Live: John Garcia @ Islington Academy.

by | Dec 17, 2014

John Garcia (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

John Garcia; (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

The evening promised the best of the stoner rock, and even before John Garcia and band entered the local quartet, Steak, came into action with the best of their repertoire. The band, which became one of the leading bands of the Desert / Stoner Rock scene in UK, recently released their debut album Slab City, on Napalm Records, which also has the participation of John Garcia. Kippa, the Steak vocalist is no doubt inspired by Garcia, but he has a rasper voice and interacts more with the audience talking in between songs and even going through the crowd while singing.

Kippa, vocal from Steak (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

Kippa, vocal from Steak (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

Ex-Kyuss frontman, John Garcia showed up with a huge smile on his face while taking in the ecstatic reception and giving room for his tour band, Ehren Groban (guitar), Mike Pygmie (bass) and Greg Saenz (drums) The nights set list began with the instrumental Caterpillar March, before playing cover of Black Mastiff’s Rolling Stoned.

Mike Pygmie bass (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

Mike Pygmie bass (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

Choosing songs for the gig and pleasing everyone is an impossible task, and in spite of his being a solo tour, the audience will always expects Kyuss tunes at his shows. But this tour is all about the present and most of the chosen songs are from the self titled solo album, which has Robby Krieger, guitarist of the legendary band The Doors playing in one of its tracks. From the new album Flower, The Blvd, Argleben and 5000 miles were all given the live treatment.

John Garcia, vocal (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

John Garcia, vocal (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

One Inch Man, El Rodeo, Green Machine are the Kyuss songs that were included and a sweaty and fuzz rock night is ended with an extended version of Whitewater. The venue turn on the lights and John, clapping, thanks his audience.

Ehren Groban, guitar (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

Ehren Groban, guitar (Thanira Rates Photograpy)

Thanira Rates reviewed and took the great photos. 6th December 2014. London.

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