Billy Boy on Poison

Unknown Theater - January 18, 2008

Live Review by Lauren Napier

Just as one starts to think that the scene is dying out and is riddled with pathetic ticket holders, one is shown a band that provides some hope. There has to be one band that gets the kids to move in droves towards the latest indie venue. There has to be one band that causes such a commotion that shows reach capacity within minutes. There has to be one band that embodies the spirit of the scene. At the moment that band is Billy Boy On Poison. Los Angeles natives and residents, the young band is creating quite the buzz on the Sunset Strip.

As I approach the venue, The Unknown Theatre, fans pour out of the doors in their finest 60’s garb: mimicking the styles worn by fans of the Doors, Led Zepplin, and others who dressed in similar garb. They have packed this underground venue and have quickly filled the room to capacity in roughly half an hour.

Billy Boy on Poison is comprised of Davis (vocalist), Ryan Wallengren (guitarist), Julian Borrego (bassist and keyboardist), Jessi Calcaterra (drummer) and Greg West (guitarist).

The oldest member being nineteen provides a bit of a twist to the story of the band. Heavily influenced by “Iggy Pop…definitely Iggy”, the band provides a live audience with a though-provoking mix of excitement and intellectualism.

It’s clear that the members are comfortable on stage and confident in their performance, but there is still a bit of a naïve undertone to the way they belt out their tunes. Perhaps they are unaware of how greatly talented they are and the recognition that indeed awaits them. For now they smoke outside of the venue, spray silly string into the crowd, and invite their listeners on stage. For now they take it as it comes. For now they have renewed my faith in the music scene.