Localized Appreesh is our weekly thank-you column to the musicians that make the Bay. To be considered, contact emilysavage@sfbg.com.
Love Songs, a long-running SF band with high-five worthy metal riffs, is party punk at its funnest. Here, the wailing guitars meet lead singer Craig Ums’ (also of What Happens Next?) classic pop punk holler a la Descendents’ Milo with a mildly Jello Biafra-ish flair for live theatrics.
The whole package is loud, spazzy skate-the-pool, fuck-the-rules backyard/basement thrills (see: “Thrillhouse” lyrics “We belong in the basement”). See also: the band’s 2007 seven-inch single “Hot Buns,” said to be the “sequel to the theme of the sequel to Top Gun.” See? It’s long been destined for good things.
And yet Love Songs has had a sparse couple of years (with guitarist Jackson splitting, and the band playing just a few shows in in 2011). But it’s back, with a brand new addition, (Frank, who they describe as “a shredder and a super nice guy”) and ready to split open the Knockout tonight. It should be a night of firsts: the unveiling of the formidable Frank, the first time you read this column and head directly to a bar, perhaps your first ice cream sandwich of the week? I don’t know you, I don’t know what you’re getting into.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0hF6g6awPI
Year and location of origin: Born in 1999 on unincorporated land in the hills separating the east bay from even east-er bay. Also, down the street from Jason Newstead.
Band name origin: Why not just warn people out of the gates that they’re about to get motherfucking lite-rocked?
Band motto: Hard and soft.
Description of sound in 10 words or less: We dig bands starting with D – Descendents, Dickies, Damned, DEVO…
Instrumentation: drums, bass, 2 guitars, “singing.”
Most recent release: Time Off – a 5-song EP with lots of guitar solos but fewer scatological references than usual. Available through www.thelovesongs.com.
Best part about life as a Bay Area band: We’re in good company and there are always shows to play/go to.
Worst part about life as a Bay Area band: Having to compete with so many good shows all the time.
First album ever purchased: Midnight Star No Parking On My Dancefloor.
Most recent album purchased/downloaded: Weird Al Yankovic Alpocalypse.
Favorite local eatery and dish: Zachary’s deep dish pizza with jalapenos and pineapple.
Love Songs
With People’s Temple, Tall Timbers
Tue/3, 8:30pm, $6
Knockout
3223 Mission, SF
www.theknockoutsf.com