Harlem - Detroit Bar, Costa Mesa - 3/4/10

Photographer: Thirst’n Howl III
Venue: Detroit Bar
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Date: 3/4/10

Harlem come to Orange County. Ears rejoice as new sound prevails. Finally, a new tune or two.

Orange County is a place that has far too many connections and ties to music that lingers on the radio and often blares from multiple raised trucks. Sublime, No Doubt and other OC staples will usually make one cringe as they enter your brain constantly harassing you on repeat as though they were Casper the Friendly Ghost searching for a friend. And so it was indeed a treat to have something new and authentic visit from the musical kingdom of Austin, TX. Those in the know were at Detroit Bar to chase such repetitive and stagnant songs from their heads as Harlem ushered in the new catchy. Songs such as Caroline and Friendly Ghost (holy irony!) now are stuck inside my noggin and I couldn’t be happier.

The twangy guitars and the jangly pop of these boys is unmistakably their own. It reverberates through speakers and gives off a care-free and honest sense. Their songs are the kind you would have playing in your tree fort if you still had one. Well, maybe they would be the songs you have playing at the kegger party you throw at your treehouse. Shoeless and stress free and probably some free drugs.