The Hotel Cafe

The Hotel Cafe is one of my favorite places in the LA area. Not only because it's super dark in there and I don't have to see the ditsy drunk girls running around with deer-in-headlights eyes, but also because it is by far one of the best acoustic set ups for sound. Aside from maybe adjusting the lights that seem to blind every musician that graces the stage, this place is absolutely perfect for any act.
I did the unthinkable and actually bought tickets to a show in advance...online....and paid the "convenience" fee. I know. I'm shocked too. But I had to. My favorite Ausie boys (I don't actually know any other Ausie boys, but don't tell them that) were doing an acoustic set!

Easy parking, easy venue, and promises of good music? sold.

And of course these boys didn't disappoint. Not only that but they managed to impress me even more than I've already been with them. Aside from doing songs from their current album, they threw some curve balls by covering some songs as well. I'm not one to blow smoke up anyone's hooha but you haven't heard "Closer" by NIN until you've heard it by Juke Kartel....in a blues/jazzy rendition. Holy fucking Christ on a fucking cross. If you were there and weren't singing, nodding your head, or at least tapping your foot to this one, you had to be deaf. And even then you'd tap your fingers just to fit in. First off, Dale (the band's guitarist) has one of the most amazing voices I've heard in a while (don't worry Tobs, yours is just as purdy). Secondly, the vibe of the entire band was ridiculous, throughout the whole set but especially this song. And after singing a house full happy birthday to Tommy's bestest half, Tegan, they finished the show with "Save Me"...which the crowd helped to sing at full lung capacity.

Great show, great people, great venue. Happy Linda.