and Kendrick Lamar barely keeping their component atoms together as FlyLo dives into a future-perfect version of jazz fusion. Or considering how explosive this album is, maybe it’s jazz fission? Either way, it’s ambitious, artistic and dedicated to exploring the infinite. Opener Thundercat is one of Lotus’ most committed fellow travelers, with preternatural bass capability and the fearlessness to go with it. — Chris Ziegler
Foster the People
SHRINE AUDITORIUM & EXPO CENTER
Foster the People continue to ride the wave from 2011’s
Torches more so than gaining ground with this year’s
Supermodel.
Supermodel trades
Torches’ studio-generated sounds for organic ones, pulled from various spots on the globe. The percussive African rhythms of “Are You What You Want to Be?” and the undulating Spanish guitars of “Nevermind” give way to modern-day psychedelia with the electric layers of “Pseudologica Fantastica” and the intricately shaped grinder, “A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon.” In contrast, “Goats in Trees” and “Fire Escape” are wholly acoustic, the latter so stripped down, it feels unfinished.
Supermodel is most like
Torches’ crafted exuberance on the rumbling bass lines, pretty synths and candy-coated vocals of “Ask Yourself” and the warbling riffs of “Coming of Age.”
Supermodel isn’t as instantly gratifying as its predecessor, but it’s a steady grower. — Lily Moayeri
Sabine Trio (Hard Bop Chicks)
EPIC BAR & LOUNGE
Russian pianist Sabine (born Yelena Koshelevskaya) arrived in L.A. some years ago. Her love of jazz began here, following an upbringing of classical piano in Moscow. While she credits graduate studies at USC with introducing her to America’s classical music, Sabine’s stylistic preferences are straight out of New York post-bebop traditions, as she willingly steps into difficult music from such icons as Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. Sabine released a 2010 CD of her own music recorded live in L.A. with bassist Tony Dumas and the late Ralph Penland on drums. Her latest project is an all-female trio she calls “Hard Bop Chicks,” with bassist Sherry Luchette and drummer Rivkah Ross. They’re appearing at the Epic in Sherman Oaks, a space jazz fans formerly knew as Spazio. — Tom Meek