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Casbah, The (8) (Rate this Venue)
2501 Kettner Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92101 Map This Location
619-232-4355
Age: 21 & Up
Music Genres: ,
Venue Website: www.casbahmusic.com
The Vision of a Dying World The Whale Gray Ghosts
Venue Reviews What do you think of this place? Write Review
Ashlie Rodriguez

San Diego, CA
04/08/2009

The phone number for Casbah is something like 444-HELL. When I first found that out -- it all made sense: The exterior is bordered in orange flames, and the interior is dark, loud, and can get hot hot hot during the right show. Regardless of your feelings toward Hell, Casbah is a lot of fun. The small bar offers plenty of options and there is a separate room just for pool and games. Don't get me wrong -- every inch of Casbah is grimy, gross, and in need of a good cleaning -- but it's inside the griminess that one can feel the heart beat of what indie music really is. Its small too, so people usually can't help but introduce themselves after they've been stepping on your feet all night. I've met some great people at Casbah, real, wholesome music lovers, who know that the best sounds of our generation can't be found on MTV, but in the dark, dank, dive venues hidden in the city.

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Views
346
Comments
0
Little Dragon (1) 12/3/2009
 
Little Dragon is an electronic/dance music quartet originally from Gothenburg, Sweden. Members consist of Yukimi Nagano, Erik Bodin, Fredrik Wallin, and Hakan Wirenstrand. The group was formed by front woman Yukimi Nagano with her close high school friends... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
304
Comments
0
The Big Pink (1) 11/21/2009
 
The Big Pink is a rock quartet from London consisting of Robertson Furze on vocals and guitar, Milo Cordel on the synthesizer, Leopold Ross on Bass, and Joann Apps on drums. They took the stage around midnight for their sold out show at the Casbah. The... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
278
Comments
0
J. Tillman (1) 12/1/2009
 
J. Tillman is a Seattle, Washington based artist who is currently the drummer and a vocal arranger for the group Fleet Foxes. However Tillman has his own group that he is the front man for, and has been releasing albums with since 2005. The J. Tillman... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
297
Comments
0
Pinback (1) 11/16/2009
 
Pinback came on late, though so did the opener. Rob Crow had mentioned about things being broken. I was hoping he did not mean their equipment. There was some technical issues that delayed them for a few moments. It turned out to be a switch in the off... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Nicho

Views
305
Comments
0
Bellini (1) 11/16/2009
 
Opening Act For Pinback
Bellini, a band named after an Italian composer, came on later than expected. There was only one opener, not counting the band in the atari lounge, so another band could have played during that wasted time, but oh well. Perhaps they waited until more... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
979
Comments
2
San Diego band Vision of a Dying world may sound like an emo band, but they are nothing near the sort. They are a mixture of folk, pop and country. There are two brothers, Keith and Jackson Milgaten. The songs varied from indie pop to slightly country... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
409
Comments
0
The Whale (1) 11/5/2009
 
Opening Act For The Vision of a Dying World
San Francisco band The Whale had a very long sound check. At least they thanked us for waiting through it. I could tell right away why the band was an opener; They had the country influence, but even heavier than the headliner. They began and had lively... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
418
Comments
0
Gray Ghosts (1) 11/5/2009
 
Opening Act For The Vision of a Dying World
San Diego pop band Gray Ghosts came on stage for an extended sound check. It was longer than normal for The Casbah, but not as long as the next band would take. One of the Gray Ghosts sound checks for the microphone sounded like this: "I am Kevin... Full Review
Music Genres:

Review By: Nicho

Views
325
Comments
0
Art Brut (1) 10/28/2009
 
Art Brut erupted on the Casbah stage around 11:15pm, opening with Modern Lover’s, “Roadrunner,” to which lead singer Eddie Argros forgot the lyrics to, a la Sid Viscious. They quickly went into “Formed a Band” with an energy and robustness that they managed... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
356
Comments
0
The Strikers (1) 9/27/2009
 
When The Strikers came on I began to wonder if rockabilly was on its way. The hints included a standup bass played by Rob who had slicked back hair and chops, as well as the drummer. Instead it was psychobilly, but Rob introduced themselves saying, "We're... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
272
Comments
0
Northern Towns (1) 9/27/2009
 
Opening Act For The Strikers
San Diego band Northern Towns came on strong from the start. When there's a band member tattooed from neck to fingers, you know they mean business. This was just the guitarist. Singer Daniel Sant had arms full of ink as well. He wore a hat similar... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Nicho

Views
242
Comments
0
The Old In Out (1) 9/27/2009
 
Opening Act For The Strikers
San Diego punk band The Old In Out started things nicely with a song that quickly slipped into a catchy punk groove. They offered an excuse for the chance their performance had anything lacking, saying that they had been gone for a month and have not... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Nicho

Views
260
Comments
0
The Horrors (1) 9/29/2009
 
The Horrors consist of five band mates, Faris Badwan (vocals), Joshua Third (guitar), Tom Furse (synthesizer), Rhys Webb (bass), and Joseph Spurgeon (drums). They are punk rock with a splash of shoegaze, and definitely have that British Rock sound, which... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
193
Comments
0
The Dodos (1) 9/28/2009
 
The Dodo's show at the Casbah was so packed, it must have been sold out. This was encouraging for a Monday night, however it was extremely hot and hard to see the band. In addition, Fuel TV was filming the fairly early show, with The Dodo's taking... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
226
Comments
0
Glass Candy (1) 9/4/2009
 
I kept seeing the lead singer, Ida No, all around the Casbah before her & Johnny Jewell's Glass Candy set. I wasn't sure if it was her at first because I didn't know what she looked like, but the sequenced short dress with leggings, and... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
238
Comments
0
Cold Cave (1) 9/4/2009
 
Opening Act For Glass Candy
Sitting through the Cold Cave set at the Casbah, I once, twice, three times wondered if I was at an Emo show. Like, a raging, burning emo show. All the signs were there, male lead singer with a black, flock of seagulls hair cut, singing really ominous... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
276
Comments
0
The Dirtbombs (1) 8/26/2009
 
I was really disappointed by the Dirtbombs’ show. The band has been around since the mid nineties, originally from Detroit, and have a great funk rock sound, with two drum kits. I had my expectations set high, but they got off to a very bad first impression... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
381
Comments
1
The Sermon (1) 8/26/2009
 
Opening Act For The Dirtbombs
This band is four skinny pushing the dark side of thirty year olds from San Francisco. The lead singer wore his black sunglasses the entire set, and ocassionaly played guitar. The bassist and first guitarist both had long hair, were thin, and wore seventies... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
207
Comments
0
American Steel (1) 8/10/2009
 
[American Steel]
American Steel is a punk rock quartet--simple, catchy, upbeat and loud. The group is originally from Oakland, which I thought was weird because they had a few songs that employed the Sublime/Slightly Stoopid guitar sound. They are the type of punk rock... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Liz

Views
186
Comments
0
Gram Rabbit (1) 8/7/2009
 
Gram rabbit is the electro pop/psych rock foursome originally from Joshua Tree, CA. Members include Jesika von Rabbit on keyboards, guitar, and vocals, Todd Rutherford on guitar and vocals, Henri Bernard on drums, and Ethan Allen on guitar. While the... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
195
Comments
0
Stellastarr* (1) 7/30/2009
 
Stellastarr* is a four person band originally from New York City. Band members include Shawn Christiansen (vocals, guitar), Amanda Tannen (vocals, bass), Arthur Kremer (drums, percussion, keyboards), and Michael Jurin (lead guitar, vocals). The band formed... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
229
Comments
0
Castanets (1) 7/29/2009
 
Castanets are the type of band that you hope to see when going in blind to a concert. While that wasn’t the case for me, it was the first time I’d seen them live. I had listened to their music in advance, already liked them, and had high expectations... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
252
Comments
0
Opening Act For Castanets
The two person band consists of MA Turner on electric guitar and vocals, and R. Clint Colburn Cross on drums. The sound was slow, loud, and easily could be on the soundtrack to “No Country for Old Men,” or some other pseudo western. Psychadelic Folk…if... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
231
Comments
0
MEN (1) 7/19/2009
 
The electronic dance trio originally from Brooklyn, New York consists of Michael O'Neill , JD Samson , and Ginger Brooks. The group is better known by their old name Le Tigre, which received some popularity not only for their music, but for their... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Liz

Views
251
Comments
0
Addiquit (1) 7/19/2009
 
Opening Act For MEN
This was my second time seeing the female emcee duo Addiquit perform live. I became a fan when I stumbled upon them one night at Bar Pink. Bethany Whitwer is the main Emcee of the group, and at the Casbah show she performed with some other girl who attempted... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
199
Comments
0
The Donnas (1) 7/16/2009
 
[The Donnas]
I have such a love/hate relationship with the all female rock quartet from Palo Alto, CA. Their story is that of Rock and Roll dreams: four girls who formed a band in junior high and have been together ever since. Not only have they lasted these 16 years... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Liz

Views
240
Comments
0
Nico Vega (1) 7/16/2009
 
Opening Act For The Donnas
The Los Angeles trio Nico Vega, which formed in 2005, consists of Aja, the female lead singer, Rob the guitar player, and Dan the drummer. The band has played on Last Call with Carson Dailey, and toured with Gavin Rosdale of Bush. They’ve made a few music... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
215
Comments
0
Sometime’s a band’s name is enough to draw me out to see them live, as was the case with Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head. The group consists of five members, Shaun Libman, Luke Smith, David Price, Claire England, and Liam Downey Jr. Libman & Price are... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
271
Comments
0
Dinosaur Jr. (1) 6/21/2009
 
[Reunited And It Sounds So Loud]
Solid enough gig by these legendary noise rockers, recently back to their original lineup. This show was probably a real thrill for any longtime, diehard DJ fans in attendance (of which I am not). I've only ever really known their radio hits, but... Full Review
Review By: lucasjackson

Views
458
Comments
0
Earthless (1) 6/21/2009
 
[One Of SD's Best]
When I went to see Dinosaur Jr's afternoon show at the Casbah last Sunday I wasn't even expecting there to be an opening band. So I was milling around at the bar enjoying a cold one like everybody else, and just barely took notice when three unimposing... Full Review
Review By: lucasjackson

Views
209
Comments
0
Chairlift (1) 6/22/2009
 
Aaron Pfenning, Caroline Polachek, and Patrick Wimberly make up the Brooklyn, NY based band Chairlift. They played some of the big music festivals this year, but are best known for their song “Bruises” which was recently featured on the 4 th edition iPod... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
224
Comments
0
Tropical Depression (1) 6/22/2009
 
Opening Act For Chairlift
A tropical depression is the first of three stages of a hurricane, a fact I discovered after seeing the band with the same name at the Casbah. The duo, originally from San Diego, CA, opened for Chairlift and as they set up I wondered where the correlation... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
172
Comments
0
Illuminauts (1) 6/22/2009
 
Opening Act For Chairlift
Illuminauts is a three piece electronic dance act from Chula Vista, CA, consisting of David Pena, Nicky Castaneda, and Santino Romeri. They play around San Diego, and should not be missed. The music itself was very good, even if you are not into the electronic... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
251
Comments
0
White Rabbits (1) 6/17/2009
 
White Rabbits is a six piece band from Brooklyn, New York, consisting of Alexander Even on guitar, Adam Russell on bass, Matthew Clark on drums, Jamie Levinson on drums, Gregory Roberts on vocal and guitar, and Stephen Patterson on vocals and piano. Originally... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
233
Comments
0
The Subjects (1) 6/17/2009
 
Opening Act For White Rabbits
Despite being bossy during their sound check, I was really impressed by this four piece band from Brooklyn, NY. The great thing about New York bands is you get a hodge podge of characters, instead of clones of people trying to fit into one style, and... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
261
Comments
0
[Earthmen and Strangers]
With three guitarists and a drummer, Earthmen and Strangers is a treat for any rock lover. Beginning the show with a seductive melody, the boys intermingled their alternative strums with hard rock flair, captivating Casbah goers on both sides of the genre... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
256
Comments
0
Jay Reatard (1) 6/11/2009
 
[Jay Reatard]
Jay Reatard is legit. They remind me of those neighborhood kids that want to start a band and end up being pretty good. Those kids were never in my neighborhood, but you get the point. Comprised of three dudes, lead, bass, drums, the band brings a very... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
290
Comments
0
The Oh Sees (1) 6/11/2009
 
Opening Act For Jay Retard
[The Oh Sees]
The Oh Sees put on the weirdest show I have ever experienced. Let me bequeath you with some vivid imagery of all the grimy details. Composed of bass, drums, keys, and a lead – this band appeared quite normal. On the keys was a rather pretty lady, who... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
193
Comments
0
The Lemonheads (1) 6/8/2009
 
The Lemonheads didn’t come out on stage until pretty late on Monday evening at the Casbah. The three piece band is on tour promoting a cover album, Varshons, and although the release date has been pushed back since 2008, it’s now slated for June 2009... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
254
Comments
0
Fluf (1) 6/8/2009
 
Opening Act For The Lemonheads
Straight edge punk is somewhat of an oxymoron to me, however it is alive and well as can be seen in the band Fluf. The San Diego punk band released “Road Rage” in 1998, and every review I read, said something about them “still being around.” Apparently... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
694
Comments
1
Earthless (1) 6/5/2009
 
[Earthless]
It took forever for Earthless to finally begin their show. The first band had started way late, which – added with the breaking down and setting up of the stage – it was almost 11 and Earthless still had not filled our senses. When the guys began setting... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
270
Comments
0
Holy Fuck (1) 6/7/2009
 
Holy Fuck is an electronic group originally from Toronto, Canada. The group consists of four members, Brian Borcherdt (keyboards, effects), Graham Walsh (keyboards, effects), Matt McQuaid (bass), and Matt Schulz (drums). The group has been around since... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
200
Comments
0
Crocodiles (1) 6/7/2009
 
Opening Act For Holy Fuck
The Crocodiles have been receiving recent acclaim in the music world, with both Rolling Stone and Spin magazine featuring the release of their new album, “Summer of Hate,” and giving it strong reviews. I also heard DJs on 94/9 discussing the Crocodiles... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
224
Comments
0
The Widows (1) 6/5/2009
 
Opening Act For Earthless
[The Widows]
When I first heard that The Widows were next – I allowed my mind to start hypothesizing. These were probably guys, most likely going to wear black, and probably pretty depressed about something. And yeah, I totally hit it on the head. A lead, drummer... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
945
Comments
1
Red Octopus (1) 6/5/2009
 
Opening Act For Earthless
[Red Octopus]
Black Sabbath meets Lynard Skynard during a Red Octopus show. When they first got on stage, the bass, lead, and drummer began revving up their machine by producing mass amounts of distortion that captivated the wandering, unfocused crowd. At first, it... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
334
Comments
0
Sleeping People (1) 6/4/2009
 
San Diego (96.72%) instrumental band Sleeping People came back to The Casbah for the first time in over a year and a half. This was the second show they have played since that long gap of time. They began with a song I was not familiar with but enjoyed... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
232
Comments
0
Aspects of Physics (1) 6/4/2009
 
Opening Act For Sleeping People
Aspects of Physics is an instrumental experimental San Diego band. Founded in 2000 by ex-members of the band Physics, they have been around a while and it is always nice to see them play. Their set up began as usual with a large white sheet clipped to... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
246
Comments
0
Little White Teeth (1) 6/4/2009
 
Opening Act For Sleeping People
Little White Teeth is a three-piece San Diego band that I was not expecting. They did not fit in with the lineup, but they were a wonderful surprise. They set up their instruments along with an old wooden chair that the guitarist briefly used later in... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
657
Comments
0
The Dears (1) 5/22/2009
 
Canadian Indie Rock band The Dears had a tough start by having their tour bus stolen. This was probably a disheartening event, but you would not know it happened from their performance. Front man Murray Lightburn began singing to a soft prerecorded song... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
590
Comments
0
Great Northern (1) 5/22/2009
 
Opening Act For The Dears
Great Northern is an independent band with a lot of commercial success. The second Los Angeles band of the night, they were glad to be back in California. They looked crowded on stage as they set up, but soon everyone was in their place. One band member... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
245
Comments
0
Eulogies (1) 5/22/2009
 
Opening Act For The Dears
Los Angeles band Eulogies had a set up that included a slide projector of someone's old family photos. It was fun to watch as it was projected onto the bass drum which had a hole in it, so often people were severed by the gaping circle. The band started... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
944
Comments
1
Isis (1) 5/15/2009
 
[Isis]
Casbah was completely sold out for Isis. As I waited in line, I spoke to a girl that had driven forty minutes – and without a ticket – just to, maybe, catch a scalper or beg her way in. And she wasn’t the only one. By the time I finally got into the place... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
316
Comments
0
Manic Hispanic (1) 5/4/2009
 
Stepping onto the Orange County Sheriff Department detention bus, all members don the medical masks provided by their transfer officer. Suddenly Soto knocks the officer to the ground as Sonny picks up the officer’s weapon. “Pinche lo hoto!” The band jumps... Full Review
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Review By: No One

Views
271
Comments
0
Mex (1) 5/4/2009
 
Opening Act For Manic Hispanic
There are few bands and/or artists that successfully mix two completely different musical genres and sound good at it. Dropkick Murphy’s with their traditional Irish jigs with bagpipes mix incredibly well with straight forward punk. Miri Ben-Ari is a... Full Review
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Review By: No One

Views
476
Comments
0
Screamin' Yeehaws (1) 5/4/2009
 
Opening Act For Manic Hispanic
Holding on to his 24 ounce can of Blue Ribbon, a fan doused in a ripped up tee and scruffy beard stands steadfast at the edge of the stage waiting for the band to play. He pals around with the guitarist who strips off his shirt and dons on a cowboy hat... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: No One

Views
228
Comments
0
Damien Jurado (1) 5/2/2009
 
Singer/songwriter Damien Jurado has been doing his solo folk act since the early 90's. The opener Laura Gibson introduced him as she left saying that, "He will break your heart." The tattooed musician got on stage and sat on a drum throne... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
282
Comments
0
Laura Gibson (1) 5/2/2009
 
Opening Act For Damien Jurado
Laura Gibson started off the early show at The Casbah around 7:30 PM. She was clearly someone when I spotted her outside in her cute dress, but her demeanor is so meek and mild. She began with a soft "Hi" and then played her acoustic guitar... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
258
Comments
0
Acid Mothers Temple (1) 4/28/2009
 
I listened to Acid Mothers Temple for the first time before seeing their show, and knew I was in for a unique concert experience. From the pictures, it seemed like they were a huge band, made up of traveling members who they picked up along the road in... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
236
Comments
0
Sonic Suicide Squad (1) 4/28/2009
 
Opening Act For Acid Mothers Temple
What can I say about Sonic Suicide Squad except for noise vomit. They call themselves experimental and I guess that means they just experiment in front of a live audience instead of actually practicing beforehand in their death dungeon. S cubed is composed... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
256
Comments
0
Thenewno2 (1) 4/13/2009
 
Rolling Stone magazine gave "You Are Here," Thenewno2's album debut album, three out of five stars. In their explaination they use the phrase "borrow from the Beatles" but also "a subtle mix of gentle vocals and electronics... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
243
Comments
0
Blind Pilot (1) 4/10/2009
 
Blind Pilot is a duo made up of Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski, though they have backup musician help. They started off similar to the last opener, Loch Lomond, being a Portland, Oregon band that took a while to set up, but with all the instruments... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Nicho

Views
270
Comments
0
Loch Lomond (1) 4/10/2009
 
Opening Act For Blind Pilot
Portland, Oregon band Loch Lomond took a while to set up, but this was okay since they had a lot going on. Violin, viola, vibraphone and so on were set up and sound checks were done until finally they were ready. Lead singer Ritchie Young was dressed... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
330
Comments
0
Grizzly Circus (1) 4/10/2009
 
Opening Act For Blind Pilot
Walking through the sudden downpour of rain, I came up to the stage to find the first band's merchandise on stage in an open suitcase. This was the solution to the usual outdoor merchandise area. San Diego band, Grizzly Circus started their set with... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
184
Comments
0
Vetiver (1) 4/9/2009
 
Vetiver released their first, self titled album in 2004, and released their fourth album, “Tight Knit” this year. Originally from San Francisco, Vetiver is led by front man Andy Cabric, who was joined by four other musicians at the Casbah show, including... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
200
Comments
0
Richard Swift (1) 4/9/2009
 
Opening Act For Vetiver
It’s a rare occurrence when a band sounds better live than recorded, and when the opening act is better than the headliner. I was delighted that both were the case with Richard Swift. Swift, a solo vocalist/pianist, was original, authentic, and just all... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
183
Comments
0
Anya Marina (1) 4/3/2009
 
Anya Marina’s story is inspiring to any young aspiring artist, male or female alike, but mostly female. It was interesting because on the cab ride there the seemingly music savy cabbie was explaining how he liked Anya Marina’s single they played on the... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
365
Comments
0
Pelican (1) 3/26/2009
 
The group Pelican is originally from Chicago, IL, but has since relocated to Los Angeles. They released their first EP in 2001, and have since released 3 EPS, 3 full length albums, 4 splits, & 2 DVDs. Their albums are titled "Australasia"... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
309
Comments
0
Opening Act For Pelican
Wolves in the Throne Room is an ambient Black Metal band from Olympia Washington. Two tall candelabras were set up as well as several small candles which was surprising that they allowed them, because of the fire danger. The first song made me think I... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
253
Comments
0
Tombs (1) 3/26/2009
 
Opening Act For Pelican
Tombs is a metal and hardcore band from Brooklyn New York. They took the stage to a full crowd (rare for the first opener) and began with a smoke machine, seemingly set on low that spat out more now and then through the show. There was a chain of bullets... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
232
Comments
0
The Bronx (1) 03/25/09
 
The Bronx (the band) can be compared to standing naked in a bathroom stall with all your band members--everyone is totally vulnerable and on the verge of eruption, while at the same time quite shocking and grotesque. Actually, I'm beginning to think... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
199
Comments
0
Trash Talk (1) 3/25/2009
 
Opening Act For The Bronx
The quartet from Sacramento, CA consists of Spencer, Sam, Lee, and Garrett. They are of the hardcore/thrash genre, and they sound exactly like it. In fact their picture should be next to "hardcore punk" in the dictionary. After two nights of... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
236
Comments
0
From the looks of the lead singer, you might think he was a seemingly normal guy. However his stage personae is completely mad. These Arms are Snakes are a hardcore punk band, with a certain air of flamboyance. Based in Seattle, they released their first... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
237
Comments
0
Tera Melos (1) 3/24/09
 
Opening Act For These Arms are Snakes
With Tera Melos, I was introduced to a new genre of progressive rock. The are hardcoreambientmathprogelectroexperimental. The trio is from Roseville, CA and have been steadily recording since 2004. The instrumentals are what really carry this band. While... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
222
Comments
0
PRE (1) 03/24/09
 
Opening Act For These Arms are Snakes
My first introduction to a live PRE show was unlike any other. Originally from London, PRE is a progressive punk quartet, with a tiny female lead singer with a huge screeching voice. PRE seemed to have a good rapport between themselves, joking back and... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
1,960
Comments
4
[The vultures shall never hover over them.]
I remember back in the early 90’s when a friend had told me about a new “punk” band called Green Day. I remember listening to “Dookie” and thinking, “This isn’t punk.” Then in the beginning of the new millennium the same friend told me to check out this... Full Review
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Review By: No One

Views
571
Comments
0
Kill Me Tomorrow (1) 3/21/2009
 
Opening Act For The Long and the Short of It
[Kill Me Tomorrow. . .and everyday after that.]
It was late in the evening but strangely it was unusually quiet for a Saturday night. Other than the occasional car and plane that passed by Kettner Blvd, not too much was happening. Then, from a small juke-joint plainly hidden between the freeway and... Full Review
Review By: No One

Views
1,372
Comments
1
Fing (1) 3/21/2009
 
Opening Act For The Long and the Short of It
[I’m into Fing Shui]
(Must read in a grumpy old person’s voice) Back in my day, I remember when rock n’ roll was a simple. There was a guitar and a guy who sang and that was it and we liked it that way! We didn’t have all this hoodoo with mixin’ different kinds of music.... Full Review
Review By: No One

Views
229
Comments
0
Neil Halstead (1) 3/11/2009
 
Neil Halstead is an English accoustic pop/folk singer song writer who plays mostly beautiful but melancholy music. He, like his opener, was wearing plaid, though his was mainly red. He started by himself and his first song would set the standard of the... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
243
Comments
0
Zach Gill (1) 3/11/2009
 
Opening Act For Neil Halstead
Zach Gill is a singer-songwriter with a decent amount of soul who has played with the likes of Jack Johnson and lives in Santa Barbara. He stepped on stage definitely looking the part of an indie guy, plaid and all. His shoes though did not match his... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Nicho

Views
1,146
Comments
1
Halloween Town (1) 3/5/2009
 
Opening Act For Dirty Sweet
[Haloween Town]
Halloween Town took the stage at Casbah in somber trance, lethargically setting up around 9:30. Once on stage, I realized these were the same guys I was unknowingly mingling with before the show. The had absolutely no theme – with one wearing all leather... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
524
Comments
0
Dirty Sweet (1) 3/5/2009
 
[Dirty Sweet]
Four guys with long brown hair walked across the Casbah stage looking for a protected cubbie hole for their beers and bourbon. They were dirty looking, with their grisly breads and torn clothes, but at second glance – as they tuned their instruments,... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
390
Comments
0
The Lonely H (1) 3/5/2009
 
Opening Act For Dirty Sweet
[The Lonely H]
It’s no coincidence that the lead singer of The Lonely “H” was wearing a Lynard Skynard t-shirt. The troop of blond bombshells, a lead singer with keyboard, lead guitarist, base guitarist, and brunette drummer, were exceptionally reminiscent of the early... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
1,211
Comments
2
Neko Case (1) 3/3/2009
 
[Myspace Secret Show]
The Neko Case show was a free secret event that you did not get the information on until the day before. It was the first show of the tour and brought to us by Myspace and Turbo Tax, both not something I would associate with alternative country singer... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
316
Comments
0
Sirhan Sirhan (1) 2/17/2009
 
[Sirhan Sirhan]
When a band names itself after the guy who allegedly killed President Kennedy…you start to wonder. Aware of their name and their genre – metal/punk/rock – I prepared myself for a serving of piping hot rage with a side of worthless masculinity. As the... Full Review
Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
308
Comments
0
Walking into the Casbah for the Kool Keith concert, was like walking into a whole new Casbah world. There were party promoters standing outside the door, and circulating the crowd inside as well, handing out cards for “real hip hop” parties in San Diego... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
257
Comments
0
AC Newman (1) 2/25/2009
 
AC Newman is the Canadian front man for the band The New Pornographers. His solo musical style does not stray far from that band and his first solo album was full of solid memorable hits. He is back now to promote his second. The last time he was at The... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
256
Comments
0
Opening Act For AC Newman
Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele is a solo artist with no false advertisement. He played his ukulele the whole show, swinging it around and swaying the two feathers attached and it was magnificent. All in the band had the indie nerd look, all in their... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
182
Comments
0
French Kicks (1) 2/23/2009
 
This was the second time I’ve seen the French Kicks live. I have two of their albums “Trial of the Century” and “Swimming,” so I was already a fan going in. The first time I saw the French Kicks at the Casbah, they seemed extremely bored and “over it... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
161
Comments
0
The Broken West (1) 2/23/2009
 
Opening Act For French Kicks
Another college rock/indie band, the Broken West did not impress. I checked them out prior to the show and was hoping they would be better live…but they weren’t. There was nothing wrong with their performance, the vocals were on pitch, and the instrumentals... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
155
Comments
0
Army Navy (1) 2/23/2009
 
Opening Act For French Kicks
It was definitely College night at the Casbah, with everyone dressed in button down Oxford shirts and cardigans. Standing in the crowd I felt like I could have been on an episode of “The Hills.” However Army Navy, who opened the set for the Broken West... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
330
Comments
0
Annuals (1) 2/18/2009
 
Indie-pop band Annuals was started by front man Adam Baker in North Carolina. By the time they started playing there finally was a decent amount of people for the show, though it was still not packed. The band has two drummers, both using translucent... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
345
Comments
0
Jessica Lea Mayfield (1) 2/18/2009
 
Opening Act For Annuals
Jessica Lea Mayfield is a singer song writer that I immediately enjoyed. As soon as I heard her smooth melancholy country vocals I knew I would enjoy the show. The music was done well also, but would not be the same without her voice. She is a young one... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
898
Comments
2
What Laura Says (1) 2/18/2009
 
Opening Act For Annuals
What Laura Says is a band from Tempe Arizona that was welcomed by a sparse crowd at the Casbah. A band member commented to another before starting, "Could it be any quieter in this room?" The other replied, "Let's try anyway."... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
347
Comments
0
Don Caballero (1) 2/12/2009
 
Don Caballero is an older Pittsburgh band, which can be seen from their myspace page with their main picture currently being a Steeler's Helmet. They are obviously proud of their home team. When the previous band left, the crowd gathered more toward... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
283
Comments
0
sBACH (1) 2/12/2009
 
Opening Act For Don Caballero
As soon as sBACH took the stage I recognized two of the members. There was Spencer Seim of Hella and The Advantage, as well as Ben Milner, also of The Advantage. Spencer was dressed in what looked like neon swimming trunks. His neat hat was eventually... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
295
Comments
0
dd/mm/yyyy (1) 2/12/2009
 
Opening Act For Don Caballero
The first opener for the night was Toronto based band dd/mm/yyyy. The lead singer looked very white, wearing a Native American looking sweater, duct tape around a pant leg, all topped off with a Flock of Seagulls style haircut. After he took off the sweater... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
255
Comments
0
The Appleseed Cast (1) 2/11/2009
 
I was hesitant going into The Appleseed Cast show. I had heard their album several times, and while I enjoyed their music, I did not enjoy their interludes—with long, drawn out chords that for some reason really stressed me out. However, after watching... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
252
Comments
0
Japanese Sunday (1) 2/11/2009
 
Opening Act For The Appleseed Cast
[Japanese Sunday]
Japanese Sunday is a San Diego band who first released a live album recorded at the Casbah in 2004, followed by their debut album “Tap Tap Lights Out” in 2006, which was nominated that year for a San Diego Music Award for Best Local Recording. They started... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
253
Comments
0
Christmas Island (1) 2/7/2009
 
Opening Act For The Soft Pack
[Local garage surf never sounded so charming]
I am Lord of the Tiki Gods! ...Least thats how I felt when listening to Christmas Island. The local duo, with the help of a guitarisr/keyboardist for shows, entertained and supplied the casbah audience with an interesting backdrop of sound perfect for... Full Review
Review By: Mr. Webb

Views
259
Comments
0
The Soft Pack (1) 2/7/2009
 
[Formally known as the Muslims]
A four piece of young san diego locals took the stage. All standing, even the drummer. Then there it was, it caught my eye, the longest floor tom i had ever seen. About the height of a 9 year old it stood, a 9 year old just about to get pounded upon for... Full Review
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Review By: Mr. Webb

Views
29,476
Comments
1
Jesca Hoop (1) 2/6/2009
 
Opening Act For Greg Laswell
[Jesca Hoop]
I had no idea what to expect when Jesca Hoop took the stage. The sight of her long brunette hair and acoustic guitar had me thinking I was about to hear the desperate musings of another soft-singing clone. How silly of me. As soon as her mouth opened... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
258
Comments
0
Greg Laswell (1) 2/6/2009
 
[Greg Laswell]
Playing the hits from his latest album, Three Flights from Alto Nido , Greg Laswell filled San Diego’s Casbah with smooth acoustic harmony. Laswell reminded me of the typical guy-next-door artist, but as he effortlessly switched between the piano and... Full Review
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Review By: Ashlie Rodriguez

Views
434
Comments
0
Optiganally Yours (1) 1/25/2009
 
Opening Act For Creedle
San Diego band, Optiganally Yours, were not in top form for their first show in years, but you could hardly blame them. They only had time to practice once, which for some bands would be inexcusable, but if you knew how many projects OY co-member Rob... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
296
Comments
0
Goblin Cock (1) 1/28/2009
 
[Goblin Cock]
One of San Diego musician Rob Crow's many personality/musical facets, Goblin Cock played a day after their new album "Come with me if you want to live" had come out. A video was made for the new song We Got A Bleeder which lives up to the... Full Review
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Review By: Nicho

Views
295
Comments
0
Pleaseeasaur (1) 1/28/2009
 
Opening Act For Goblin Cock
[Pleaseeasaur]
Pleaseeasaur is a band that I hesitate to call a band. This is not a question of deciding if JP Hasson's music is worthy, but trying to define what exactly to call his act. While most bands need to set up their guitars, keyboard and so on, JP is setting... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
296
Comments
0
Blasphemous Guitars (1) 1/28/2009
 
Opening Act For Goblin Cock
[Blasphemous Guitars]
Blasphemous Guitars are a cover band, but not as you might think. They were the first opener of the night and the first to set the standard of not taking themselves seriously. They began with having a banner put up saying "All midget Smiths coverband... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
741
Comments
1
Creedle (1) 1/25/2009
 
[Creedle]
Creedle is a jazz/rock/punk/and so on band from San Diego. They were formed from four other bands that broke up around the same time and first played at The Casbah. They began with a song where one of the vocalists came in with a voice I did not expect... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
230
Comments
0
The Nephews (1) 1/25/2009
 
Opening Act For Creedle
[The Nephews]
Immediately after sound checking, The Nephews started their set without a word to the audience. The first song, Spiral Stairs, was not much of a start. They only had a drummer, guitarist and a saxophone/bass/tambourine player, but I still was expecting... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
268
Comments
0
Soul Junk (1) 1/25/2009
 
Opening Act For Creedle
[Soul Junk]
Experimental San Diego Christian band, Soul Junk was the opening band for the two in the afternoon show. After a while of being inside, it began to be easier to forget the night had yet to come unless you glanced to the open doorway in the back. They... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
312
Comments
1
Louis XIV (1) 1/22/2009
 
[Louis XIV]
Louis XIV has been reviewed by everyone from New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, etc, and Rolling Stone magazine called them one of the “top ten bands to watch in 2005.” I also couldn’t find a review that didn’t talk about them being “oversexed... Full Review
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Review By: Liz

Views
394
Comments
1
Apes of Wrath (1) 1/22/2009
 
Opening Act For Louis XIV
[Ape of Wrath]
I was looking forward to seeing this band, as I’d heard about them for awhile, and liked the John Steinbeck reference. Even more recently I heard “Death Train” on the radio and really enjoyed it. As I was waiting for the show to start, I was talking to... Full Review
Review By: Liz

Views
249
Comments
0
Via Satellite (1) 1/17/2009
 
Opening Act For The Album Leaf
[Via Satellite]
Via Satellite was the first opener for The Album Leaf show, as would be expected for a band composed mostly of members from the headliner (Tim Reece and Drew Andrews). The drummer, Reece, played straight faced while the other two seemed to be having a... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
251
Comments
0
Ilya (1) 1/17/2009
 
Opening Act For The Album Leaf
[Ilya]
Ilya opened for fellow San Diego Band, The Album Leaf, once again and put on a good performance. The seven band members looked pretty squished on the small Casbah stage, saying as much shortly before they were about to begin. They dress fairly nice, some... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
287
Comments
0
The Album Leaf (1) 1/17/2009
 
[The Album Leaf]
Decade old San Diego band The Album Leaf put on another satisfying show to remind us that they are around before disappearing to record their new album coming out this fall. They only have a handful of shows to play before they go into the studio in two... Full Review
Review By: Nicho

Views
606
Comments
1
The Rugburns (1) 12/31/2008
 
This San Diego band has been around for quite sometime and like Steve Poltz's solo stuff I'm not familiar with the Rugburn's music either. Seeing them perform was a fun way to bring in the New Year. I don't want to compare the lyrical... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
574
Comments
1
Truckee Brothers (1) 12/31/2008
 
Opening Act For The Rugburns
A couple of the band members played with Steve Poltz just before they came on as the Truckee Brothers which would make them the Cynics. Considering that set was folksy I was surprised when they blew the doors off. Hello Rock & Roll!!! This is always... Full Review
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Review By: Jason

Views
471
Comments
1
[New Year's Eve with Steve Poltz]
I've known of Steve Poltz since I moved to California in 1995, but never became familiar with his music. Apparently, he wrote at least one of Jewel's songs (You were meant for me) and maybe more. I'm not sure. That's the extent of my Steve... Full Review
Music Genres: ,

Review By: Jason

Views
328
Comments
0
The Silent Comedy (1) 12/12/2008
 
[Not so silent...]
Here is an interesting group of guys complete with old school facial hair and clothes. Maybe that's where the comedy part of their name comes in. There were definitely not silent. I was having a difficult time with the identity of this band and their... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
632
Comments
2
Transfer (1) 12/12/2008
 
Opening Act For The Silent Comedy
After seeing Transfer a few months ago at the Adams Ave. Street Fair I was looking forward to watching them perform live again after I had a chance to familiarize myself with their music, along with catching the show inside a venue versus hearing them... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
335
Comments
1
Holy Rolling Empire (2) 12/12/2008
 
Opening Act For Silent Comedy
[Holy rolling on the floor!]
This here band from Tucson, Arizona put on a pretty entertaining set. Most of the entertainment came from the lead singer, not to say that the other guys in the band weren't pulling their weight, but this guy was doing his thing. He certainly made... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
596
Comments
1
Dead Confederate (1) 11/12/2008
 
I saw Dead Confederate perform live earlier this year in March at South by Southwest. They were part of the Athens showcase at Stubbs with REM headlining. It was a great show and the reason I came out to see them at the Casbah. Before the show Dead Confederate... Full Review
Music Genres:

Review By: Jason

Views
781
Comments
2
The Northstar Session (1) 11/12/2008
 
Opening Act For Dead Confederate
I’ve got mixed feelings on the “dueling” vocals. The set started off with one guy (Kane) singing the first song then Matthew took over the vocal duties for a bit with Kane behind the drum set. Kane sang at least one more song (while behind the drums)... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
498
Comments
0
Will Hoge (1) 1/23/2008
 
Will came out strong with a couple rockin' songs. The first of which had some lyrics about being a rock ‘n roll star ... He also played " Draw the Curtains " and " When I Can Afford to Lose ." The next song was really good, but... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
457
Comments
0
Opening Act For Will Hoge
Jason and the "Unit" came out kickin' ass and takin' names. They gave us a good mix of music from the rockin' numbers like the third track which might have been titled " Try " and another song that I don't know the... Full Review
Review By: Jason

Views
292
Comments
0
Jeremy Fisher (1) 1/23/2008
 
Opening Act For Will Hoge
The performance was pretty good. Unfortunately, the drums were so overwhelming that you could barely hear the vocals or the keyboards. Maybe the sound guy is to blame. I don't know. Anyways, Jeremy played a handful of tunes which included " Cigarette... Full Review
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Review By: Jason