Girl in a Coma

Miss Derringer

Killola

Knitting Factory - July 18, 2009

Live Review by Joe Cortez

Reevaluating a band's worth is one of the true joys of concert-going. Looking at this night’s line-up, I felt it was more than just a small coincidence that I had seen all three bands appearing on this bill within the past year. Each made an impression but none truly grabbed me in that way certain performances leaving a lasting, indelible mark. So it was with an open mind that I took to the Knitting Factory, pretty sure of what I was getting but open to being surprised.

Appropriately, Texas based Girl in a Coma was the headliner. Of the three bands that performed, Girl in a Coma seems most likely to break out in a serious way. There's a vulnerability that pierces through its hard-edged indie rock. It's a vulnerability that endears, particularly on "El Monte," which was a highlight from the set.

I first caught the band last October when the trio opened for Tegan & Sara at the Fonda. Having attended all four nights of the Canadian duo's residency, I felt I was pretty well acquainted with Girl in a Coma, but there was something about this night's performance that struck me. Perhaps it was the audience, all of whom were there with this one band in mind. Or perhaps it was the girls’ time on the road, which only seemed to sharpen their skills.

On the undercard, Killola served as a perfect set opener. I liked the group when I caught its show at the Knitting Factory last year and still warmed to the band's latter day Missing Persons-like appeal. There's a refreshing zaniness to its show, a welcome sense of unpredictability from the stage antics of lead singer Lisa Rieffel to the did-she-just-say-what-I-think-she-said lyrics.

Following that was local band Miss Derringer, although it might be hard for some to believe the contemporary LA. music scene birthed such a band. Dressed in uniform black gothic county attire and singing songs of heartbreak and longing with a rockabilly twist, it's easy to come away from one the group’s performances a little dizzy with euphoria. They have a great look, accompanied by catchy songs and a very attractive front woman. However, I feel the band's appeal may be limited as Miss Derringer has the peculiar problem of fulfilling its own niche.

I came away from the night impressed by each set and thoroughly convinced that Girl in a Coma could become a great and important band someday. The ladies still have a bit to go before becoming as good as their growing cult would lead you to believe, but, for this listener, the journey seems well worth taking.