It’s only fitting that we get a live review just after we post our favorite shows of the year. Mike was in attendance Monday night here in Cincinnati and files this report.

Roughly one year ago I began following a small scene in Costa Mesa, California. The scene consisted of now “it” band The Japanese Motors, along with The Tyde, The Growlers, and on…and on. The collective sound from Southern California is a laid back surf rock, with heavy psychedelic undertones (i.e. The Growlers, The Tyde).

As with any scene there are those beautiful branch off bands that fit the scene’s mold, but have tweaked it just enough to separate themselves enough to be original, even within the scene.

Golden Animals, transplants from Brooklyn, crept into So Cal after the “scene” had started. Almost a year long stint of being buried in isolation within the unforgiving desert, a bluesy two-piece sound miraculously grew in the desolate land known as The Salton Sea. Pulling Jim Morrison lows (again i.e. The Growlers), and boogie stomp riffs that are completely unique to two-piece bands.

Golden animals pulled through Cincinnati Monday to play a less than full house at the Gypsy Hut. Even with the dismal turnout, Golden Animals played a power packed set that included extended renditions of most their songs from their debut album, Free Your Mind and Win a Pony.

Golden Animals are a great example of how a band can be so similar to so many others, yet distance themselves with subtle changes, and lots of style.

Download their WOXY.com session from earlier this week.

Golden Animals – Live On WOXY.com