speed of dark

Opening for Beirut last Friday, May 30, at the Wiltern Theater was Los Angeles foursome the Devon Williams Band, supporting their debut album, Carefree, which was released at the end of April. Leader Devon Williams recently completed a year of touring as guitarist for Lavender Diamond before taking his own band to SXSW 2008.

The group includes longtime friend Allen Bleyle on drums, Laena Myers-Ionita on violin, and Jessica Espeleta on bass. I really like how the violin takes the lead guitar role in their songs. All photos below can be clicked for larger versions.


Left, drummer Allen Bleyle; Right, violinist Laena Myers-Ionita


Left, bassist Jessica Espeleta; Right, Williams and Bleyle

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I was not familiar with their songs and so could not write their setlist, but I took enough notes to know that they played these two songs from Carefree:
Elevator
Please Be Patient



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Speaking of the Wiltern, they have added a new gimmick since Indie Mom and I were last there. They have an electronic board above the stage before the bands come on posting photos and a number where you can send text messages that will be shown to the audience. Maybe that was supposed to help distract us from the fact that they played Romeo Void's "Never Say Never" THREE TIMES. Good song, but JEEZ, once would have been enough.