There are many Southern California sounds, and they range from trippy psychedelia to Topanga folk to funky rock and soul and beyond. Hot L.A. label Manimal Vinyl puts the emphasis on the latter — beyond — and infuses it with much of the former. Which is to say that like all forward-thinking labels, it's hard to draw a circle around what a label does, other than that it offers surprise after surprise. Tonight begins Manimal's risque residency at the Echo, and those looking to understand where L.A. music (and a few East Coast refugees) is headed in the next decade would be wise to clear their Monday schedule. Over the course of the month Manimal will showcase most of its roster, starting with this evening's rhythm heavy set from a flock of Manimals. Expect a little bit of pop-thump-lounge (Polyamourous Affair), some guitar-wash introspection (Brooklyn's Zaza), hot freakazoid dance music (the buzzing Tearist) and the recently signed synth/punk/noise troupe Laco$te.

Mon., Dec. 7, 2009

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