Free Lions at Que Sera, 8/23/10

A whole lot can happen in two years, even while feeling like it happened in an instant.  Something that seemed like it might only be a lark can evolve into something formidable and real.  It's hard to believe it's been two years, almost to the day, since Free Lions played their first show at the Good Hurt in Los Angeles, and harder still to believe it's been over a year since I wrote about a fleshed-out version of the band impressing at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana.  What's not hard to believe, however, is that in the here and now Free Lions is a very good band, one that has grown into itself and then pushed outward for more.

Free Lions at the Yost Theater, 7/31/09

I have to admit, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to talk about this show. Two of my best friends are in this band, and I used to be a "contributor," so to speak. Ok, fine, I sang backup vocals at their first show last year, but I was there as the first set list was cultivated from lead singer Shayne Fee's solo eight-track recordings into full blown songs, so I'm obviously pretty close to the whole thing. In the end, I think "brutally honest" is the way to go, since that's how I am most of the time anyway. Luckily, I really like the band, beyond just the usual loyalty to friends' projects, so I have almost entirely positive things to say. Way to go, Free Lions! 

A Birthday Boy and His Band

I don't want this place to be any more personal than is entirely necessary, but I feel like some birthday wishes are in order for Mr. Shayne Fee, the man who went from the clean-cut (though shirtless) young man in the top picture to the hippie in the one below in the blink of an eye. He's one of my best friends though, so happy birthday, Shayne!

Also, for any music fans around here, Shayne's band Free Lions is playing the Yost Theatre in Santa Ana next Friday, July 31, in support of another band's record release. It is my opinion as a listener of music that you should fork over the $8 and attend.

Here's the flyer: