Jena ArdellWHO: Carolina Liar
WHERE: 5 Towers Concert Plaza at Universal Citywalk
WHEN: Saturday, July 16
Better Than … Saves The Day
Carolina Liar performed as part of Universal CityWalk's “Plugged In” summertime series which is held every weekend from 7-10 p.m. (at no cost to the public, just parking!).
The band performed songs from their upcoming second studio album, Wild Blessed Freedom, which is scheduled for release on September 27, 2011, as well as hits from their debit album Coming to Terms.
A sea of high schoolers swarmed the stage, making us feel a little old. There were a number of college-aged kids mixed in the crowd, many of whom yelled things like “Are you single?” and “I want to have your babies!” throughout the show. And we could see why–if Jude Law was younger, still attractive and played guitar, he'd look a bit a like guitarist Rickard Göransson. And, dare we say it, lead singer Chad Wolf could pass as a pretty version of the late Kurt Cobain. (OK fine, maybe it's just his current hair length and the striped, '90s-esque jacket he was wearing that night).
Shows like Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, 90210 and The Hills made Carolina Liar's music a success, but, from what we heard, they are not going to need to rely on television to make their next album heard.
Their latest single, “Drown,” walks a fine line between pop and rock with its catchy chorus and heavy drums and bass lines. Wolf's voice sounds as soothingly clear and sincere as ever. No wonder all the girls are after him.
The band saved mega-hits “Show Me What I'm Looking For” and “I'm Not Over” for the end of the show. Even stray passersby knew all of the lyrics to those songs!
Critical bias: Guilty pleasure band no more!
Random notebook dump: Summer may be halfway over, but there is still time to catch a few free shows at 5 Towers. Fridays predominately feature up-and-coming bands from L.A., from 98.7-FM's “Close to Home” music showcase and Sundays are Telemundo nights, featuring “telenovela” stars, as well as contests and giveaways.
Bassist/keyboardist Johan Carlsson of Carolina Liar.; Credit: Jena Ardell
What Jude Law would look like if he found a time machine and quit acting to pursue a career in music.; Credit: Jena Ardell
No lie: Carolina Liar is a great live band. Just ask these folks.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Rockin' out with Carolina Liar.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Drummer Peter Karlsson of Carolina Liar.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Citywalk is pretty at night.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Scored a setlist!; Credit: Jena Ardell
Setlist:
King of Broken Hearts
California Bound
Salvation
Better Alone
Best Friend's Girl
Coming to Terms
Simple Life
No More Secrets
Drown
Beautiful World
Last Night
Show Me What I'm Looking For
I'm Not Over
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