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Salvation. That is what I am promised via the huge lit up sign hanging center stage at the Fold in the heart of Silver Lake. I walk in the door to a very tiny, very packed venue. It is dark, has the faint scent of weed infused with heavy incense and is crawling with the classic, too cool for school, hipsters Silver Lake has to offer. I squeeze into a seat along the wall only to be serenaded by singer/songwriter Grace Woodroofe, Australia’s happier version of Fiona Apple, only minus her sexy lyrics and seductive hooks. As she continued singing, I felt like at any moment a barista from Starbucks was going to ask me if I would like my coffee to be Tall, Grande, or Venti. In other words she was just bland, background music that didn’t at all fit in with the current lineup that featured an Indie/Electronica/ Pop sound. The place finally emptied and as I peered around I noticed the dingy club actually glittered with celebrities, casually strewn about as if it was the Ivy or something. The next two bands even featured celebs. His orchestra, current Monday night residents, was supposed to be the main attraction. Unfortunately, I found them to be a bit mundane live. They have some tracks produced by Jimmy Tamborello (Postal Service) so you can see where their inspiration comes from and they actually do sound pretty good in the studio, but I still didn't buy what they were selling....or singing. Even though Douglas Smith, from HBO’s Big Love, is in the band (he sings and is on keys) I still felt like they were a bit amateur as a group. Consequently, because they obviously have those instant connections, the band has gotten much further then it probably ever could have without the help that comes along with star power. Overall, the night lacked energy. I was about to call it quits when An Horse, the two person Indie Pop band, another Aussie addition, reignited the spark to my flame. They have toured with the likes of Tegan and Sara and Death Cab for cutie and instantly made a convert out of me. I am, from this day forth, a solid follower. Currently on tour across the states, they are worth checking out before they jet off to the great outback once again. Redemption? Hell, yes. Salvation? Nope. However, I will return to The Fold and it is worth checking out because, quite frankly, it’s as close to Salvation as some of us may ever get.

• On 11/14/08 at 2:09pm boredofcanada said: "the band has gotten much further then it probably ever could have without the help that comes along with star power" -- very true. AH is one of the least inspired bands I've seen in recent years and I don't really understand why they are garnering the little bit of attention that they get. They have ability but that's a small fraction of the battle. Reply

• On 11/14/08 at 5:35pm Carryongigging said: wow -- just checked them out and they are extremel average. Reply