Mystic Braves at SOhO

Last Thursday, San Diego psych rock band Mystic Braves played a winding, albeit groovy, set at SOhO. The show was wild, but the headlining act found themselves a tad overshadowed by the three other So Cal bands who played before them.

First, let it be said that $12 is dirt cheap for a ticket to see four bands. On a Friday or Saturday night SOhO (and its bar) would be swinging, but unfortunately, the show didn’t quite sell out. Regardless, those Thursday night concertgoers who did show sure knew how to have fun; fans were dancing, crowdsurfing, and hanging from the rafters as psychedelic music was passed from band to band.

Acid garage and psychedelic pop group the Creation Factory kicked the show off just after 9 p.m. to a rather small crowd. Although their music was catchy and a few audience members danced through the set, most showgoers didn’t seem to connect with the band–likely since they’ve yet to release an EP or single on Spotify or iTunes.

Area indie surf rock band Dante Elephante took the stage shortly after at 10 p.m. just as the crowd started pouring in. The beloved S.B. rockers played a high energy and well-mixed set–a combination only found in the most memorable of live shows. Dante Elephante set the tone for the evening: impassioned, fast, and loud.

L.A. psych rock band Mr. Elevator and Brain Hotel began their set at 11 p.m. and nearly everyone on the floor was dancing; a few dedicated rockers even hoisted themselves up and crowdsurfed across the ecstatic audience. By the end of their set fans were bouncing on their toes, and hanging from the rafters.

Headliners Mystic Braves took the stage just many showgoers had retired to the seated lounge area of SOhO or headed back home. While their music was as groovy as always, their late-night set (which lasted until just past 1 a.m.) couldn’t quite compete with the continuation of the work and school week.