At this show they did mostly songs from their new album, Truth Decay (2009).   It included songs such as Dark Star, The March, Rusty Moon, Things Will Never Be The  Same and Welcome To The Future (my favorite, I think).  Strangely in the middle of the set the band performed “On The Radio” originally performed by Donna Summer (1979).  It was a fun sing along and with the sweet harmonies of singer Jason “Shyboy” Arnold and Keyboardist Mark Nubar Donikian it proved to fit in the line up well.

As seen in this picture (left), the band sported a second guitar player (to the right).  The regular guitar player (on left) has a great mellow, rock star quality about him adding to the “this is easy” feel of the band.  I am not sure if the band is growing, or this is just the live set up for the band…. but on the CD it just lists 4 band members.  Either way, during one song, both guitarist played the song together sporting a deeper sound and rockin’ intensity ~

Hard to see, but not hard to hear is drummer Adrian Barnardo.  I am a big fan of drums knowing that sometimes, especially in rock, it can be overwhelming live.  Adrain doesn’t let you forget that he is there, however, allows for each of the other members to be heard during each song.

They ended the show with Worship Me (I’m On TV) ~ not my favorite song on the CD, but the one that is mostly likely to get stuck in my head for days!  The lyrics are very appropriate for LA and our culture of TV obsession….

Overall, a great band!  I was so glad to see them for a 2nd time and look forward to shows in the future.  And until then I will rock out listening to their CD in my car on the way to work.  ~

The Viper Room Stage Sign

My prevailing thought this morning, after seeing L.A.-based rock band Hypnogaja live at The Viper Room (great live music venue once owned by Johnny Depp): I need to go out and see more local bands.

Seriously, Hypnogaja’s music is superior to 95% of the music we hear on Rock, New Rock and Modern Rock radio.

To my ear, Lead singer Jason Arnold’s (AKA “ShyBoy“) voice floats somewhere between Aaron Lewis (STAIND) and Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer). The band also features guitarist Jean-Yves “Jeeve” Ducornet, keyboardist Mark Nubar Donikian, drummer Adrian Barnardo and bassist Bryan Farrar.

Hypnogaja Live at The Viper Room (2009)

The bands touring resume (playing with acts Shinedown, Saliva, 311, Cold and Godhead) gives a strong indication toward their sound. Yet Hypnogaja feels more “accessible” — radio-friendly, even! — as compared to others in their genre. I mean, keyboards and gorgeous harmonies? The fearless audacity! Who do they think they are, Saigon Kick?! (Full disclosure: SK is one of my all-time favorite bands).

The band has been playing L.A. for ten years, clearly enjoying a good following. Case in point: After their set (playing first), the room literally CLEARED OUT; everyone was there to see them. If you’re in or around L.A., I urge you to check out this utterly sick band before you have to pay stadium ticket prices to do so. I can’t wait to see them again soon, hopefull next time they play The Whiskey!

"ShyBoy" Arnold and Chelsea, outside The Viper Room (right where River Phoenix OD'd)